Wardell Stephen Curry II, better known as Steph Curry, is one of the most successful basketball players of all time. From a young age, his talent was evident however, no matter how advanced his skillset became, no one could have imagined how far his talent would take him, eventually becoming one of the most decorated players in the history of the NBA.
Last season was a relatively disappointing one for both the Baby-Faced Assassin and his beloved Golden State Warriors. Despite the Chase Center side entering the campaign as the reigning champions following their stunning 4-2 victory over the Boston Celtics in the previous year’s NBA Finals, they could only labor to a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference throughout the regular season.
They would manage to knock off the third-seeded Sacramento Kings in the opening round however, before the famous rivalry with LeBron James was renewed in the conference semifinals, with King James eventually coming out on top. With their main man now at the ripe old age of 35, those that have been using basketball odds to their advantage will have noticed that the Warriors are priced at +1100 for the Larry O’Brien trophy next season, only good enough for sixth in the overall betting standings. With Curry’s career now winding down, we decided that would not be the perfect time for a retrospective on the life and times of Steph Curry. The Golden Boy.
Early Life
Steph Curry grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he attended Charlotte Christian School. During his junior year, he announced himself to the sports lovers in the area as he averaged 22.3 points per game while playing on the school’s basketball team. During his senior year, he was selected for the all-state squad, and the same year, he was selected for the McDonald’s All-American squad, securing himself a spot at Davidson College and on their Wildcats team.
He was twice voted the Southern Conference Player of the Year while he was a student there and it was just to his brilliance that the Wildcats secured an NCAA tournament berth in the Elite Eight. In his final year, he would amp it up a notch, securing his spot as the NCAA scoring leader with the same average as the one he clocked up a year prior.
NBA Career
Back in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors drafted Curry as the seventh overall pick and he rapidly ascended through the league’s rankings, establishing himself almost immediately as a top star and force to be reckoned with. With an average of 17.5 PPG and a berth on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, the Baby-Faced Assassin had an immediate impact during his maiden campaign in San Francisco. It wasn’t until his third campaign that he became recognized as one of the superstars of the game, however, as he led the Warriors to the playoffs for the first time in his short career.
He kept up his stellar output into the 2014–15 campaign, which saw him guide the Warriors to their first championship in four decades. He would also unanimously secure the MVP award that year for the first time in his career off the back of a whopping 286 three-pointers, a figure that would help him on his way to becoming the all-time three point record holder. The following year, the Golden Boy and the Warriors broke the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls’ regular season record for most victories as they notched up 73 throughout the course of the campaign.
In the years since, further accolades have followed. Curry became the first player in NBA history unanimously win back-to-back MVP awards and he helped the Warriors to dynasty-like status after securing four Larry O’Brien trophies in seven years between 2014 and 2022, becoming a nine-time NBA All-Star in the process. It remains to be seen whether one last hurrah awaits in the twilight years of his career.
Off the Court
Steph Curry isn’t just a basketball player when he’s off the court. He’s a devoted Christian who cherishes his family. Curry got married to Ayesha Alexander in 2011, and they have three lovely children. The two are well-known for their charitable efforts, launching the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation in 2013 to support children in need.
Curry is renowned for his involvement in the technology sector. He is an enthusiastic investor who has partnered with several IT firms. He has collaborations with companies like Slyce, which lets customers scan photos to make purchases, and CoachUp, a website that links athletes with instructors.
Legacy
Steph Curry’s legacy is one of greatness. In the world of sports, he has shattered records, claimed championships, and risen as a cultural legend. Basketball players worldwide draw inspiration from his remarkable talent and skill, and his influence on the sport is undeniable.
Curry’s incredible precision and accuracy when shooting the three-pointer has completely transformed the dynamics of the game. A whole new generation of athletes is now striving to emulate his unique style of play in response to his phenomenal success.
Despite his many achievements, he remains humble and grounded. He is often seen giving credit to his teammates and coaches, and he prioritizes his family and charitable work over personal accolades.