“I’m Getting Old”: Stephen Curry on Why He Isn’t Using a Signature Attribute From His Elite Arsenal Anymore

When it comes to the offensive side of basketball, there is nobody like Stephen Curry. The 2-time MVP has literally changed the game of basketball for the future generations with his unparalleled three-point shooting. However, while his accolades keep piling up, his age seems to catch up with the 34-year-old.

Stephen Curry only seems to improve his offensive game as the years go by. From leading the Golden State Warriors to their fourth championship to dropping a record 50 points in a playoff Game 7, there seems to be no stopping the 9-time All-Star. But he has not used a signature attribute in his elite arsenal lately. And the reason he cites for this? Age.

Stephen Curry explains the reason behind his signature attribute fading away

Stephen Curry’s ability to drive to the paint, shoot from range, play off-ball have only elevated over the years. But his shot seems to be missing a signature attribute – the hop. While several shooters hop while shooting, Curry has resorted to a much more stable stance.

Curry’s shot now looks more grounded than usual, also missing his signature one-footed hop after shooting. This was pointed out by a reporter from SLAM magazine in a recent interview with the Warriors superstar guard.

“I’m getting old.” said Curry in response. He added “It’s just, uh… efficient, efficient movement. So, I think that’s really the best way to explain it.” He went into further detail, saying “When you create space or however you’re doing it, the last thing you want to do is give up that space by unnecessary movements. So maybe just getting a little bit more efficient with getting off the ground quicker.” 

He then explained “You get deeper into your career, you’re not going to be as explosive as you once were. Even for me to say explosive, I’m not above the rim, but there’s an explosiveness in terms of short movements, quick change of pace, change of direction, all that type of stuff so, just being as efficient as possible.”

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Curry explained why he does not bring out his signature hop in games anymore. Although his game may have gotten less flashy, the 2-time MVP has made up for it by bringing out a wide range of celebrations after drilling shots. He brought out this unforeseen side of his on various occasions, much to the fans’ excitement.

Chef Curry’s flashiness never goes away

Curry’s shot has gone through several revamps to reach the position it has now. The stable stance, one-motion form and arc change have made a significant difference in perfecting his shooting. However, his flashiness has never dulled down over the years. What he does not show in his shooting form, he makes up for with actions afterwards.

Chef Curry has made it a habit to turn around after shooting and look at the crowd before the ball even goes into the hoop. Few players have replicated this practice but there is only one master of the art. Then came the iconic “night night” celebration that quickly became the coldest moment in the NBA.

In fact, players from across the sporting world broke out this iconic celebration popularised by Curry. Most recently, he also broke out the “Light The Beam” celebration to mock the Sacramento Kings after dropping 50 points in Game 7 of their first round playoffs matchup.

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Curry may have stopped hopping in his shot but the flashiness has not faded away. His improvement to his shot has only made him more efficient in scoring and lethal from beyond the arc. His celebrations however, have delighted the fans much more than the signature hop.