After a two-year hiatus in which they missed the postseason, the Golden State Warriors climbed the mountain again this year, taking home the Larry O’Brien Trophy. It was the fourth time in eight years that the Warriors won the NBA Finals, as they look to extend their dynasty.
At the core of that success is point guard Stephen Curry. Curry transcended the game with his 3-point shooting and after some early career struggles with ankle injuries, he has turned into one of the best players in the world.
Curry took home his first NBA Finals MVP award in the series victory over the Boston Celtics. In the six games, Curry averaged 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He was unconscious from long distance, knocking down 43.7 percent of his 3-point attempts, making 31-of-71 tries. That includes a shocking 0-for-9 performance in Game 5, which Golden State still won by 10 points.
Performances like that are why some people believe that Curry is the best player in the world right now. Out of the 15 scouts, coaches and executives making up the survey panel over at ESPN, three of them would agree.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Stephen Curry & Golden State Warriors Updates
Curry received three votes when asked who is the best player currently in the NBA. Giannis Antetokoumpo of the Milwaukee Bucks finished first with 11 votes, while LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers received one.
There is a little recency bias involved when it comes to Curry, as he just wrapped up a championship season. As one NBA executive said, winning is what ultimately matters and no one does that as much as Curry and the Warriors.
“They just won the title. It’s a results-driven league, and he’s provided the results,” a West executive said of Curry. “Not only is he an elite generational talent, but he’s the kind of guy you want in your locker room. He is the culture.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Stephen Curry & Golden State Warriors Updates
While a lot of people believe that Draymond Green is the heart and soul of Golden State, and they are likely correct, none of what they have accomplished would be possible without Curry. He is the engine that makes them go as the team feeds off of his presence on the court and he is the unquestioned leader of the team in the locker room as well.
