Basketball’s Stephen Curry: How a skinny guy with no chance became an NBA legend

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Basketball continues to evolve, but only a few players have been able to change the very philosophy of the game. One of them was basketball player Stephen Curry, the man whose three-point shots revolutionised the NBA. The athlete’s new milestone is 25,000 points in official league games. This mark puts him on par with legendary athletes, including Kobe Bryant.

The early years of his career were accompanied by scepticism from experts. Lack of powerful physical data, low rating – all this put the athlete’s prospects in doubt. However, in a few seasons, it was basketball player Stephen Curry who became the main driver of changing the offensive strategy in professional basketball.

Let’s look at the factors that allowed Curry to score 25,000 points, become the most dangerous sharpshooter and write his name in the history of world sports.

Curry and his unique style of play

Modern basketball is impossible without long-range attacks. In the past, three-pointers were used at critical moments in the game, but it was Stephen Curry who showed that consistent long-range shooting is a key element of dominance on the floor.

A feature of his game is his phenomenal accuracy from long distances. Curry’s average three-point shooting radius exceeds 9 metres. No one in NBA history has shown such consistency. His ball release speed is 0.4 seconds, making defence against him almost impossible.

Key aspects of technique:

Body balance and instant transition into the throwing phase.
High percentage of shot realisation off the dribble.
Exceptional preparation and repetitive movements.

The results speak for themselves: the number of three-pointers made exceeds 3,000, more than most superstars in league history.

From invisible talent to NBA icon

A career in professional basketball began far from a triumph. In college, basketball player Stephen Curry played for Davidson, but did not attract the attention of top NBA teams. The main doubts of analysts concerned his physical parameters – his height of 188 cm and insufficient muscle mass did not allow him to be considered a promising prospect.

The 2009 draft changed the player’s fate. Golden State Warriors selected him at No. 7 despite criticism. The first seasons were accompanied by a series of injuries. It was these difficulties that became the catalyst for further growth.

First-year stats:

Made 166 three-pointers in his debut season, a record among rookies.
Averaged 17.5 points per game.
Progressed from the role of sniper to the main playmaker of the team.

After 2012, the dominance began. Basketball player Stephen Curry turned Golden State into a dynasty, and his game became a benchmark.

The records that made Curry a legend

Top 5 major accomplishments:

Curry scored 25,000 points and joined the elite club of top NBA scorers.
Absolute record for three-point shots – more than 3,200 hits.
The only unanimous MVP of the season in history (2015-2016).
Three-time NBA champion with Golden State Warriors.
The leader in average number of long-range shots per season – 402.

Each of these achievements are not just numbers in statistics. These stats have become the foundation of a new era of basketball that relies on speed, accuracy and intelligent play.

How Curry changed basketball

For decades, the NBA was dominated by physically powerful forwards and centres. The emphasis was on playing under the basket, and three-point shots were seen as an additional offensive tool. Basketball player Stephen Curry tipped the balance by making long-range shots not just important, but a key part of the offensive strategy.

The three-point revolution

Curry’s ability to attack from long range has changed the way teams play. His shots from beyond the arc became the foundation of a new tactic based on speed and stretching the opposing defence. NBA teams began to pay more attention to long-range shooting, and players quickly adapted to the new style of play.

The shooting technique of basketball player Stephen Curry is characterised by his phenomenal release speed of just 0.4 seconds. This lightning-fast reaction makes him an almost elusive target for defences. The average distance of his long-range attacks exceeds 9 metres and his accuracy percentage remains consistently high, even under constant pressure from opponents.

Conclusion

Changing the strategy of the game in the NBA is a credit to those who don’t just succeed, but change the very approach to the sport. Basketball player Stephen Curry is not just a legend, but a man who changed the very concept of offensive basketball.

Now every team emphasises long-range shooting. Young players are developing sharpshooting skills from a young age, and defensive strategy has been transformed. Curry hasn’t just been successful – he’s forced the entire basketball system to adapt.

The question remains: what other records is this phenomenal athlete ready to rewrite?

What are the salaries of NBA players: who, how much and for what?

NBA player salaries can be mind-boggling. These numbers are not just numbers on paper, but powerful symbols of success, strength, and talent, backed by years of training and enormous effort. When stars receive their millions, it is not just a salary – it is recognition of their contribution to the sport, their genius, and their dedication to the game.

Who is pulling the fat contract on themselves? A little bit of everything

At the top of the NBA financial Olympus are players whose names have long become brands. One of them is Stephen Curry. He earned $45.8 million during the season, and this figure only increases thanks to advertising contracts and bonuses (Under Armour and Infiniti). NBA player contracts are often linked not only to the game itself, but also to huge advertising deals.

