LeBron James Put the League on Notice About Stephen Curry Before His Rookie Year Comparing Him to Pistons Legend: “Those Types of Players, They’re Hard to Guard”
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Stephen Curry has long enchanted the NBA world with his on-court wizardry. A sniper in the disguise of a 6-foot-3 human, the Golden State Warriors guard is an offensive juggernaut on the hardwood. While few could have anticipated Curry’s phenomenal growth since his rookie year, LeBron James saw it coming.
James and Curry’s rivalry has soared to become one of the finest in NBA history. The two have graced the NBA with some of the greatest matchups after four straight years of battling it out against each other on the grandest stage, the NBA Finals.
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The two, though, have known each other since Curry’s days at Davidson College. James had front-row seats for Davidson’s March Madness Sweet Sixteen game against Wisconsin to watch the tantalizing young prospect in action.
Wasn’t some kid to me! I knew he was SPECIAL that’s why I went to see it up close and personal! https://t.co/x5NPFuC5KN
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 18, 2019
And when LeBron James witnessed a young Curry ball out, he knew the skinny guard in the oversized Davidson jersey was destined for greatness.
LeBron James compared a young Stephen Curry’s game to Rip Hamilton
Following making a reputation for himself in college, Stephen Curry was the 7th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James recognized Curry’s potential and anticipated that Curry will be special, comparing his game to that of Detroit Pistons legend Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton.
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“Steph is a guy who can create for himself and also for others with his passing ability,” James said. “He’s like a Rip Hamilton in our league. He never stops moving. Those types of players, they’re hard to guard. No matter how big you are, guys in the NBA don’t want to continue to chase guys like that.”
Rip Hamilton was once regarded as one of the league’s top off-ball players. His work rate was relentless, and he continued to move on offense until he found an open shot. It was like he never seemed to get fatigued.
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And the case is similar now with Stephen Curry. As deadly as the human sniper is when he has the ball, he is as dangerous when he gives it up. The Warriors’ employment of off-ball screens is well ingrained in their system. And everything revolves around Curry.
They set numerous off-ball screens to provide him with a multitude of open shots so that he can expose his opponents to his fatal marksmanship.
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Curry has mastered the ability to create his own shots. However, his persistent off-ball movement has also played a significant factor in him sitting atop the 3-point leaders’ pile.
What did you think of LeBron James’ comments on a young Stephen Curry? Let us know in the comments below.
Edited by:
Veer Badani