In 2009, the Golden State Warriors drafted Stephen Curry with the seventh overall pick. In his rookie year with the team, Steph signed a $12,700,262 deal with the team. It was a great deal, that inevitably led to the Dubs getting their franchise player. And, just a few days after signing on the dotted line, he showed out at Summer League. Here, his ability as a natural scorer was highlighted. An ability that saw him become a two-time scoring champion.
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Prior to being drafted, the Baby-Faced Assassin wasn’t that highly rated. In fact, the pre-draft analysis made Curry seem like one of the worst prospects in the 2009 Draft Class. Described as a player who cannot defend, has a frail frame, and has a bad shot selection, the report was far from the truth. And now, 14 seasons down the line, Curry has proved all the haters wrong.
Stephen Curry was recognized for his ability as a natural scorer years before becoming a two-time scoring champion
Stephen Curry is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in the NBA. And, in 2009, he showed a glimpse of this greatness when he played for the Warriors in Summer League. Steph balled out in the games and averaged around 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game. A great start.
However, what was most impressive about his game was his natural scoring ability. In fact, during one of the games, a commentator took particular notice of his flare for scoring, when Curry pulled off a smooth move. Driving to the basket, the future four-time NBA Champion hit his defender with a hesitation move before going up for the reverse layup.
It was an impressive move and one that Curry has done on numerous occasions since. Moreover, his scoring ability is what led him to become a two-time scoring champion. Securing the title in both 2016 and 2021 respectively.
“Stephen Curry the other way for Golden State. A little hesitation move, creating space…Oh! Over-the-shoulder shot on McNeil! Well, that’s what they like! He is just a natural scorer!”
“He’s just a natural scorer.”
Stephen started Stephin’ during Las Vegas Summer League in 2009 🔥
This year’s action tips Friday on ESPN & NBA TV pic.twitter.com/Fzo6Pl06YC
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) July 3, 2023
He truly is one of the most gifted players in NBA history. And one, who, there can be no denying, will definitely go down as a legend in the sport of basketball.
Shaquille O’Neal once expressed concern over being ousted as a top 10 scorer by Steph and KD
Two months ago, Shaquille O’Neal spoke about the incredible skills of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and James Harden on his podcast, The Big Podcast. While on the show, he revealed one of his biggest concerns when it comes to these three players. He shared that he is worried that all three of them will surpass him in the next two years and move him out of the top-10 scoring list.
“I’m gonna be out of the top ten in about two years. Durant, Harden, and Curry probably passed me up.”
Curry, Harden, and Durant are exceptional scoring talents. So, as unfortunate as it is, it is very likely that O’Neal will have to give up his spot to Chef Curry and his fellow modern NBA superstars.
