Is Stephen Curry Set To Join the Ranks of Elite NBA Point Guards?
When Team USA basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski was asked what impressed him most about finalist Stephen Curry's game, his response may have come as a surprise.
Coach K said that Curry's on-ball defense was much more advanced than he first thought. Although surprising, this statement is one that fans of the Golden State Warriors are surely happy to hear.
Most people would have thought Coach K's first assessment would at least mention Curry's amazing shooting stroke, and although that is the main reason he is still in contention for a spot on the National team, his defensive improvement is welcome news.
Curry is one of four point guards, along with Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook, who still harbor hopes of wearing the National team's colors. But, his shooting ability may give him a slight edge when making final decisions.
Curry and Kevin Durant are probably the most accomplished long distance shooters remaining on the roster, and with the premium placed on outside shooting in International play, it's a good chance that Curry could make the team.
Rondo and Rose are considered to be among the top point guards in the NBA, and Tyreke Evans, who beat Curry out for last season's NBA Rookie of the Year award, has already been cut. This bodes well for Curry.
Coach K's opinion may be a little biased since he will have the opportunity to coach Curry's younger brother Seth at Duke University this season, and both players have similar shooting strokes.
But, Coach K went on to say Stephen was one of the most intelligent point guards he had ever seen, and that his natural basketball instincts could place him among the NBA's top point guards next season.
That's strong praise coming from a person who had the benefit of coaching college talent like Jason Williams. Curry's continued development is a boon for the Warriors, who are having postseason thoughts for next year.
Golden State is in the midst of a complete team overhaul from the owner down to coach Don Nelson, and with a re-vamped roster, expectations are high for the Warriors.
It all begins and ends with Curry at the helm, and his on-ball defense was seen as an area that needed a little improvement in an otherwise sparkling rookie campaign.
Some people have concerns about Curry's size. Although he does have a thin build, Curry's 6'3 frame is on par with most of the NBA's elite point guards.
Curry will need to get stronger in order to contend physically with guards such as Deron Williams and Chauncey Billups, but his strength is not as detrimental as it may seem.
Good man to man defense is as much about predicting where the opposition will go and beating them to the spot, as it is about having the physical strength to keep them out of the lane.
The best defensive players also have strong basketball instincts, and as previously mentioned, Curry' basketball instincts are impressive.
Curry's vision in the open court is already above average, and he is a much better ball-handler than he receives credit for, so is it plausible to think Curry could join the ranks of elite NBA point guards next season?
Curry also has the benefit of his magnificent jump shot, which is already arguably the best in the NBA, and a great equalizer when comparing Curry to the league's other top point guards.
It's far from decided whether Curry can live up to the label of an elite point guard, but if coach K's words are any indication, then he's well on his way to doing just that.
