This article is an excerpt from the Shortform guide to "SmartLess". Shortform has the world's best summaries and analyses of books, podcasts, and more.
Like this article? Sign up for a free trial here.
Who is Stephen Curry? How does Curry handle the pressures of being in the NBA?
Stephen Curry was a recent guest on the Smartless podcast, in which he talked about his life and impressive career as a basketball player. As one of the greatest basketball players today, he opens up about handling high expectations and balancing career ambitions with his personal life.
Keep reading if you want to know more about Curry beyond what you see on the court.
Get to Know Stephen Curry
Who is Stephen Curry? A renowned professional basketball player in the NBA, Curry has been making waves not only on the court but also on the golf course. In this podcast episode, his passion for golf and its intersection with his commitment to basketball takes center stage. The piece delves into the delicate balancing act between personal interests and professional obligations that Curry navigates. It emphasizes how his diverse athletic upbringing and strong family support have played pivotal roles in shaping his athletic journey. As the son of an NBA player, Curry faces immense pressures and expectations, but he has managed to carve out his own path while staying true to himself.
Curry’s Love for Golf and Basketball
During his Smartless podcast appearance, Stephen Curry articulated how he manages to juggle his passion for golf with his commitment to basketball. Not only does Curry maintain a love for golf, indicating a potential future in the sport, but he also expresses a keen enthusiasm for pickleball.
While acknowledging golf as a beloved hobby, he maintains his focus on peak athletic performance in basketball. At the young age of 13, Curry started honing his basketball skills while still engaging in golf and other interests, illustrating his early commitment and focus on sports.
The Importance of Family and Sport Diversity
Curry discussed the significant role his father, a former NBA player, played in shaping his athletic interests from a young age, exposing him to a variety of sports including basketball.
Emphasizing the benefits of a well-rounded athletic upbringing, Curry concurred with Will Arnett’s recounting of John McEnroe’s advocacy for children’s immersion in diverse sports, recognizing its value in cultivating different abilities and recognizing innate talents.
Navigating the Pressures of an NBA Lineage
The weight of growing up as the son of an NBA player was a central topic, with Curry describing the high expectations he faced and how his grounded upbringing and strict discipline helped him handle these challenges.
He shared how his parents’ discipline included practical consequences, such as missing a basketball game if he failed to complete household chores, including dishwashing. This disciplined structure contributed to Curry’s personal development and sense of responsibility.
Family, Growth, and the Road to Resilience
Curry opened up about his high school years, the balance his family insisted on between life and sports, and how discipline within his household taught him important lessons that he carries with him into his professional life. He emphasizes that embracing and learning from failure is key to personal growth, discussing the anxiety that comes with the possibility of failing and the fear of negative repercussions.
He values experiences shared with others, memories, and lessons learned more than material achievements such as trophies. Curry also reflects on how his parents’ divorce reshaped his appreciation for the support system provided by his family, underscoring the role of his loved ones in his life and resilience.
———End of Preview———
Like what you just read? Read the rest of the world's best guides to SmartLess" at Shortform.
Here's what you'll find in our full SmartLess episode summaries:
- Irreverent humor and interviews with celebrities
- A lighthearted look at the entertainment industry by three established actors
- Insights into the private lives of entertainers
