Stephen Curry recently revealed his dream NBA teammate during an episode of his ‘Heat Check’ podcast, naming Tim Duncan as the player he would have loved to play with. Reflecting on Duncan’s career and character, Curry shared his admiration for the Spurs legend’s consistency, leadership, and winning mentality. You can check out his podcast which is exclusively available on Audible.
“Tim Duncan. Like, I saw the tail end of his career, played in one playoff series against him.”
“I don’t know Tim that well but coach Kerr mentioned that there’s a lot of similarities between the way I approach you know leadership and developing coaching in the locker room the consistency around and the way that Tim handled his career.”
“So he’s obviously one of the greatest power forwards in the history of the league but when you have somebody that one play for the same franchise his whole career again was a guy that no matter at what point in your career you play with him everybody has just amazing things to say about his leadership ability and his ability to lift an organization and a franchise like that for his entire career.”
“He’s a true champion and a winner. he’s a true champion and a winner. I know a lot goes into that and it’s hard to just put a sound bite to it, but it’d be awesome to play with him.”
Curry elaborated on the profound impact Duncan had on his team and the NBA at large. Duncan, a five-time NBA champion, played his entire 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs, earning a reputation as one of the greatest power forwards in league history.
Curry highlighted the respect and praise Duncan garnered from teammates and opponents alike for his unwavering leadership and ability to elevate his team’s performance.
Steve Kerr, Curry’s coach with the Warriors, played alongside Duncan for four seasons and won two championships with him in 1999 and 2003. Kerr often draws parallels between Duncan’s and Curry’s approaches to leadership and team culture, further cementing Curry’s respect for Duncan.
Curry’s Warriors faced Duncan’s Spurs in the 2013 Western Conference semifinals, marking Curry’s first playoff run. Though the Spurs emerged victorious in six games, the experience left a lasting impression on Curry.
Reflecting on the hypothetical opportunity to play alongside Duncan, Curry expressed his enthusiasm and respect for the legendary forward. “It’d be awesome to play with him,” he concluded, acknowledging Duncan’s exemplary career and the profound influence he had on his team and the NBA.
Career Comparison: Stephen Curry Vs Tim Duncan
Stephen Curry and Tim Duncan are two of the most illustrious players in NBA history, each leaving a significant mark on the game through their unique styles and accomplishments.
Stephen Curry is widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time. His career is highlighted by four NBA championships, an NBA Finals MVP, two regular-season MVPs, 10 All-Star selections, and 10 All-NBA selections. Curry revolutionized the game with his extraordinary shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc, becoming the all-time leader in three-pointers made (3,747).
His career averages are 24.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game, with shooting percentages of 47.3% from the field, 42.6% from three-point range, and 91.0% from the free-throw line.
Tim Duncan, on the other hand, is known for his fundamental skills and consistency. Over his career, he secured five NBA championships and was named NBA Finals MVP three times.
Duncan also won two regular-season MVP awards, was selected to 15 All-Star games, earned 15 All-NBA selections, and was named to 15 NBA All-Defensive teams. His career averages are 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game, with shooting percentages of 50.6% from the field, 17.9% from three-point range, and 69.6% from the free-throw line.
When comparing the two, Curry is a more prolific scorer with a career average of 24.8 points per game, compared to Duncan’s 19.0 points. Curry’s shooting prowess, especially from three-point range (42.6%), far surpasses Duncan’s 17.9%.
However, Duncan was a defensive stalwart, as reflected in his 2.2 blocks and 10.8 rebounds per game. His defensive accolades (15 NBA All-Defensive selections) demonstrate his dominance in this area, whereas Curry, with 1.5 steals per game, contributes significantly on defense but not to the same extent.
Curry’s influence on the modern game is profound, with his style encouraging the league-wide emphasis on three-point shooting. Duncan’s legacy is built on his consistency, leadership, and ability to anchor the San Antonio Spurs for nearly two decades, earning him the moniker “The Big Fundamental.”
While both players have had remarkable careers, Curry is celebrated for transforming the game’s offensive strategies, whereas Duncan is revered for his fundamental skills, defensive prowess, and unwavering consistency. Each player’s impact on basketball is immense and enduring, cementing their status as legends in the sport.
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