Former NBA player Iman Shumpert recently shared his memories of an underwhelming early scouting report on Stephen Curry during an appearance on 7PM in Brooklyn, a Wave Sports + Entertainment Original hosted by Carmelo Anthony.
Shumpert, known for his defensive tenacity, highlighted how the narrative around Curry drastically changed as his career unfolded.
During the episode, Shumpert recalled guarding Curry in the early days of his career when critics doubted the Golden State guard’s longevity due to persistent ankle issues. “The scouting report on this man was so weak,” Shumpert said. “They was talking about the man like he was done.”
Curry’s reputation at the time didn’t align with what Shumpert observed on the court. Shumpert questioned the scouting report’s accuracy, noting, “I was like, we talking about the same guy?” Despite the skepticism surrounding Curry’s potential, Shumpert saw glimpses of greatness.
As Curry evolved into a four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP, his ability to redefine the game with his shooting and playmaking reshaped basketball. Shumpert reflected on the game’s transformation, saying, “I think the game changed when we allowed people to think you could win championships doing what Steph Curry do.”
Shumpert acknowledged Curry’s impact but warned of the challenges it created for others trying to emulate his unique style. “The problem isn’t that Steph Curry win championships like that. The problem is you think you’re Steph Curry,” he remarked.
The shift in perception around Curry’s game is one of the NBA’s most remarkable stories. Once regarded as a potential injury-prone player, Curry is now considered one of the most dangerous offensive threats in basketball history. Shumpert described him as “the scariest [player] ever to deal with,” adding, “He gonna be able to do this however long he want.”
