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NBA legend Isiah Thomas recently praised former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson for playing a pivotal role in building Steph Curry’s confidence, which helped shape him into the superstar he is today.

On the Come And Talk 2 Me podcast, co-hosted by Jackson, Thomas highlighted the crucial impact Jackson had on Curry’s development. “Mark Jackson put that battery in Steph Curry’s back and gave him mad confidence,” Thomas said, via HoopsHype.

Thomas went on to emphasize how much Jackson’s support shaped Curry’s mentality on the court. “When Steph goes into the Hall of Fame, I hope he remembers you as the person that gave him the type of confidence he plays with today,” Thomas added.

Curry, now a four-time NBA champion, has been a dominant force in the league for over a decade. This season, the 16-year veteran is averaging 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in 30.6 minutes per game.

Jackson’s influence on Curry came at a crucial time in the latter’s career. Before Curry became a global icon, Jackson provided the mentorship that allowed Curry to tap into his full potential.

Curry’s rise to fame and status as one of the best shooters in NBA history has often been linked to his confidence. His journey to becoming an elite player was not just about skill, but also mental fortitude, something that Jackson helped cultivate during his time as head coach.

Jackson, who coached the Warriors from 2011 to 2014, played a central role in the team’s transformation. Under his leadership, the Warriors became a playoff contender, and Curry’s growth was central to that success.