In a recent episode of the Mind the Game podcast, NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash revealed that Steph Curry played a pivotal role in his decision to retire from basketball. Nash, alongside LeBron James, engaged Curry in a candid conversation that explored various aspects of their careers and the impact of Curry’s playing style.
Steph Curry’s Influence on Retirement
During their discussion, Nash recounted a preseason game in 2014 where Curry, then 26, showcased his exceptional skills. In a game against the Toronto Raptors, Curry scored 25 points with remarkable efficiency, converting 8 of 11 shots. Meanwhile, Nash, who was 40 at the time, struggled to keep pace alongside Kobe Bryant. He expressed his frustration, stating, “I couldn’t have stopped him if I was 100%.”
After reflecting on this experience for a few days, Nash felt it was time to retire. He later joined the Warriors as a consultant, where his relationship with Curry continued to grow. Curry remarked on how Nash contributed to their practice sessions, especially teaching the pick and roll technique.
Curry’s Shooting Revolution
The conversation also touched upon Curry’s revolutionary shooting style. Nash complimented Curry for becoming the greatest shooter of all time, praising his range and accuracy. He remarked, “You’ve gone on to become the greatest shooter of all-time by a long margin.” Curry himself acknowledged the uniqueness of his shooting form, stating he would teach Klay Thompson’s technique instead of his own to aspiring players.
Both Nash and LeBron were impressed by Curry’s movement without the ball, which contributed to the Warriors’ success over the Cavaliers in multiple Finals from 2015 to 2018. LeBron noted, “He’s most dangerous when he doesn’t have the ball.”
NBA Injury Updates
As the Warriors prepared for their match against the Denver Nuggets, they faced some injury challenges. Curry was sidelined for a second consecutive game due to illness and remained in the Bay Area for recovery. Jimmy Butler was uncertain for the game due to a lower back strain, while Draymond Green was expected to play despite dealing with a ribcage injury.
- Steph Curry: Notable for his unique shooting style and incredible off-ball movement.
- Steve Nash: Retired NBA Hall of Famer who reflected on his career during the podcast.
- Injuries:
- Curry: Out due to illness.
- Butler: Questionable with back strain.
- Green: Expected to play with rib injury.
This engaging dialogue between Nash, James, and Curry not only celebrated their legendary status but also highlighted the evolving game of basketball and the influence of these iconic athletes.
