Emerging from Davidson College, Stephen Curry was hailed as one of the most electrifying scorers to enter the NBA Draft. Despite his modest six-foot-two stature, Curry possessed a jump shot that would come to define a generation. His ability to move off the ball, shoot from virtually any distance, and set up his teammates was unparalleled. While many teams overlooked him due to his size, the Golden State Warriors and Jerry West recognized his potential. They selected him at number seven—a decision that would forever alter the game.
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Although Curry did not win Rookie of the Year, he made an immediate impact during his first season with the Warriors. He averaged 17.5 points per game and shooting nearly 44% from three-point range on 4.8 attempts. These statistics hinted at the rise of a superstar in the Bay Area. By the age of 24, the Davidson sharpshooter had secured a spot in the All-Star rotation and made a strong case for the league’s Most Improved Player award.
The following season, Golden State’s home-grown core of Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green dominated a tough Western Conference. They faced LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in the NBA Finals, capturing the championship in six games. Curry delivered a legendary performance in his first Finals appearance, averaging 28.3 points per game on a 60.7 true shooting percentage. By this point, he was widely regarded as one of the best players in the world.
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Curry’s impact extends beyond the court, influencing the global basketball community in profound ways. His distinctive style of play has inspired countless young players to emulate his skills. Fans have adopted his diet, pre-game rituals, off-ball movements, and jump shot techniques. All in an effort to replicate his on-court success. As a world champion, Curry has become a role model, and his influence has propelled him to the forefront of the NBA. His signature shoe with Under Armour, released in 2015, became a coveted item for fans of all ages.
Over the next nine seasons, Curry earned eight All-Star selections, eight All-NBA Team honors, and three championships. He won two MVP awards and one Finals MVP. He holds several records, including the most three-pointers made in a season and numerous franchise milestones in points, assists, steals, and games played. No player in history has impacted the game quite like Curry, solidifying his place in elite company. Given his remarkable statistics and accolades, it would be a mistake to overlook the seventh-overall pick in any discussion of the greatest players of all time.
