Stephen Curry’s Prime: How Good Can He Be?
After earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award and winning a championship, it seems like the only place you could go is down, right?
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But Stephen Curry is only 27 years old, coming off both his first championship and his first year as a bona fide superstar. The 2014-15 campaign was a dream–both for the team and for his individual success. So the question now is “can he improve on his best season ever?”
When a player’s “prime” takes place is debated and varies from player to player. Players peak at different ages and stags of their career. For example, Hakeem Olajuwon didn’t really peak until his 10th season. Tracy McGrady‘s prime took place in his mid-20s. There are many factors that play into when the apex of a player’s abilities takes place especially health.
After struggling with injuries early in his career, the last three years have seen Curry improve in every way. Since being handed the keys to Golden State, Curry has answered every question about his game. When his ability to play point guard was questioned, he increased his assist output averaging 6.9, 8.1, and 7.7 dimes per game over the last three seasons. After being labeled a defensive liability, Curry has turned himself into a solid piece in the Warriors’ elite defense. And of course, he’s added dozens of tricks to his offensive game as well.
Steph Curry is entering the prime of his career.
June 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard
Stephen Curry(30) celebrates during the second quarter in game one of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-100 in overtime for a 1-0 series lead. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Curry averaged career highs in almost every category per 36 minutes during his MVP campaign. One of the biggest indicators that a great player has entered his prime is an increase in efficiency. We’ve seen it with LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Curry shot 44% from deep and 48% from the field. Curry was also fourth in the league, according to Basketball Reference, in true shooting percentage hitting at a mark of 63.8%.
Going into his 7th season, Curry is just entering his prime. Winning another MVP is going to be extremely difficult, but that doesn’t mean Curry can’t get better. Offensively, he has it all. He has the best handle and jumpshot in the league and is one of the craftiest passers. But knowing Curry, he’ll add more floaters and dribble moves to his game. Defensively, Curry can still get better–sliding his feet and moving laterally.
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Curry has an extremely high basketball IQ. He knows when to take over a game and when to let his teammates thrive. But with more experience, that aspect of his game can only get better. Being able to read defenses will reduce his careless turnovers and increase his offensive impact. The greats can think ahead and figure out what the opposition is going to do and adjust accordingly.
Curry may not win another MVP again, but comparing his 2014-15 season to Steve Nash‘s first MVP year is promising. Per 36 minutes, Curry’s numbers are better across the board. In terms of skill set, it makes sense to compare Curry and Nash. They are two different players, though, as Curry looks to score the ball more and, according to advanced metrics, is used more than Nash was. With a ring on his finger, Curry already has surpassed one of the best point guards of his generation and with consistent play can forge out a career similar or better to Nash’s.
Stephen Curry is just getting started. He’s only going to get better. The way he plays the game and the way he’s improved shows just that. He might not make any huge jumps, but he’ll smooth out any rough edges. He’ll make sure that the Warriors stay a contender in the loaded Western Conference. Curry will be an extremely effective player well into his late 30s as he eventually transitions into a spot-up shooter. But right now, Curry is nearing the best he’s going to be. Looking at a player like Tim Duncan, it’s not about dominating the league for a year or two–it’s about consistency and dominating for a long time. That’s what Curry will look to produce: consistent great play.
We witnessed the first year of Stephen Curry’s prime and he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.