Bernard King is impressed by Stephen Curry’s game beyond his otherworldly three-point shooting.
In today’s game — whether it’s the NBA or local basketball courts around the globe — the three-point shot has become the focal point of offensive strategy. And it’s impossible to discuss this revolution without mentioning Stephen Curry, whose influence has reached from the hardwoods of the NBA to the driveways of young hoopers everywhere.
Bernard King acknowledged the four-time NBA champion’s impact. Still, he highlighted the most underappreciated aspect of Curry’s game, which most people do not recognize.
The aspect of Steph’s game is not recognized by fans
In the modern NBA, most sharpshooters either wait in the corners or on the wings for catch-and-shoot opportunities or create space using stepbacks and pick-and-roll actions. While these methods have produced great shooters, “Chef Curry” operates on an entirely different level.
Despite the opposition guarding him closely, often with man-to-man coverage, he still finds ways to knock down shots. How? It’s with constant movement. He’s constantly running off screens, relocating, and knowing the right angle to shoot the perfect shots in highly contested scenarios.
Speaking on Cedric Maxwell’s podcast, Bernard emphasized that Curry’s success isn’t limited to his three-point shooting. What truly separates him as the greatest shooter is his basketball IQ and his understanding of space, motion, and timing.
“What he has done, with his three-point shooting, has changed the game of basketball,” King said. “All the young kids now, they want to be Steph Curry. What he has done is amazing, not only with the three-point shooting (but) his basketball IQ is off the charts.”
“That’s what most people do not realize. His understanding of movement and the process of spacing is just off the charts. He never stops moving without the ball, and he’s going to get the shot he wants and every time he wants. He’s truly special,” he added.