”I Remember Asking” – Kobe Bryant Predicted That Stephen Curry Would Be A Superstar If He Could Avoid Injuries

By Uddipta Das On Jun 17, 2023 0

It is uncommon for basketball to have periods without superstars for aspiring players to admire. Currently, we find ourselves in an era where iconic figures like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry are gradually approaching the latter stages of their careers. However, seven years ago, basketball enthusiasts were concerned about how they would continue to enjoy the NBA following Kobe Bryant’s retirement.

Rapper Killer Mike shared an anecdote about his encounter with Kobe Bryant, recounting how he expressed uncertainty about who to watch in the NBA after Bryant’s retirement. In response, Bryant, known as the Black Mamba, confidently told the rapper that Stephen Curry was the next rising star to keep an eye on.

Kobe Bryant knew Stephen Curry would become a superstar

“I remember asking Kobe, ‘You finna retire on me, I don’t really know who I’m going to be like… He said, ‘I’m going to tell you, it’s this kid if he can stay healthy because he’s skinny… But I think he’s who you should follow. He’s this kid named Steph Curry.’ That’s when I started watching Steph in Golden State and he has not disappointed,” Killer Mike said.

.@KillerMike tells the story of how Kobe turned him into a @StephenCurry30 fan 🔥

Tap into a new episode of #TheShop, out now on @UNINTERRUPTED's YouTube! 💈 pic.twitter.com/yrEmFuwdcF

— The Shop UNINTERRUPTED (@TheShopUN) June 15, 2023

Following the 2015-16 season, Kobe Bryant retired, coinciding with the remarkable performance of the Golden State Warriors led by Stephen Curry, who achieved a remarkable 73-9 record. Notably, Curry became the first player in NBA history to secure a unanimous MVP award, a testament to his exceptional performance during one of the most dominant individual regular seasons witnessed in the league. Regrettably, despite his remarkable efforts, Curry’s team fell short of winning the championship that year.

Curry has become a legend

In the past seven years since Kobe Bryant identified Stephen Curry as the next great player in the NBA, Curry has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments. He has secured three NBA Championships, a Finals MVP award, made six All-Star teams, six All-NBA teams, and earned a scoring title and an All-Star Game MVP. These achievements further solidify his status as a two-time MVP, three-time All-Star, and three-time All-NBA player.

Throughout his career, Curry has maintained remarkable consistency, averaging 24.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Notably, as he has matured, he has made noticeable strides in his defensive abilities. Moreover, Curry holds the record for the most three-pointers made in NBA history.

Undoubtedly, Curry’s career stands out as one of the greatest in the last two decades, rivaling those of exceptional players like LeBron James. Consequently, Curry has lived up to the faith that the late Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant, had placed in him.