No less significant figures in this world are LeBron James and Kevin Durant. LeBron James earned about $44 million from the team in 2023 and an additional $75 million from endorsement deals with Nike, Beats by Dre, and others. His contract with the Lakers includes various bonuses for successful performances, such as reaching the playoffs and winning games. Kevin Durant signed a four-year, $194 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, which also includes performance bonuses, making him one of the most expensive stars in the NBA.

Unbreakable NBA Player Salaries: How Much Basketball Players Make

Athletes earn millions, but behind every dollar there are years of hard work. The average salary for NBA players is about $7.7 million per year, but rookies get much less. To be among those who earn hundreds of millions, an athlete must not only be talented, but also ready to dedicate their entire life to the game.

The highest paid players, like Stephen Curry, often earn significantly more than their peers, thanks to endorsements and bonuses for personal achievements. In addition, their income is affected by bonuses for titles and team achievements. Some also receive additional amounts for participating in various events and tournaments.

The NBA Rookie Contract Cap and the Dream Minimum

Rookie contracts are much more modest. Rookie players like Jaylen Green or Cade Cunningham sign contracts that amount to about $ 10 million over four years. These amounts are significantly less than what stars receive, but they still open the doors to the world of big sports and money for young athletes. Salaries of rookie NBA players are regulated by the league’s collective bargaining agreement, and they must comply with the established caps.

Why do LeBron, Stephen and Kevin earn the most?

LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are the faces of the NBA. Their contracts are amazing not only because of the amounts, but also because of the additional privileges. LeBron, for example, has influence on the team and often participates in transfer negotiations. This makes him a unique figure in the NBA. Stephen Curry, in turn, has received the status of a style icon thanks to his three-point throw and unique technique, which increases his attractiveness to sponsors.

Kevin Durant is not only a great player, but also a skilled negotiator. His contracts include rights to participate in various business projects, which brings him additional income. All three use their skills not only on the court, but also off it, turning each victory into additional millions.

Average salary of NBA players: what do the statistics look like?

The average figure is about $ 7.7 million. But it is important to understand that this amount is an approximate value, which includes both rookies and veterans. Veterans like LeBron James and Kevin Durant earn huge sums, while up-and-comers start with much smaller incomes. These differences are due not only to experience and skill, but also to the popularity of the athletes, their ability to attract fans and sell tickets.

The average salary of NBA players also depends on their position on the court. Point guards and guards tend to earn more, as they are the center of attention and their actions determine the outcome of games. Big guys like centers also have high salaries, but their role is slightly different, and this affects their contract amounts.

The highest-paid NBA players: who is on top of the salaries?

Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Their contracts reach astronomical numbers, and this is no coincidence. For example, Steph Curry’s contract with the Golden State Warriors for $215 million over four years makes him one of the highest-paid athletes in the history of basketball.

LeBron James, in turn, continues to dominate the advertising market. His contracts with Nike and other brands bring him more than $75 million annually, which makes his income significantly higher than his base salary in the NBA. Kevin Durant also actively collaborates with companies such as Google and Nike, which increases his financial success.

Maximum salary of a player in the NBA: is there a limit?

The maximum amount is regulated by a collective agreement, and today it is about $50 million per year for the highest-paid athletes. This limitation is aimed at maintaining competitiveness between teams and preventing the creation of so-called “super teams”.

But athletes find ways to circumvent these restrictions. For example, through advertising contracts and investments in business. Stephen Curry and LeBron James actively invest in various start-ups, which brings them additional income and allows them not to depend only on their salaries in the club.

A contract as a way to leave a mark on the history of sports

A contract allows players to guarantee their future, gain financial stability and the opportunity to do what they love. For many NBA stars like LeBron James, long-term deals have been key to building their legacy. They not only help provide financial security, but also create the conditions for participation in various charitable and social projects.

More than just millions

Player salaries in the NBA are a measure of each athlete’s talent, hard work and unique abilities. This money allows stars to not only live in luxury, but also create a legacy that will remain in history. LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are icons whose names are associated with success and inspiration for millions of young athletes around the world.

March 21, 2025

The golden era of the NBA: basketball legends of the 80s and 90s

These decades were the true golden age of ring games, when the sport achieved the status of not just a competition, but a cultural phenomenon. The basketball legends of the era – Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson – not only changed the style of the sport, they also laid the foundation for the NBA to become a global entertainment industry. Their influence can still be felt today – on and off the court.

Showtime Magic: How Magic Johnson changed the game

Magic Johnson was the man who turned basketball from a mere sporting event into something more – a real show. With his arrival on the court, Showtime became the symbol of the NBA spectacle. He didn’t just pass the ball, it was as if he controlled the magic on the floor – the pass disappeared from his hands and was in the hands of a free player in the blink of an eye. No one has ever been able to create such dramatic moments on the court as the Magic. The year 1984 was the starting point for many spectacular contests as the Lakers, along with Johnson, got their revenge on the Celtics.

