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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:

  1. Body balance and instant transition into the throwing phase.
  2. High percentage of shot realisation off the dribble.
  3. 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

Basketball's Stephen Curry: How a skinny guy with no chance became an NBA legendA 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:

  1. Made 166 three-pointers in his debut season, a record among rookies.
  2. Averaged 17.5 points per game.
  3. 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:

  1. Curry scored 25,000 points and joined the elite club of top NBA scorers.
  2. Absolute record for three-point shots – more than 3,200 hits.
  3. The only unanimous MVP of the season in history (2015-2016).
  4. Three-time NBA champion with Golden State Warriors.
  5. 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

How Curry changed basketballChanging 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?

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Basketball has long since transcended the boundaries of sport, becoming an industry where millions of dollars move faster than the ball on the court. Contracts with clubs, sponsorship deals, and advertising campaigns shape the multi-million dollar incomes of NBA stars. The highest-paid NBA players earn their money through basketball skills and the ability to turn a name into a brand. Forbes annually publishes rankings of athletes whose financial performance goes far beyond playing time.

The 2024/2025 season promises new salary records, deals with major corporations and, of course, high-profile transitions.  Basketball players who win on the court and earn at the level of top businessmen. Who topped the rating? Breaking down the season’s top financial stars.

Top 10 highest paid NBA players of 2024/2025

LeBron James – basketball player, businessman, icon

A name that has long been synonymous with a successful sports business. His contract with the Los Angeles Lakers remains one of the largest in league history. In addition to his basketball career, LeBron James owns a significant stake in several companies, including Fenway Sports Group. Advertising contracts with Nike, PepsiCo, AT&T and Blaze Pizza annually bring in sums exceeding the income from the game.

The main source of income is investments and media business. SpringHill’s own production company, active participation in the development of the content industry, launching educational initiatives. All of this turns the highest paid players in the NBA into world-class entrepreneurs.

Stephen Curry is a three-point mogul

The Golden State Warriors contract is one of the largest in franchise history. Revenue from the club makes up a significant portion of his financial portfolio, but the main funds come from advertising deals. A long-term partnership with Under Armour, an exclusive line of trainers and investments in startups make him the most financially successful athlete.

Advertising contracts with Subway, Rakuten and Chase keep his income high, even off the basketball court. It is important to note that the highest paid NBA players earn many times more, due to a competent approach to financial management.

Kevin Durant – basketball and business in one person

A key player for the Phoenix Suns with outstanding playmaking skills and keen business acumen. His contract revenue is supplemented by advertising agreements with Nike, Coinbase, Weedmaps and investments in technology companies.

Boardroom’s own company handles media projects and sports business analytics. As a result, high-salaried NBA players are not only utilising traditional ways of making money, but also entering new financial markets.

Yannis Adetokunbo – European dominance

The highest paid NBA players of the 2024/2025 season according to ForbesA contract with the Milwaukee Bucks makes millions, but the real money lies in the realm of marketing. Long-term agreements with Google, JBL, Nike and WhatsApp turn the NBA’s highest-paid players into global marketing icons.

Owning stakes in several sports companies, he expertly diversifies his holdings, ensuring stable financial growth.

Damian Lillard is a musician and athlete

Contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, million dollar advertising deals with Adidas and Gatorade. In addition to basketball, Lillard is actively pursuing a career in the music industry, recording albums and performing at major venues.

Joel Embiid – power, talent and marketing

One of the top centre-backs of our time. Major advertising deals with Puma and Mountain Dew keep his financial status high.

Jimmy Butler is a business empire off the court

Miami Heat legend who created his own coffee brand, BIGFACE Coffee, as well as contracts with Jordan Brand and TAG Heuer.

Devin Booker is a young star with big earnings

A contract with the Phoenix Suns, Nike adverts, and collaborations with gaming companies including Fortnite form multi-million dollar earnings.

Luka Doncic is a European talent with American capital

Deals with Jordan Brand and advertising contracts with the world’s leading companies ensure steady financial growth.

Bradley Beal is a player and investor

A contract with the Phoenix Suns combined with investments in the media business form an impressive capital.

How NBA players’ salaries are formed

The main sources of income include:

  • contracts with clubs, depending on the level of play and experience of the athlete;
  • advertising agreements with global brands;
  • investments and business projects that ensure financial stability.

Basketball records: who earned the most money in history

Among the most successful basketball players in terms of earnings, Michael Jordan stands out brightly. The contract with Nike, which began in 1984, brought the basketball legend more than 2.6 billion dollars. The Air Jordan line remains the most profitable sports series in history.

LeBron James continues to increase his revenues, having already crossed the $1.2 billion mark. In addition to advertising and investments, a significant part of his fortune is generated by the SpringHill film company.

Kevin Durant is also confidently moving towards billion-dollar revenues, thanks to investments in media and startups. Forbes estimates his net worth at more than $900 million, making him the most successful athlete in the world.

Basketball 2025: what to expect from new contracts

The NBA economy continues to grow, and with it the contract amounts. More stellar deals are expected in the coming seasons that could surpass previous records. Key trends:

  1. Rising salaries of young stars. New talents are receiving lucrative offers from clubs as competition for promising players increases.
  2. Record promotional contracts. Market leaders such as Nike, Adidas and Puma continue to sign multi-million dollar contracts with top players.
  3. Increased investment among basketball players. Players are investing in startups, real estate and cryptocurrency, providing themselves with financial stability after their careers are over.

Highly paid NBA players continue to set new financial records. Trends show that the basketball industry is becoming not only the most entertaining but also the most lucrative in the world of sports.

