Rewriting Stephen Curry’s Scouting Report Since Entering the NBA
By Jake Hyman
Stephen Curry has his Golden State Warriors playing in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1975. “His” referring to the absolute potency he displayed while formulating scoring opportunities for the highest scoring team in the regular season. “His” referring to the sheer dominance rarely witnessed from the point guard position against the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Finals. The MVP is on one of the most heralded rides throughout a season in NBA history.
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Curry flashed moments of superstardom previously to the season, but his ascension to the class of elite defied what fans associated with the sharpshooter. He wasn’t supposed to captivate the entire city of Oakland; Golden State only had a fighting chance to take home the West crown. Curry also was an afterthought in the preseason MVP discussion. While favorites like Derrick Rose and Chris Paul are eating Doritos on their couch in June watching the Finals, Curry will be the main attraction of the series.
Curry has been laughing in the face of the odds since his initiation into the Association back in 2009. His first taste of the heavy spotlight came in the infamous Davidson Elite Eight run back in 2008. He couldn’t shed the mid-major label entering the draft and faced many presumptions tied to his game.
Fast forward six years later and Curry emits a completely heightened approach, feel and superstar aura few knew he possessed at 22 years old. While some traits evaluators labeled him with remain true, the Warriors star has developed into the premier point guard this league has to offer.
Gathering scouting reports from both DraftExpress and nbadraft.net, let’s break down what remains true and what Curry has shed from his game.
Strengths:
Per nbadraft.net:
"“Puts a lot of pressure on defense with his scoring ability and quickness… Looks fearless and plays under control … Can get any shot he wants and has great shot efficiency … Very confident shooter, especially when the game is on the line … Curry can put the ball on the floor and create his own shot from anywhere on the floor and he doesn’t need much space to get his shot off … Gets defenders off balance using pump fakes and uses defenders overeagerness to his advantage … Very difficult to guard because he possesses a quick and consistent release on his shot.. Moves well without the ball well. Curry is good at changing speed and direction and handles the ball well … In the open court he can stop on a dime at full speed, with his feet … Defensively Curry is crafty and a smart defender with good hands 2.9 STL (not a lockout defender); moves his feet well on defense and stays in front of his defender without gambling much … Solid lateral quickness. Possesses a great will to win.”"
Per DraftExpress:
Craftiness, Excellent Skill-Level, Go-to scoring mentality, Off-ball movement, Offensive Creativity, Scoring Instincts, Ability to create own shot, Change of Gears/Hesitation moves, Aggressiveness, Awareness, Basketball IQ, Competitiveness, Confidence, Leadership skills in clutch, Poise, Strong Intangibles, Unselfishness, Winning mentality, Work Ethic, Ability to create for others, Conditioning, Ability to catch and shoot/come off screens/create separation/shoot off the dribble, Free throw shooting, NBA 3-point range
Weaknesses
Per nbadraft.net:
"“Far below NBA standard in regard to explosiveness and athleticism … At 6-2, he’s extremely small for the NBA shooting guard position, and it will likely keep him from being much of a defender at the next level … Although he’s playing point guard this year, he’s not a natural point guard that an NBA team can rely on to run a team … Struggles defensively getting around screens … Can overshoot and rush into shots from time to time … Hasn’t had to deal with getting benched due to poor performance (shooting) which has allowed him to shoot through any slumps. Will have to adjust to not being a volume shooter which could have an effect on his effectiveness … Doesn’t like when defenses are too physical with him … Not a great finisher around the basket due to his size and physical attributes … Makes some silly mistake at the PG position. Needs to add some muscles to his upper body, but appears as though he’ll always be skinny …”"
Per DraftExpress:
Not a true point guard, Out of control at times, Shot-selection, Stuck between 1 and 2, Ability to defend position at next level?, Lateral quickness, Versatility to defend multiple positions, Limited Upside, Backup/Fringe Starter?, College system makes him difficult to evaluate, Average athleticism, size and wingspan, Frail frame, Relies too heavily on outside shot.
Revised Scouting Report
Strengths:
A prolific scorer on all three levels, Curry has developed a quality mid-range game that few point guards possess. He’s become the world’s most dangerous marksman from the outside tying in a quick release, simple form and potency. Curry gets his shot off quickly with little resilience from his defender. No one is surprised when he fires from well behind the arc due to efficiency and the lift he gets on his shot. Shows rare balance in multiple shooting scenarios (pull up, off dribble, fadeaways, step-back). Hyper-efficient from the outside (Ranked third or higher in the three-point shooting four out of last five seasons). Can get to the basket despite lack of athleticism and finishes repeatedly over defenders. Knack for finishing against contact from bigs. Makes free throws count (90% for career).
Creative off the dribble and can formulate scoring opportunities in tight spaces. Developed floater, tear drop and various layups since entering league. One of the smoothest handles running the point and gets defenders off balance using hesitation and agility for creating. Curry is a nightmare to cover on pick-and-rolls who can pull up or get to the paint using agility. Vital playmaker for offense who sets up big men and opens up offense potential for teammates.
Continues to develop as a floor general evident by increasing keen decision making. Curry displays awareness valued in a continuous movement system like Golden State. His motor continues on defensive side despite lack of build using both quick hands and feet. Curry also scraps and exudes effort in 50-50 situations against bigger talents. He’s also willing to help on the boards despite build using necessary effort. The current MVP displays traits and innate skills that makes his superstar talent continuous and believable.
Weaknesses:
Curry still gets overpowered in some situations on both ends of the floor, which was a concern coming out of college. He makes errant plays instead of simple ones at times running offense. Curry’s shot selection isn’t hindering to his game, but could get better looks at early stages of the shot clock. He could develop his frame, but lack of build isn’t the primary concern.
What’s Next
Heading into an anticipated showdown with former MVP LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the legacy of the sweet shooting point guard will ascend if his Warriors emerge as champs. This is the series where Curry shows how far he has progressed as a point guard and facilitator with a more talented group. It’s time for a new king of basketball, one fitting for a Warrior.
For full breakdowns, check out DraftExpress and nbadraft.net
Next: Stephen Curry: Top 10 Moments From His MVP Season
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