Few would most likely deny the notion that Stephen Curry is among the best athletes to ever play the sport of basketball. The now-36-year-old Golden State Warrior is an absolute power on the court docket and notably lethal from the three-point line. Whereas he could now not be in his prime, he can nonetheless give a group some critical work, and one one who has witnessed these theatrics is Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajaković. After his group’s newest match with the GSW, Rajaković shared brutally trustworthy ideas on going through him.
The Raptors and the Warriors squared off on Monday, January 13, with the previous group popping out on prime with the win. Following his squad’s 104-101 victory over the California-based group, Darko Rajaković nonetheless identified the problems that “Chef Curry” could cause for a group on the court docket. Rajaković (through Sports activities Illustrated) obtained trustworthy about having to have a recreation plan for Curry earlier than praising him. Nonetheless, the coach additionally revealed how he’ll react when the athlete lastly decides to hold up his sneakers:
I am doing my finest. It’s a privilege for all of us to reside in and period and work on this period within the NBA when [Curry] is taking part in. I simply informed my teaching employees, ‘I have been taking part in in opposition to him for an extended, very long time. I am unable to look forward to him to retire. I will get drunk that evening, I promise you that.’ You recognize, I will have a good time.
Inform us how you actually really feel, coach. Critically, it’s not typically that you simply hear such an trustworthy reply from a coach. It could be honest to imagine that he’s partially joking when he speaks, however these sentiments are additionally a credit score to the best way by which the four-time NBA champion has made his mark on skilled basketball. And what additionally must be talked about is the truth that though the Warriors misplaced that recreation, Stephen Curry nonetheless completed with 26 factors in addition to seven rebounds and 7 assists. (Now, that’s placing in work.)
Stephen Curry’s physique of labor is famous at this level, and it’s wonderful to see all that he’s completed since being drafted in 2009 after taking part in school basketball at Davidson. Along with his championship titles and his Finals MVP honor from 2022, Curry can also be a 10-time NBA All-Star and a two-time MVP winner. He was additionally named to the league’s seventy fifth anniversary group in 2021. Due to his efforts and people of his teammates, Golden State solid a dynasty – one which Curry would argue rivals the run of the ‘90s Chicago Bulls.
There’s lengthy been dialogue in regards to the NBA GOATS and the way they may be remembered and in contrast to one another transferring ahead. Clearly, we’ll by no means understand how the star of the lauded Mr. Throwback sequence would’ve fared in opposition to the likes of Magic Johnson, Larry Chook, Clyde Drexler or Michael Jordan, who additionally has advanced emotions in regards to the GOATS of the game. Nonetheless, every has contributed lots to the sport, and the gamers I simply talked about – together with many others – have been feared of their time, rightfully so.
Having grown up watching Stephen Curry play basketball, it’s going to be considerably surreal for me when he lastly decides to retire, and that might come inside the subsequent few years. The identical is true for the likes of Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and LeBron James, the league’s all-time scoring chief. Curry has nothing left to show, however I’m desperate to see what else he does earlier than his taking part in time is over. Till then, Darko Rajaković should maintain off on popping these bottles.
You may get a greater sense of the Golden State Warrior’s journey and mindset by trying out the documentary Stephen Curry: Underrated. An energetic Apple TV+ subscription will enable you entry to the movie. Curry’s unique present, Mr. Throwback, can also be streamable with a Peacock subscription.