How NBA Players REALLY Feel About Steph Curry Steph Curry is one of the most iconic players in NBA history, with legendary three-point shooting and unmatched leadership. But how do NBA players feel about him? Do they admire him or feel pressured to play against such a legend?

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Stephen Curry is a name that resonates across generations of basketball fans. From a lightly recruited college player to one of the greatest NBA superstars of all time, Curry’s journey is a story of grit, vision, and transformation. More than just the greatest shooter in history, he revolutionized how the game is played and redefined what it means to be a point guard in modern basketball.

A Nightmare for NBA Defenders

When NBA players talk about Curry, they often use the word “nightmare.” One of the league’s best defenders, Jrue Holiday, once admitted that guarding Curry is “a hellish experience.” His constant off-ball movement keeps defenders on edge. Even when he doesn’t have the ball, Curry is a threat—always looking for open space, always ready to shoot.

Marcus Smart, 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, has also acknowledged how difficult it is to contain Curry. If the best defenders in the league struggle with him, it speaks volumes about his greatness—not just as a scorer but as a strategist who controls the tempo and spacing of the game.

A Revolutionary Playing Style

Curry isn’t your typical guard. He’s not physically imposing like Russell Westbrook or as tall as Magic Johnson. What sets him apart is his unmatched long-range shooting, court vision, and basketball IQ. He’s not just shooting from deep—he’s changing defensive schemes across the league.

Teammate Draymond Green once described him as an “alien,” referencing how otherworldly his talent seems. In one famous moment, Curry was fouled while taking a half-court shot—without even looking at the basket, the ball nearly went in. Moments like this define Curry’s uncanny ability to dazzle and dominate.

From Overlooked to Unstoppable

Born in 1988 in Akron, Ohio, Curry didn’t receive much attention in high school despite being the son of NBA veteran Dell Curry. He wasn’t heavily recruited and ended up at Davidson College, a small program. But that’s where he made his mark—leading Davidson to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2008 and captivating the basketball world.

Drafted 7th overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2009, Curry faced criticism due to his lean frame and concerns over durability. But he quickly silenced doubters, becoming a franchise cornerstone and revolutionizing the NBA with his deep shooting range.

Career Milestones and Records

2015: Leads Warriors to their first NBA title in 40 years and wins his first MVP award.
2016: Becomes the first unanimous MVP in NBA history and hits a record 402 three-pointers in a single season.
2017 & 2018: Wins two more championships with Golden State.
2022: Wins Finals MVP for the first time, solidifying his legacy.

Even through injury setbacks in 2019–2020, Curry’s resilience shone. His return proved he was far from done, continuing to post elite numbers and carrying the Warriors back to championship contention.

A Relentless Work Ethic

Behind Curry’s talent is a methodical and tireless training routine. Unlike players who train with maximum intensity from the get-go, Curry starts slow—focusing on precision, mastering every motion before increasing tempo.

Jrue Holiday, who has observed his training sessions, likens Curry’s mindset to the legendary “Mamba Mentality”—a relentless pursuit of perfection, inspired by Kobe Bryant. Every practice session is a step toward refining the smallest details.

While many think Curry’s success is natural talent, it’s actually the result of years of intentional, focused effort. His famous 50-point game at Madison Square Garden against Raymond Felton is often cited as the moment Curry “arrived,” determined to prove he wasn’t just good—he was going to change the game.

Impact on the NBA and Beyond

Curry didn’t just break records—he broke the mold. His approach has forced teams across the NBA to rethink their strategies, prioritize perimeter shooting, and develop versatile, quick-scoring offenses.

Holiday once said:

“Curry’s not just another player—he’s a unicorn. You can’t replicate what he does.”

Even if other players try to imitate his style, there’s only one Steph Curry. His ability to move without the ball, shoot from anywhere, and change the dynamic of the court makes him one of the most influential figures in basketball history.