The relationship between Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry and Oregon guard Sabrina Ionescu is well-documented, and it tends to come up frequently in interviews Ionescu gives with national reporters.
On Wednesday, she and Dan Patrick discussed Curry’s impact on the game of basketball on Patrick’s show.
Patrick said Curry is one of the most influential basketball players of all time, and Ionescu had nothing but agreement for that sentiment. The difference Curry has made cannot be overstated.
Patrick: “Steph has had a bigger impact on the game than almost anyone in the history of the sport because he allowed everybody who is smaller to think that they can play. You don’t have to be physical.”
Ionescu: “I think people that don’t see that and don’t value that don’t really understand the impact that he’s had on the sport.”
It’s much easier for the average person to see themselves in Curry than some other stars. LeBron James, for instance, has unattainable athleticism that can’t just be learned. Monstrously large stars like Shaquille O’Neal are so big and tall, it’s hard for an average basketball fan to relate to, no matter how much they like him as a person or player.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaB-QsNzCGQ]
But for Curry, smaller and leaner by comparison than almost any other star, your everyday kid can look at him and see skills that can be learned: shooting, dribbling, quickness.
While he is obviously other-worldly talented, these skills are ones athletes can see themselves doing more realistically than flying over a rim. This can help them dream of playing for their high school, or college, or the pros.
“You walk into any gym and there’s little kids shooting from half court, they’re shooting shots like Steph,” Ionescu said. “It’s evolved the game. I mean, I wouldn’t be surprised if the 3-point line gets moved back.”