Stephen Curry reflected on his first time playing against Kobe Bryant and how it prepared him to survive and thrive in the NBA.
While not a lot of people expected Stephen Curry to become the era-defining megastar that he is today, one person saw it in him from day one – Kobe Bryant.
Bryant read Curry’s game and greatness early on, praising his ability to take over at a moment’s notice. In a lot of ways, Kobe saw himself in Curry.
But that didn’t mean he took it easy on him. Kobe tested Curry during his rookie year, putting him through the wringer on the court.
And while Curry has taken on a similar role to Kobe in the latter stage of his career, it was Bryant who showed him what it takes to survive in the NBA.
Stephen Curry’s ‘Welcome to the NBA’ moment, courtesy of Kobe Bryant
Stephen Curry was a guest on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. During the interview, Fallon asked Curry about his first encounter with Kobe Bryant.
Curry noted that Bryant was physical with him in a way he didn’t expect. And once Curry failed to get the referee’s attention, Bryant showcased his brilliant midrange shot and showed Curry what life in the NBA is like.
“I got switched onto him; he was giving me those body blows with his elbows.. I’m in awe of him.. My naive self is looking at the refs asking for a call like they’re gonna give me a call over Kobe Bryant.
“Then he caught the ball, did a little left shoulder fadeaway, and just ran down the court. I was like ‘Alright, welcome to the NBA.’”
In the latter years of his career, Bryant made it a habit to check the mettle of the younger players entering the league. Over time, Curry passed his test and earned his respect.
Stephen Curry finds himself in respected veteran role similar to Kobe Bryant
Years later, Stephen Curry is the player who is now testing the young stars in the NBA to see how they can adapt to the league.
However, unlike Bryant, who took more of a hostile approach to mentoring players, Curry has been more outwardly positive toward them.
Derrick White revealed how Curry praised his shooting recently. It’s clear that the superstar wants to help elevate the young stars in the NBA.
As Curry wraps up his career, he will look to pass on the mantle of the best point guard in the NBA to the next big thing.
