NEW YORK — Former NBA player Dell Curry was on hand at the All-Star interview session on Friday to answer a number of questions about superstar Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, and the proud father had plenty to say about the growing game of his son.
Asked what his son got from him and what’s different between the two, Curry said “there’s a lot that’s different” with a big laugh. “I’d like to think he got the shooting touch from his dad, competitiveness, professionalism and work ethic. On the floor, he’s a totally different player than I was – passing ability, ball-handling, playing different positions and floor leader of the team – he’s asked to do a lot. He loves the opportunity, he loves the challenge, he loves to be counted on on a nightly basis and that’s what fuels his fire.”
Interestingly, Stephen Curry’s 3-point shot – the one part of his game he is most recognized for – has been in steady decline over the last couple of seasons. He shot 42.4 percent last year and 39.9 percent this year after shooting a ridiculous 45.5 percent in 2012 and 45.3 percent in 2013. The current color commentator of the Charlotte Hornets explained to Sheridan Hoops why the best part of his son’s game is no longer at an immortal level.
“Teams are preparing for him. They’re making it harder,” Curry said. “To shoot 45 percent from three? I mean, those are numbers that are unheard of. He’s [also] doing a lot more on the floor than shooting. He’s being guarded a lot harder now that teams know that they can’t allow him to shoot because it’s gonna go in more times than not, but I’m not worried about his percentage. When it comes down to it, if he needs to make a shot, he’ll do it.”
Asked whether his son, who is having an MVP-caliber season with averages of 23.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 2.2 steals this year, is nearing the ceiling in terms of reaching his full potential, Dell Curry had this to say to Sheridan Hoops:
“No. He’s only 26 years old. Every year he adds something to his game and gets better. He’s a constant worker, and he understands that every year, he’s got to add something to his game. He’s still young enough to do that. He’s not even close to [reaching his] full ceiling.”
Jim Park is a blogger and editor of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.