Steph Curry’s Unselfish Nature is Contagious

One of the many things that Warriors’ television analyst Kelenna Azubuike likes to point out during games is Stephen Curry’s unselfishness within the Warriors offense.

Azubuike points out how Curry is the only superstar that is willing to set screens and sacrifice his body during games. He makes an interesting point. How many superstars in the league are willing to contribute to the offense as if they were the 15th man on the roster?

Rather than calling for isolations or set plays specifically designed for him, Curry’s unselfish nature within the Warriors offense is contagious and equates to the success on the court.

Because of the threat that Curry poses as the game’s best shooter, the defense is always dialed in on Curry. This leaves openings for other players like Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole to shine.

How many times have we seen superstars like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Jayson Tatum and others force the offense into a screeching halt once they call for a multi-dribble isolation that disrupts the flow of the offense and in many cases, force up tightly contested shots?

This is what separates Curry from the rest of the pack. Curry is willing to play within the Warriors offense due to his unselfish nature and the rest of the Warriors follow his lead.

Curry’s value as an off-ball screener makes him more dangerous compared to when the Warriors are running plays specifically designed for him.

 Curry draws so much attention as he should, and defenses will often throw a variety of defenses to throw him off like double teams, blitzing the pick and roll action, and our least favorite the box-and-one.

But all that attention on Curry leaves opportunities for others to cash in on. Curry’s impact as a screener is lethal. Often, you’ll see Curry set back screens for players, but because it’s Curry that we’re talking about, the two defenders will almost always focus their attention on Curry and would rather give up the open layup rather than risking an open look for Curry.

Additionally, using Curry as a cutter is a critical part of the Warriors offense. This season, they’ve modified their bread and butter – the low post split. But at times, Curry would read the defense and cut to the basket instead coming off that screen, and this opens up the offense a lot more.

Stephen Curry is the greatest shooter of all time, there’s no doubt about that. But instead of building an offensive playbook designed for Curry, the Warriors have emphasized on how best utilize that talent in other ways and the Warriors have been more than successful with Curry leading the way.

(Photo credit: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)