Basketball legends have always had a huge impact on the development of fights, and Magic Johnson was a true embodiment of the new philosophy. His unique passing game, ability to control every moment, and vision on the court made him one of the most important players in history.

It’s not just about jump shots: Larry Bird and his team genius

Larry Bird is the man who turned the sport into a science. His ability to see the development of an attack a few steps ahead was truly grandmaster-like. Byrd knew how to move on the court and was a master of punishing the opposing defence for any misstep. In the 1985/86 season, the Boston Celtics took the championship thanks in large part to his amazing play, when Larry not only scored points, but also inspired his teammates to take more confident actions.

Larry Bird’s Style Features:

Tactical vision of the game: Larry Bird always anticipated his opponent’s moves, which allowed him to choose the best moments to attack or pass.
Incredible shooting accuracy: Bird was known for his accurate three-point shots, which saved the team in critical moments. For example, in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, he made the crucial three-pointer that won the Celtics the victory.
Team Leader: He was not only a leader in points, but also in keeping the spirit alive. Bird knew how to motivate his teammates and keep them going in tough moments.
Results-driven: In the 1985-86 season, when the Celtics were crowned champions, Larry set a number of records, including the most assists and rebounds, which had a direct impact on the outcome of games.
Versatility on the court: Bird played multiple positions, showing the ability to adapt to any situation on the court. This made him an invaluable player and an example for future generations.

This man, one of basketball’s famous legends, was not only an effective sharpshooter, but also a tactical genius. He was able to adjust his style depending on the situation and opponent, which made him a true team leader. Larry Bird became a role model for young players, showing that success on the court depends not only on physical attributes, but also on intelligence and discipline.

How Michael Jordan turned basketball into pop culture

Michael Jordan was the one who pushed the boundaries of the trend, making it part of popular culture. On the court he was flying, making incredible dunks, and off the court he became the face of global brands. In 1992, when the US team, known as the Dream Team, won Olympic gold, Jordan became the symbol of victory. His collaboration with Nike created a cult following for the Air Jordan trainer, which became the epitome of fashion among young people. ‘Space Jam’ is not just a film, it is a whole era where ball playing and entertainment intertwined, creating a new format of sport and show.

Among all basketball legends, Michael Jordan stood out for his ability to turn a competition into a spectacle and inspire millions of people around the world. His indomitable thirst for victory, his desire to be first and to work hard no matter what made him more than just an athlete – he became a cultural icon that united generations.

The best basketball players of the ‘80s and NBA highlights of the ’90s

Team ball scrimmages in the ‘80s were full of greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who changed team meetings forever with his signature ’sky hook.’ This throw became his calling card and was almost impossible to block due to his height and execution technique. His incredible statistics of 38,387 career points still remain unrivalled.

Isaiah Thomas, on the other hand, brought the spirit of hard tackling and an aggressive style. His leadership qualities were the catalyst for the Detroit Pistons, especially in the late 80’s when the team was nicknamed the “Bad Boys” for its tough and sometimes even provocative style. Thomas repeatedly led his team to victories, and in 1989 and 1990 ‘Pistons’ became NBA champions, thanks to his unyielding and leadership qualities.

The 1990s became a real arena of dramatic moments: The 1998 Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz was not just a game, it was a story where every Jordan shot turned into a golden moment. His famous final shot from midcourt, known as ‘The Shot’, was the culmination of his entire career and is still considered one of the greatest moments in NBA history. That shot brought the Bulls their sixth championship, and Jordan ended the game with his arms raised in triumph, forever sealing him as the greatest player in history. That final was drenched in drama, where every second felt like an eternity and viewers around the world couldn’t take their eyes off the screens.

The basketball legends of those times shaped not only the style but also the principles of matchmaking, where every detail could determine the outcome. Each player, whether it was Abdul-Jabbar with his phenomenal technique or Isaiah Thomas with his leadership qualities, contributed to the epic matches that continue to inspire current generations.

Contributions of basketball legends to the modern NBA

These legendary personalities have made the NBA what it is today – dynamic, entertaining and global. The stars of today – LeBron James or Stephen Curry – take inspiration from those who played before them and copy their tenacity and dedication. Their contribution to the evolution of the trend cannot be overstated, and it is thanks to them that the NBA is now a true entertainment industry that unites millions of fans around the world.

Each generation of athletes leaves their mark, and the basketball legends of the 80s and 90s formed the foundation on which the success of the modern NBA is built.

March 17, 2025