Stephen Curry Opens Up About Heated Debate with His Dad: “The Game Has Changed Drastically; Obviously, I’ve Had a Lot to Do with That”
Stephen Curry is widely credited with revolutionizing the game of basketball. As the undisputed king of the three-point shot, Curry’s influence on the modern NBA is undeniable. But recently, the Golden State Warriors superstar revealed a rare and heated debate he had with his father, Dell Curry, a former NBA sharpshooter himself, about how the game has evolved over the years.
In a candid interview, Curry spoke about their contrasting perspectives, the role he’s played in reshaping basketball, and the generational divide in how the game is viewed and played.
The Debate: Old School vs. New School
Stephen Curry recalled a lively discussion with his dad during a family gathering. Dell, who played in the NBA from 1986 to 2002, witnessed firsthand the league’s transformation from a physical, post-dominated game to the fast-paced, perimeter-oriented style of today.
According to Steph, their argument centered on how today’s players approach the game compared to previous generations. “We were talking about how the game has changed so much, and my dad was like, ‘Back in my day, it wasn’t like this.’ And I was like, ‘Well, yeah, the game’s changed drastically, and obviously, I’ve had a lot to do with that.’”
Dell’s Perspective: A Different Era
Dell Curry was an accomplished three-point shooter in his own right, finishing his career with a respectable 40.2% accuracy from beyond the arc. But in his era, the three-pointer was more of a complementary tool than the focal point of an offense.
“Back then, you used the three to keep defenses honest,” Dell has said in previous interviews. “The game was played inside-out. You worked the ball into the post, and the perimeter shots were secondary.”
Dell’s perspective highlights the physicality and slower pace of the game during his time, where big men like Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon dominated. In contrast, today’s game prioritizes spacing, pace, and shooting—a shift largely attributed to Steph’s influence.
Steph’s Impact on the Modern NBA
It’s hard to overstate how much Stephen Curry has changed basketball. Since entering the league in 2009, he’s redefined the three-point shot as not just an option but a weapon. His deep-range shooting, quick release, and ability to create space off the dribble have inspired a new generation of players to adopt his style.
Teams now prioritize three-point shooting in their roster construction, leading to an NBA where big men are expected to shoot from beyond the arc, and traditional post play has become a rarity.
“I know I’ve changed the way the game is played,” Steph said. “And I take pride in that. But it’s funny hearing my dad talk about it, because for him, it’s almost unrecognizable compared to when he played.”
The Stats Speak for Themselves
Stephen Curry’s influence isn’t just anecdotal—it’s backed by numbers.
Three-Point Revolution: In the 1999-2000 season, NBA teams averaged just 13.2 three-point attempts per game. By the 2022-23 season, that number had skyrocketed to 35.2 attempts per game.
Individual Records: Curry is the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made, with over 3,400 and counting.
Efficiency: Despite taking shots from unprecedented distances, Curry boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 42.8%, one of the best in league history.
These numbers highlight the seismic shift Curry has brought to the sport, making his role in the game’s evolution undeniable.
The Generational Divide
The debate between Steph and Dell also underscores a broader generational divide in basketball. Older players and fans often lament the loss of physicality, mid-range shooting, and post play, while younger fans embrace the speed, athleticism, and high-scoring nature of today’s game.
For Dell Curry and others from his era, the heavy reliance on the three-pointer can sometimes feel like a departure from the fundamentals that defined basketball for decades. But for Steph, it’s a natural evolution.
“The game evolves,” Steph explained. “What worked back then doesn’t necessarily work now. The players are different, the rules are different, and the fans love the way we play today. That’s what it’s all about.”
Respect Despite Differences
Despite their differences, the debate between Steph and Dell was rooted in mutual respect. Dell has often expressed pride in his son’s accomplishments, acknowledging that Steph has taken shooting to a level he never imagined possible.
“Steph’s doing things that nobody in our era could have dreamed of,” Dell once said. “I’m proud of the way he’s carried himself and how he’s inspired so many young players.”
For Steph, his dad’s perspective provides a valuable connection to the game’s history. “He’s taught me so much about basketball, about how to carry myself, and about respecting the game,” Steph said. “Even when we don’t agree, I know where he’s coming from, and I appreciate that.”
Looking Ahead: Steph’s Legacy
As Stephen Curry continues to build on his incredible career, his influence on basketball only grows. Young players around the world are modeling their games after him, shooting from deeper ranges and emphasizing skill over size.
But for Steph, it’s not just about changing the game—it’s about leaving a legacy that goes beyond the court. “I want to inspire people to be creative, to push boundaries, and to believe in themselves,” he said. “That’s what basketball is all about.”
Conclusion
The heated debate between Stephen Curry and his dad, Dell, reflects the ever-changing nature of basketball and the inevitable generational shifts that come with it. While Dell represents an era defined by physicality and inside-out play, Steph symbolizes the modern game’s emphasis on skill, shooting, and innovation.
Their discussion is a reminder that basketball’s evolution is part of what makes the sport so compelling. Each era builds on the last, and while opinions may differ, the shared love for the game remains a constant.
As Steph continues to shape the future of basketball, one thing is clear: the game has changed, and he’s had everything to do with it.
