Has Stephen Curry Ruined Basketball?

Stephen Curry is widely recognized as one of the most iconic sports figures ever. Having amassed a total of 3,390 three pointers, Curry has cemented his position as the greatest shooter in NBA history. His impact on the sport of basketball is undeniable, as he has influenced a whole generation of young athletes. But many raise the question whether his influence has been for the better or for the worse.

TV analyst Rob Parker claims, “Steph ruined the game. The game has changed but in a bad way. I’m not against the three-pointer and I understand it, but now everybody thinks they’re three-point shooters, and it’s only about three-pointers or dunks…He has changed the way people look at the game. People think they’re Steph Curry and they’re not, and that’s the problem.”

But what critics like Rob Parker fail to see is the years of practice and dedication Stephen Curry has put in in order to become the player and shooter he is. It’s not fair to say that Steph has ruined the game with his three-pointers; rather, he has elevated our perception of a quality player, making it almost unattainable for others to match.

Instead of stopping people from playing like Stephen Curry, the new generation of basketball players should aspire to play more like him. There is so much we can and should learn from his game. His off-ball movement, his handles, his shooting, and most importantly his character and work ethic.

Stephen Curry is the beacon of light for many young athletes today. He’s shown the world, you don’t have to be a freak of nature to let alone be in the NBA, but to be one of the greatest of all time. All you need is dedication, relentless hard work, and an unwavering belief in your abilities.