Rare Air...

I finally had an opportunity to go watch ‘Air’ yesterday before going to work out and then watch the Bay Area’s beloved Golden State Warriors. Little did I know, I would have an epiphany listening to the pitch Sonny gave to Jordan’s mother, as well as the family about creating a shoe around him, as a player. The move was an incredible risk and unprecedented at the time in the sporting shoe industry in 1984! As we all know now, it paid off for everyone, including competing shoe brands. That got me thinking about Stephen Curry. The man, father, brother, athlete, human being realms in rare air, like Jordan. It’s once in every other generation we see a true grinding force pivoting the way a whole league plays the game.  

Earlier in the morning as I was munching on some nutrition to fuel me for the morning and afternoon, I thought I would tune in and see what national sports analysts were discussing. To my delight and ire, ‘First Take’ with Stephen A. Smith and varied plucked sports analysts on ESPN were debating the value and status of one Stephen Curry’s legacy. I could NOT disagree more with their subjective conclusions. Curry is a once in a generation player. As he continues to build on an already mind-blowing career in the NBA, he’s often overshadowed by LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Wardell Stephen Curry, drafted as the 7th pick by the Golden State Warriors in 2009. The Warriors were ecstatic that he was available to nab, and build a team around his talent. Jerry West was a consultant for the Warriors at the time, and was beyond impressed, blown away honestly at his work ethic, drive, grit, grind and absolute natural shooting stroke. The remaining talking heads as well as fans were not enthused, especially when Warriors GM and front office traded Monta Ellis away. Whelp, this is why we are where we are in the bleacher seats, on the sidelines, and they were creating a dynasty. Like Sonny and Mrs. Jordan knew about the internal drive and desire quietly bubbling below the surface of Michael Jordan, Bob Meyers, Jerry West and Joe Lacob could vision the capacity and swagger circulating through the veins of a ‘sleight’ ‘skinny’ ‘small’ Guard out of Davidson. They knew taking the risk on that babyface assassin would run circles around opposing teams and break ankles as he carries the nine bay area counties on his back towards titles and a legacy no one can deny. He trail-blazed a spectacular shoe deal himself, placing Under Armour on the map of must-have shoes! (sound familiar?). 

I’m mystified by national professional sports writers and media analysts of how they continue to dismiss him as a GOAT of his generation?!!! I mean, he’s beaten LeBron James already three times for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. He’s sat Jokic down in early playoff rounds; he beat Kevin Durant enough for him to finally win his ring with the Warriors; James Harden, Chris Paul… All given tee times. Lebron James had to ‘take his talents’ to Miami, joining Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to finally get his ring; he then went back to the Cavaliers, and had to get Draymond Green suspended in order to bring back a title to Cleveland; now, with the Lakers, I feel if it wasn’t for Anthony Davis, there’s no way ‘King James’ brings another title to the Lakers in the Bubble Year. 

There’s only a few that have walked or walking across the perfectly polished hardwood courts in the NBA that make our jaws drop and remedy us speechless at their athletic feats with a 29.5” leather-dimpled ball. In my lifetime, I’ve experienced 6- Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the l980’s; Michael Jordan in the 1990’s; Kobe Bryant and Lebron James in the 2000’s; last but definitely not least, Wardell Stephen Curry in the 2010’s and continuing now! The Warriors were in the NBA Finals in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022, winning 4 titles in 6 appearances. They would not have made it that far or have won without Curry present. 

The clash of titans between LeBron James and Stephen Curry continues now as the Los Angeles Lakers play the Golden State Warriors with the winning team having an opportunity to play for the Western Conference title. The factors I believe will be the difference of either L.A. winning the series, versus Golden State, do not involve LeBron. What will make the difference would be the significance of Anthony Davis on the floor, and presence on defensive end regarding rebounds and blocks; rebounding and curbing unforced turnovers on Golden State’s end; last but not least, the performance of Steph, and creating best shot selection for himself as well as teammates on the floor. These are the factors I feel (in my humble amateur fan girl opinion) will be the difference of what we will experience as the series continues down I-5 to Lala Land and the Staple… Oh,wait,  uh-hum, I mean Crypto.com Center. Okay, well that and if the refs are being told by Network heads to make sure the series goes seven games… (I am telling you, sometimes I absolutely wonder about that controversial thought…) Doh!  

Enjoy the Playoffs! I, of course, will be rooting for the Bay Area’s Gold Blooded Warriors to continue their run for another NBA title! Strength in Numbers; keep faith in Steph and the team, coaches surrounding an amazing generational talent. Cherish the experiences and play while Curry blesses us with his presence on the court!