Steph Curry Changed The Game Of Basketball, Forever

The Modern Day Game                                                      

    There have been many iconic players to come through the NBA in its nearly 75 years of official existence, but not many have changed the art of the game quite the same way as Stephen Curry. Sure, Michael Jordan put the NBA on the map, and is probably responsible for the large amounts of success the NBA has seen since the 80's and 90's. However, Jordan did not bring a new play style to the game of basketball. Dwight Howard, during his time with the Magic, created a place for big men to be the focus of a team, but that didn't last too long. 

    The man who is responsible for the play style of modern day basketball goes by the name of baby faced assassin. Since entering the league in 2009, Curry has always had the confidence to unload an off-balanced 30+ foot three point jump shot. Through his first couple of years in the league, this attribute is what made Curry an eye-opening prospect. Sure, there were many stationary three point shooters in the league with a phenomenal reputation at the time, but none quite like Curry. If we look at today's game, teams have shifted their entire game plan based off of the utilization of the three point line. For example, the Houston Rockets are now shooting an average of almost 45 three pointers a game. After doing the math, thats over 10 attempted per quarter, and just under one attempted per minute. Think about that. Prior to Curry's prominence in the league, shooting 40+ three pointers a game was something to talk about. 

    After proving that his play style has created massive amounts of success for both Curry as a player and teammate, Klay Thompson, his style has become the new NBA norm. Many guards, Damian Lillard for example, have shifted their focus to perfecting the 30+ foot three point shot. 

    There was a point in time, in recent history, where if you asked somebody if a guard would make over 300 three pointers in a season and they would look at you like you were crazy. However, Steph Curry actually made 402 three pointers in the 2015-2016 season. Remarkable. Not only has he changed the game with his three point shooting, but he has also played a large role in bringing back the utilization of isolation play in a guard vs big situation. A few years ago there was a lot less of guards taking bigs off the dribble, but by being a three point threat as well, Curry has demonstrated the potential of being a dual threat guard. This new multidimensional guard play debuted by Curry, is considered normal in todays league. 

    Finally, the off-court impact. Steph Curry is one of the best things that has ever happened to the NBA in terms of publicity. If you stumble across any pickup game or into any gym, it's nearly guaranteed that you see a kid, teenager, or even an adult mocking their game after Curry. His play style is so entertaining that it attracts a whole new audience to the sport that would not be watching any ordinary game. 

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