LAS VEGAS — Stephen Curry is a perfect 17-0 with the U.S. men's basketball team, none of which have come on the Olympic stage.
Both victories came at FIBA World Cups, with Curry's most recent victory in the red, white and blue coming 10 years ago. At 36, Curry will soon have a chance to add another honor to his name at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. A gold medal would be more than just another accomplishment for Curry.
“That's why I'm here,” Curry said Sunday after the second day of Team USA training camp at UNLV. “It means everything, playing against some of the best talent in our league and the best players in the world and continuing to show our dominance with Team USA. The overall experience is unlike anything I've ever experienced before, so I'm really looking forward to soaking it all up.”
Some of the changes Curry will have to adjust to are some of the differences between FIBA rules and the NBA. As the NBA's all-time leading 3-point shooter, Curry could be a big hit with the 3-pointer if he can adjust his shot without any issues. No one thinks that will be an issue.
The NBA three-point line is 23.9 feet away from the basket, while the Olympic three-point line is 22.1 feet away from the goal.
The ball is also softer.
Warriors and U.S. national team coach Steve Kerr has no inkling that Curry will have to change his style of play for the Olympics. On a team loaded with future Hall of Famers, Curry is arguably the team's best shooter. Anthony Edwards, the perennially confident Minnesota Timberwolves star, couldn't believe the question was even asked.
“You can probably guess who had the best shot,” Edwards said, “Stephen Curry.”
Curry's frustration with the Warriors missing the NBA playoffs last season remains, but the extra time in the offseason has given him more time in the gym to work on his shots from closer range with FIBA balls.
“I've had a lot of time to practice since the season ended,” Curry said. “It's going to take some adjustment, but like anything, the more you practice, the more comfortable you get. Thankfully, I have two and a half weeks until my first Olympic match, so I have some time to decompress and get used to the spacing of the court, the feel of the ball, etc.”
“None of these are excuses. At the end of the day, we're just going to play basketball. So it's going to be really important that we make the most of this opportunity in training camp.”
Curry has accomplished everything there is to know in the NBA and more. Championship rings? Four? MVP? Two. Let's go.
Curry has been named to 10 All-NBA teams and a 10-time All-Star, and his career has been marked by an All-Star Game MVP, two-time scoring champion and godlike shooting ability, including leading the league in steals at one point.
It's a different story playing on the Olympic stage. He's playing in the best basketball league in the world, but the sport continues to grow every year, and the caliber of players around the world is closer to that of the U.S. than ever before.
Team USA has had a total of eight MVPs this year: LeBron James has four, Curry has two, Kevin Durant has one and Joel Embiid has one. Seven players have won NBA championships.
And none of them believes that winning a gold medal in Paris will be a hassle-free or hassle-free achievement.
“This challenge to compete and win is probably going to be the toughest we've ever been in,” Curry said. “I think we're up to it and I'm excited to be a part of it because I know we have experience with Team USA at the world championship level, but that was 10 years ago and this is a different level.”
“I'm really looking forward to it.”
So why now? The answer is simple, but a little complicated.
Curry didn't make the team in 2012, wasn't healthy enough to compete in the Olympics in 2016 and opted not to play in the 2020 Olympics, which were postponed to 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With two years left on his contract with the Warriors, Curry is willing to slow down. But he's also realistic. This summer will not only be his first Olympics, but likely his last chance to call himself an Olympian and wear a gold medal around his neck.
“I feel the healthiest I've ever been,” Curry said. “I've had two months to prepare after missing the playoffs, and realistically this may be my last chance to play.”
“Everything went well. I hope you continue to work hard to win the gold medal.”
Despite the outside criticism, Curry doesn't need a Finals MVP in his trophy case. He doesn't need an Olympic goal to add to his unparalleled resume. But just as he shouted after winning his fourth championship in Boston, if he gets the job done, all he'll be shouting is the same message he sent to doubters two years ago.
What are they going to say now?!? Zero. Zero. Zero.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk podcast
