Interview with Stephen Curry

JJ Redick and Tommy Alter finally landed their "white whale" guest, Stephen Curry, for an illuminating conversation on "The Old Man and The Three" podcast. Fresh off a night calling a Warriors game where Curry masterfully facilitated Klay Thompson's resurgence, Redick dove deep with the superstar into the mindset, journey, and unique elements that define one of the NBA's most revolutionary players.

Beyond the Box Score: Cultivating a Winning Culture

The interview opened with Redick's observation from the previous night's game: how Stephen Curry, despite coming off a 50-point performance, made a conscious effort to involve Klay Thompson. Curry explained that this selfless approach is fundamental to the Warriors' identity. "His superpower obviously is shooting a basketball but he's such a threat even whatever percentage he's shooting right now when his two feet are on the floor and he's out there like people worry about him," Curry reflected, emphasizing Klay's enduring impact regardless of his recent struggles.

This approach isn't just about getting Klay going; it's about unlocking "Warrior basketball" – a system predicated on creating the easiest shots possible by leveraging Curry's unmatched gravity and playmaking. By prioritizing the flow of the offense and getting everyone involved, particularly early in a game, the entire dynamic of the team shifts. It's a strategic facilitator role that might not always inflate his own stats, but it ignites the collective.

Key Learnings:

• Prioritizing team cohesion and flow over individual statistics.
• Leveraging personal gravity and playmaking to create easier shots for teammates.
• Understanding how individual player confidence contributes to the overall team dynamic.

The Master of Mental Fortitude: Navigating Narrative and Haters

Redick humorously confronted Curry about the "Steph Hater" label some fans bestow upon him, stemming from a First Take debate where Redick chose Luka Doncic over Curry in the clutch. Curry, however, took it all in stride. He described developing an acute awareness of the constant narrative shifts and "hot takes" that define the NBA's 24/7 news cycle.

"I found that it's nice to be aware of what's going on... and also develop a sense of like comfortability in who I am because you're going to get asked about stuff," Curry shared, highlighting his growth in navigating extreme public scrutiny. He even admitted to enjoying "first quarter Twitter," where fans declare the Warriors "suck" only to witness a third-quarter turnaround. This detached, almost entertaining view of the criticism allows him to remain grounded and even find a unique form of motivation.

Key Insights:

• Developing a strong sense of self-security amidst public scrutiny and narrative changes.
• Viewing external criticism and "hot takes" as entertainment rather than personal attacks.
• Using the entertainment value of the media circus as a form of lighthearted motivation throughout a long season.

The Art of Irrational Confidence: Crafting the "Flow State"

Curry's play, particularly his iconic "look away three," led to a discussion about his unparalleled ability to achieve a "flow state" on the court. He recounted the origin of the look away – a playoff game against Denver in 2013, where an "out of body experience" led him to release a shot and turn away, knowing it was perfect. This "irrational confidence" is not accidental.

Curry attributes this mastery to an "obsession about the details" in his training. Whether it's footwork, balance, or shot arc, every aspect is meticulously honed. "No shot I've tried in the game I haven't tried in practice before, it's pretty accurate," he stated, illustrating how visualization, skill sessions, and constant repetition in controlled environments prepare him for spontaneous brilliance on the court. This relentless pursuit of perfection, guided by trainers like Brandon Payne and Carl Bergstrom, allows him to consistently push the envelope and continue improving, even in his 14th season.

Key Practices:

• Maintaining an obsessive attention to detail in skill work and training.
• Visualizing and practicing creative, high-difficulty shots in preparation for game situations.
• Continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible, even after years of success, to sustain improvement.

The Unforeseen Path: "What Ifs" and the Journey to Greatness

Curry reflected on the numerous "what ifs" that could have altered his legendary career. From being a late bloomer in high school, where coaches and parents encouraged him to shoot more, to his lightly recruited college days where Davidson, Winthrop, and VCU were his top choices, his path was far from predetermined. He returned for his junior year at Davidson specifically to develop his point guard skills, realizing it was crucial for his NBA future, enduring defenses like the "triangle and two" designed solely to stop him.

Even in the NBA, "what ifs" abound: being drafted by New York or Minnesota, navigating early ankle injuries, the Monta Ellis trade, or the "tumultuous" decision to fire Mark Jackson and hire Steve Kerr. Curry admitted he "was fighting it like hell" against the coaching change, but trusted Bob Myers. That trust ultimately led to unprecedented success. He even revealed a fascinating draft-night near-trade to Phoenix, where Steve Kerr was then the GM. This confluence of decisions, trust, and a bit of serendipity shaped his journey.

Key Changes:

• Evolving from a pass-first guard to a primary scoring and playmaking point guard in college.
• Navigating significant organizational shifts, including coaching changes and roster moves.
• Trusting key decision-makers and embracing the unpredictable "fortune" inherent in an NBA career.

"I'm also so secure in like who I am and what I what I can do on the floor that it doesn't I'm more it's more entertainment at this point because it is our world it is you know what we do..." - Stephen Curry