Conclusion

How NBA player salaries are formedBasketball is a powerful sports industry with millions of dollars circulating both on and off the court. The highest paid players in the NBA earn their money through skill and sound financial management. Contracts, advertising, investments – the key components of success of modern basketball players.

Financial peaks continue to rise, and the 2024/2025 season promises new records in the world of basketball. It will be known very soon who will become the next NBA billionaire.

The world of footwear is fluid, but iconic trainer models remain timeless. Their design, innovation and cultural influence have made them style icons. They haven’t just survived decades, they’ve shaped entire generations.

Some models have become popular on sports fields, others in street fashion. All of them have stood the test of time. Manufacturers change them to meet modern requirements and add new technologies. The main thing remains unchanged: recognisable design, comfort and rich history. Why have these particular trainer models achieved iconic status? The answer is simple: a combination of extraordinary design, innovative solutions and influence on world culture.

Over the years, the demand for legends in the world of sports footwear has only grown. They are not just a part of the wardrobe – they are an investment in style and history. Let’s find out which models remain at the top and why they remain popular even after decades.

The evolution of iconic trainer models: technology and style are changing the market

Since the advent of athletic footwear, there has been a constant improvement in technology. At the beginning of the 20th century, running shoes were a purely utilitarian tool for athletes. With the development of marketing and the fashion industry, they have outgrown the boundaries of sport. Cult trainer models have become a status indicator, a stylistic marker and even a collector’s item.

Advances in technology have led to cushioning systems, lightweight materials and ergonomic designs. The first running shoes had rubber soles. They provided grip on the surface, but were not very comfortable. Later, brands began to innovate: the Nike Air Max 1 was the first model with a visible air cushion in the sole. This gave a new level of comfort. New Balance 990, introduced in 1982, became a symbol of comfort and stability. Thanks to the use of advanced cushioning technology.

Today, the iconic trainer models continue to evolve. They retain the original silhouette, but have adapted to modern demands for comfort and functionality.

How basketball changed the world of trainers

Basketball was one of the key disciplines that influenced the development of the industry. At the beginning of the 20th century, athletes played in simple shoes with flat rubber soles. The need for foot support and protection from injury led to the first special models.

The first popular basketball trainers were the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star. In the 1920s, Chuck Taylor, a professional basketball player, refined the design by adding ankle support and an improved sole. This shoe quickly became the standard in the NBA and was worn by players for decades. Later, an updated version appeared – the Converse Chuck 70, which used more modern materials.

The real revolution was made by the release of Nike Air Jordan 1 in 1985. Thanks to this model, sports shoes were no longer solely functional: the Air Jordan 1 became not only the ideal trainer for basketball, but also an iconic element of street fashion, giving birth to a whole sneaker culture (snicker culture).

Nowadays, basketball trainers continue to influence fashion. They remain an integral part of the wardrobe of athletes and ordinary people. They are a symbol of freedom, style and sporting spirit.

Legendary models that turned the market upside down

Cult trainer models: legends that still live on todayMany trainer models have become true symbols of their era. Their popularity is due to their history and unique characteristics that have made them favourites among collectors and regular buyers.

How iconic models became a fashion standard

Retro shoes are at the peak of popularity again, and many brands are reissuing their best models. Adidas Superstar, originally designed for basketball, have become part of hip-hop culture. Vans Old Skool have established themselves as a must-have street style attribute.

Reebok Classic Leather is another example of a model that has moved from the sports segment to everyday fashion. Their minimalistic design and comfort have made them a favourite among classic lovers.

Another important player on the market is Puma Suede. These trainers became a symbol of street culture and were popular among breakdancers and skaters. And the Converse Chuck 70 proved that vintage style can be modern.

Why are retro trainers still on trend? The secret of their success lies in their simplicity of design, comfort and historical significance.

A modern take on iconic trainer models

Modern brands maintain interest in classic models through reissues, collaborations and limited releases. Many collectors view iconic trainer models as an investment. Rare pieces can increase in value significantly.

Why collecting trainers has become an investment

Trainers have become a full-fledged financial asset. Many rare models become more expensive after release, and the demand for them does not weaken for years. The Yeezy Boost 350 is a classic example: their initial price was around $200. On the secondary market, the value of some editions reached $1,000.

Nike Air Jordan 1, especially the original 1985 models, remain no less valuable. They sell for tens of thousands of dollars at auctions. Nike Air Max 1s are also among the iconic pairs. Their limited edition versions are in high demand.

Collectors keep track of rare releases, realising that the limited edition and significance of the model make it a long-term investment. New Balance 990 trainers are renowned for their high quality and comfort. They remain in demand year after year and their value is constantly increasing. Puma Suede and their collaborative versions have become valuable pieces over time. Due to their unique design and rarity, they have taken a special place in collections.

The list of trainers that have increased in value includes rare and limited edition models. Pairs with historical heritage are considered valuable. For example, trainers associated with legendary athletes or iconic moments in sports history. They gradually turn into investment objects. Over time, their value invariably increases.

Conclusion

A modern take on iconic trainer modelsThe iconic trainer models are symbols of entire eras. They have survived the decades and remain in demand among style and comfort enthusiasts. From basketball courts to catwalks to street fashion, their influence on the industry cannot be overstated.

Why does their popularity never fade? It’s simple: time-tested technology, exclusive design and cultural value. Brands continue to release reissues of classic models, and the demand for iconic trainers is only growing.

In the future, the interest in iconic models will only increase, because history and style are something that cannot be faked.