Byron Scott’s statement about Stephen Curry—”You have to take the rest of it, what he’s been able to do”—addresses a topic that has sparked much debate in the world of basketball: whether Stephen Curry, with his transformative style of play, has made the game worse. Scott’s comment hints at a larger conversation about how Curry’s influence on the game has been both revolutionary and divisive, challenging traditional views of basketball and reshaping the sport in ways that can be seen as both positive and negative.
This essay will explore the nuances of Scott’s statement by examining how Curry’s impact on the game has influenced its evolution, the strategies teams employ, and how the game is perceived by both players and fans. We will also address the counterarguments that suggest Curry’s style has detracted from the fundamental aspects of basketball, such as teamwork, traditional skills, and the physicality of the sport.
The Evolution of Basketball and the Rise of Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, often regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, has single-handedly altered the trajectory of modern basketball. Before Curry, the game was primarily dominated by traditional centers and power forwards, whose skills were geared toward post plays, rebounding, and interior scoring. The point guard position was also distinct, with players typically focusing on distributing the ball and running set offenses. The mid-range jumper was still a valued part of the game, and three-point shooting was primarily viewed as a secondary option.
Curry, however, introduced a seismic shift in how the game is played. His extraordinary range, combined with a lightning-quick release, enabled him to stretch defenses to new limits. The Golden State Warriors, the team he led to four NBA championships between 2015 and 2022, became the poster child for this new era of basketball. The Warriors popularized the “small ball” style of play, focusing on spacing, fast ball movement, and relentless three-point shooting. This model of basketball, which placed less emphasis on traditional post play and more on perimeter shooting, revolutionized the sport.
Curry’s influence is perhaps most evident in the NBA’s statistical shifts. The three-point shot has become more central to the game than ever before. According to NBA data, the number of three-point attempts per game has increased dramatically over the last decade. The rise of the three-pointer as a primary offensive weapon is a direct result of Curry’s unparalleled success in this area. His ability to score efficiently from beyond the arc forced opposing teams to adapt their defensive schemes and prioritize perimeter defense, further cementing the importance of the three-pointer.
The Positive Impact of Stephen Curry on the Game
The most obvious positive effect of Curry’s influence is the expansion of the offensive playbook. Where once teams relied on the physicality of big men and the traditional point guard role, the modern NBA has evolved into a more fluid, perimeter-oriented game. The ability to stretch the floor with accurate shooting from all positions has led to more diverse offensive strategies and has encouraged innovation in how teams attack their opponents. Teams are now constantly looking for players who can shoot from long range, creating opportunities for ball handlers and driving lanes for players who are more traditionally suited to attacking the basket.
Curry’s style has also democratized the game. Historically, basketball was often seen as a sport where height and physical attributes determined success. Tall, powerful players who could dominate inside were seen as the most valuable assets. With the rise of Curry and other smaller players, such as his teammate Klay Thompson and the Houston Rockets’ James Harden, the emphasis has shifted toward skill, intelligence, and versatility. Players of all sizes are now able to make their mark in the NBA, as shooting and spacing the floor have become as important—if not more so—than post play or size. Curry’s success has shown that players do not need to be six feet eight or taller to dominate; they can simply rely on elite shooting ability, ball handling, and decision-making.
In addition to reshaping the offensive game, Curry’s influence has had a trickle-down effect at all levels of basketball. Youth and college players now grow up emulating Curry’s shooting mechanics, with many coaches placing a greater emphasis on three-point shooting than ever before. While the fundamentals of dribbling, passing, and defense remain crucial, the ability to shoot from long range has become a critical skill for players in the modern game.
Furthermore, Curry’s approach to the game has been a breath of fresh air for fans. His joyful playing style, combined with his infectious energy and enthusiasm, has made him one of the most beloved players in NBA history. His game is fluid and entertaining to watch, with dazzling dribbling moves, deep three-pointers, and moments of magic that captivate fans and inspire players of all ages.
