"This summer, he was very driven": Steph Curry's escalated offseason training led to his hot start, according to Warriors' assistant
Steph Curry has started the new NBA season in blistering form. The superstar guard is shooting 53% from the field and 47.5% from 3-point range and is looking like a potential MVP candidate as a result. Curry is playing in his age-35 season but is still outpacing his opponents with his relentless off-ball movement and shooting ability.
Warriors assistant coach Bruce Fraser spoke with Sportskeeda's Mark Medina as part of an exclusive interview. He credited Curry's hot start to the season to the work he put in over the summer.
Fraser noted how Curry's work ethic seemed to be elevated all through the offseason.
“Steph’s offseason was more of the same – lots of shooting, lots of work on his strength and conditioning and ball handling," Fraser said. "It’s all the same stuff he does. But I thought this summer, he was very driven. He’s always very driven. But he worked more this summer than in previous summers. He was very driven this summer. The amount of work he was putting in seemed escalated."
He continued:
"He would play pickup games and work with the team more. He was incredible. From the amount of time he was putting in, that was one indication. With how much rhythm he was in all summer long, that was another indication. And now it’s the body of results that he’s put on display. That’s another indication.”
Curry is already creating highlight moments despite the season only being eight games old. In a recent contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Curry hit a game-winning jumper to secure his team's first-ever in-season tournament victory.
Draymond Green believes Curry is competing with the aging process
During an Oct. 28 appearance on Sirius XM NBA Radio, Draymond Green discussed Steph Curry's exceptional work ethic. According to Green, Curry is still one of the top point guards in the NBA despite being 35 years old.
The veteran forward noted how Curry's workouts are growing more intense as he continues to age. Green even joked that the superstar guard is in competition with the aging process, and currently, Curry is winning.
“He’s one of the most special people you’ll be around,” Green said during a recent appearance on Sirius XM NBA Radio. "He smiles. He’s the golden child. He’s all of these things – baby-faced assassin – you name it. Underneath all of that is a never-dying passing that’s just burning, raging. And he works as hard as I’ve ever seen anybody work."
He continued:
"Whether that’s in the weight room. Whether that’s on the basketball court. In life. He’s always reading a book. He works harder than anyone I’ve seen work. You can just watch him; he’s trying to defeat age. … This dude is trying to defeat age. He’s beating those odds right now.”
Curry is currently on pace to make his 10th All-Star appearance and could potentially help lead the Warriors to their fifth championship of their "Big Three" era. Curry's longevity is clearly down to his professionalism and dedication to remaining in fantastic shape.
Now, the Warriors are reaping the rewards of Curry's hard work, and another big season could be in store for them.