With the NBA Finals starting this Thursday, June 2, I figured it'd only be right to pay tribute to my favorite player in the NBA, who also happens to be a participant in this championship series. I'm sure you all know who I'm referring to. Who else but Wardell Stephen Curry II?
In my eyes, there isn't any question that Steph has completely taken the world by storm and has become the new face of the NBA. Don't believe me? Check out SportsCenter after the conclusion of any Golden State Warriors game. Highlights of Curry, Curry and well, Curry. Or go to a local AAU tournament. And then tell me, whose game are all of the young kids trying to emulate? Not Tim Duncan, not LeBron James, not Russell Westbrook, etc. Rather, they're doing everything they can to try to be like the skinny kid from Charlotte that was given a chance from just one Division 1 school. The kid who was told he was too small, too un-athletic to play with the big boys. The kid who "didn't have the upside of Ricky Rubio" (Rubio has had a sub-par NBA career). Steph, at this point in time, has made all of his haters eat their words. A year ago, he led Golden State to their first championship in 40 years. He walked away with an MVP trophy, too. This past season, he firmly established himself as one of the top players in the league, if not the top player, and helped lead the Warriors to the best regular-season record in NBA history! He connected on 402 three-point attempts, by far the highest total the league has ever seen––an astounding 116 more than the previous record (also set by him)! For all of his wondrous accomplishments this past season, Curry was named MVP for the second straight season, but this time, unanimously (first unanimous MVP in NBA history). I think I speak for the rest of America when I say that Steph's highlights never fail to put a smile on my face. Standing just 6'3 with a slender 190-pound frame, Curry is, for all intents and purposes, a regular-sized individual. And I think that's a big reason why we've all taken a liking to him. I, myself, am an undersized basketball player, and so it's very gratifying to see him be so successful against opponents that tower over him and are just so much bigger. Look at the Warriors last game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Curry managed to shake Steven Adams (7'0, 250 lbs) out of his boots multiple times, only to hit jump-shots right in his face after. He also drew a few matches with former MVP Kevin Durant, a matchup nightmare for any guard, as he stands 6'10 with a 7'4 wingspan. But, as we've all come to know, "Steph Gonna Steph," no matter who is guarding him. And, just like so many times before, Curry proceeded to attack KD with a series of dribble moves before stepping back and drilling a three-pointer over his outstretched arm. He simply is unstoppable. And he keeps on getting better and better. The sky is the limit.
The things Stephen Curry does with a basketball are magical. The NBA has never seen anything like him. Range all the way out to 28 feet, an insanely quick release and a silky-smooth motion have all paved the way for Steph to be touted as the "Best shooter of all time" in just his seventh season in the league. With time, Curry will continue to receive more and more accolades. It looks as if he is just now scratching the surface of his potential, and there literally is no ceiling for how talented of a player he can become. MVP trophies, championship ring(s), three-pointers and dazzling dribble moves are all great, but they're not the reason why I (and I'm sure plenty of other individuals) have fallen in love with Stephen Curry. Curry has faced great adversity his entire life, but he's shown that hard work and perseverance can help you do the impossible and live your dreams. As he put it, "It doesn't matter where you come from, what you have or don't have...All you need to have is faith in God, and undying passion for what you do, what you choose to do in this life, and a relentless drive and the will to do whatever it takes to be successful at whatever you put your mind to." God bless you, Stephen Curry. For everything you've taught me and the rest of America throughout this crazy journey through college and the NBA. We're only getting started! Best of luck in the Finals. "I can do all things..."
