The Case for Stephen Curry To Make the USA National Team

While watching the 2010 USA Basketball Showcase, it is virtually impossible to not notice the incredible amount of talent on the court. Every single player can play and play quite well.

One player who stands out to me, however, is Golden State’s Stephen Curry.

The Davidson product simply must make the USA squad; it’s vital that he does.

In Curry’s first season, he took the league by storm and simply continued doing what he did best during his collegiate career. In his rookie year, Curry almost won the Rookie of the Year award while compiling an incredible statline of 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.

He only got better as the season progressed. His first career triple-double came on February 10, he almost completed a rare quadruple-double April 7, and his career high in points, 42, came in the last game of the season. In fact, in the last month of his season, Curry averaged 26.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 2.6 steals per game.

Clearly, he continued to improve over the summer.

Taking the first shot of the game, Curry coolly knocked down a three-pointer from the back right corner of the court to put his team up to start. This shot demonstrated so many things about his game that should put him on the national team.

One, Curry might actually have ice water in his veins.

This guard made all the big shots in college and literally carried his Wildcats deep into the Big Dance. It was no different in his rookie season, and this confidence appears to have carried over to this new stage.

As one of the most inexperienced players in this showcase game, one would expect that Curry would initially defer to his veteran teammates, but this was not to be. Instead, he showed them that he came to play.

Secondly, Curry can flat out shoot a basketball. He’s proved this throughout his career. The lightning quick flick of the wrist occurs and before the defender can turn around, the ball is swishing through the nylon. 

The American team needs a sharpshooter and Curry can be one for them, especially when you remember that the three point line in international competition is shorter.

Another reason Curry should make the team is his versatility. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski has publicly stated that he would like to have versatile players on his team who can play multiple positions, and Curry can fit that role.

The Warrior can play either point guard or shooting guard and light up the scoreboard with points and assists from either role.

Finally, Steph would bring more likability to the team. He’s a real class act and he’s very easy to root for.

Join me in starting the campaign for Curry.

You can see more of my work at www.sportshaze.com, where I serve as the Atlanta Hawks analyst.