As a potential game-winning three bounced off the rim in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, there was a certain segment of people that were happy to see Stephen Curry fail.
Despite having earned five consecutive NBA Finals appearances, three titles and two MVP awards, this seemed to fit a narrative.
The Golden State Warriors’ star is not a big-game players. We’ve heard this countless times since his team fell to the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Finals last week.
Given the type of player, husband and citizen Curry is, we’re surprised he gets hated on as much as he does.
According to Curry’s teammate with the Warriors, Andre Iguodala, that’s primarily because the media and other NBA players are jealous of the guard.
You read that right.
“I’ve never seen a guy that’s so humble and has such a great heart receive so much hate,” Iggy said. When pushed by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Iguodala clarified that he was talking about NBA players and others in the media.
The conversation quickly turned to whether this was over jealousy or not. The former NBA Finals MVP agreed. Iggy also explained the admiration he has for Curry while taking on the critics.
“We feel it from guys in the league. We feel it from the media,” the veteran continued. “He’s carrying a whole shoe brand. He’s got his own media company now. He’s doing so many great things.”
Other star players represent major shoe brands and have their own media companies. LeBron James would be the first person that comes to mind. He is obviously widely respected among NBA players.
The issue here might not be about Curry as an individual. Since his Warriors started dominating on the broader NBA stage five years ago, Curry is largely attributed with changing the game.
The three-point shot is no longer a secondary aspect of NBA basketball. Curry is primarily to “blame” for that. He is the most transcendent player in that regard since Michael Jordan.
On the other hand, we don’t necessarily see outward “hate” directed at Curry from other NBA players. There are rivalries that have been created out west due to Golden State’s domination. That’s true with the Houston Rockets and other squads. Does this equate to “hate” and “jealously?” We can’t be too sure.