Pivot Points: Stephen Curry Is A Rookie With A Veteran's Poise

I find it ironic that the play which promotes Golden State Warriors' rookie Stephen Curry on the scoreboard at Oracle Arena is a no-look, behind the back pass for an assist, rather than his signature jump shot.

That pretty jumper is what defined Curry's game to casual observers, but those more familiar knew his jumper was just the definitive piece of a game that was mature beyond its years.

Curry started rebounding at shootarounds for the Charlotte Hornets when he was five years old and by the time he was 13 he was shooting alongside members of the Toronto Raptors at practices.

His father, Dell Curry, said he was probably the best shooter in the Raptor's organization then and he should know, because his whole career was defined by his sweet jump shot.

Many people felt Stephen's game would be limited in the same manner as his father, so it was telling when former Indiana and Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight called Curry the best passer in the college game during his junior year at Davidson University.

Curry made the switch to point guard that year in order to become more familiar with the position he would likely play in the NBA. He struggled some but his ability as a playmaker was apparent.

But it was his poise and calm demeanor which was impressive and it is those qualities that will ensure Curry a long career in the NBA, just ask former teammate Stephen Jackson, who is now a member of the Charlotte Bobcats.

Jackson said that Curry's game was highly underrated and his reputation as only a shooter would be shattered once the rest of the league had a look at him.

Still, it was what Jackson said about Curry's presence that's revealing because he indicated Curry's unflappable manner was something he had never before seen in a rookie.

He even compared Curry to Tim Duncan saying he never gets frustrated, he's always focused, and he is not afraid to make mistakes. That's high praise for a kid who could still pass for 13 years old.

Curry credits his parents for making sure he was grounded as a person, and all the time spent in various basketball arenas chasing his dad helped prepare him for aspects of the NBA game.

Being around the NBA game gave Curry a unique perspective which has translated to Curry's attitude because nothing shocks him during the course of play and he is constantly finding things he can improve.

He is also one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, a trait which served him well during periods of tension between Curry and teammate Monta Ellis after remarks made by Ellis.

Curry won Ellis over through the merits of his play and the two are now one of the most exciting back courts in the entire league, and the only remarks made by Ellis now are of admiration for Curry's game.

It seems Curry's whole career has been filled with one test after another. First were the doubts about his ability to compete in division one basketball due to his small frame and perception as a shooter only.

He conquered that by becoming one of the most exciting players in college basketball during his three years, and leading his small private school to within a game of the Final Four.

He defied odds by becoming a lottery pick when there were still many questions about his game, and many felt he would be a marginal pro at best, confined by the limits of his talents.

Curry has proved himself through his play, but more impressive is the consistently calm manner in which he has approached each obstacle and the veteran's poise he has displayed while overcoming them.