Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry is the best shooter of all time; he has made an NBA-record 4,233 three-pointers (and counting) while shooting over 42%, averaging more than 9 attempts per game. He is one of the best catch-and-shoot players of all time, and his playmaking is underappreciated as well, averaging more than 6 assists per game throughout his career.
Jamal Crawford Praises Stephen Curry’s Underrated Handles
One of the most underrated aspects of his game is his ball-handling ability. When people think about great ball handlers, they think of Allen Iverson, Kyrie Irving, and Tim Hardaway, who had a signature crossover move.
Curry doesn’t have that, but his body control and hand-eye coordination are so elite that he doesn’t need it in his arsenal to be effective. Curry uses his high basketball IQ and has honed his craft through his legendary regimen, which has served him well for many years.
Former three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year and NBA analyst Jamal Crawford took questions on his NBA mailbag on the NBA app and got a question from a fan, Blake, from Tampa, Florida, on how good Curry is with his ball-handling skills and how it sets up his shooting. Crawford spoke about how Curry can use his pump fake to blow by his defender and get easy baskets, complementing his lethal shooting.
“I’m going with Steph. He shoots so well that we forget his superb ball-handling. His handles are an extension of his shot. It’s not only catching and shooting. He’ll use a hesitation or a quick glance to make you think he’s about to shoot, then blow by you for a floater or another move. His dribbling is a key reason why he’s unstoppable.”
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Crawford, a great ball handler with a notable crossover, is an authority on the subject. Curry’s legendary pregame regimen showcases his ability to shoot off the dribble and create scoring opportunities, even if it isn’t flashy. Unlike Irving, who uses handles to get layups, Curry uses his skills to win: two MVPs, four NBA championships, and one NBA Finals MVP.
Curry has been sidelined since Jan. 30 with a persistent knee injury, having missed the last 27 games, but he is expected to return Sunday when the Warriors host the Houston Rockets. The Warriors sit at 10th in the Western Conference standings and have already clinched a berth in the play-in tournament.