The Criticism: Has Curry Made the Game Worse?
Despite these many positives, there is an argument to be made that Stephen Curry’s impact on the game has not been entirely beneficial. Critics argue that Curry’s style of play, particularly his emphasis on the three-point shot, has diminished the value of traditional aspects of basketball. One concern is that the rise of three-point shooting has led to a more “one-dimensional” game, where the focus is solely on shooting from deep and driving to the basket, often at the expense of other important aspects of the game, such as mid-range shooting, post play, and physicality.
Before Curry, teams often employed a balanced offense, using the inside game to complement outside shooting. The mid-range jumper was once a key weapon in a player’s arsenal, and dominant big men controlled the paint. Today, however, mid-range shots are often viewed as inefficient, and many teams have moved away from post play in favor of more spacing and three-point attempts. This shift has led to a situation where some teams rely almost exclusively on the three-point shot to generate offense, which can sometimes result in lower-scoring games when shots aren’t falling. Critics argue that this heavy reliance on the three-pointer has led to a loss of variety and unpredictability in the game.
Another criticism is that the focus on shooting has diminished the importance of traditional basketball skills, such as passing, footwork, and post defense. In a league where every player is expected to shoot from range, the value placed on other aspects of the game can sometimes feel diminished. Additionally, as the game has become faster and more reliant on spacing and perimeter shooting, the physicality that once defined the NBA has started to fade. The lack of emphasis on post play and traditional “big man” skills has led to a devaluation of players who once thrived in those roles.
Furthermore, there is concern that the trend toward three-point shooting is leading to a “chasing the three” mentality in which teams prioritize volume over quality. As teams push the limits of three-point attempts, they may overlook other aspects of the game, such as ball movement and strategic shot selection. The emphasis on shooting from deep, especially for players who may not be as skilled as Curry, has led to an increase in inefficient shooting, as players often force up long-range shots without fully understanding the strategic consequences of those decisions.
Byron Scott’s Perspective: Balancing Innovation and Tradition
Byron Scott’s statement—”You have to take the rest of it, what he’s been able to do”—reflects the nuanced nature of Curry’s impact. While Curry’s innovations have certainly changed the game, one cannot ignore the broader context in which these changes occurred. Scott is suggesting that, in order to fully appreciate Curry’s legacy, one must consider not just the stylistic changes he brought about, but also the accomplishments that came with them.
Curry has not just revolutionized the game with his shooting ability; he has won championships, earned multiple MVP awards, and become one of the most effective offensive players in the history of the NBA. His success has shown that this new style of play can be not only entertaining but also effective in winning titles. The Golden State Warriors’ dominance in the 2010s, which was largely built on Curry’s three-point shooting and the team’s overall ball movement, is a testament to the fact that Curry’s approach has been successful at the highest level of competition.
Furthermore, Curry has never abandoned the fundamentals of basketball. Despite his reputation as a three-point shooter, he is also an exceptional ball handler, a creative playmaker, and a player who can attack the basket with finesse. His skills are not one-dimensional, and he has shown that the modern game still requires well-rounded players who can adapt to a variety of situations.
In this light, Scott’s comment can be interpreted as an acknowledgment of Curry’s ability to merge innovation with traditional basketball principles. While the game has undoubtedly changed, it has also evolved in a way that builds upon the sport’s core values. Curry has shown that even in an era of rapid transformation, players who are skilled, intelligent, and versatile can still find success.
Conclusion
Stephen Curry’s impact on the game of basketball is undeniable. His revolutionary style of play has redefined the way the sport is played at the highest levels, and his influence can be seen in the growing emphasis on the three-point shot and perimeter-based offenses. While some critics argue that Curry’s style has diminished the importance of traditional aspects of the game, such as post play and physicality, the broader picture is more complex. Curry’s success is not just about his ability to shoot threes, but about his well-rounded skill set, basketball IQ, and leadership qualities.
