The annals of NBA history, few players have managed to leave as indelible a mark as Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors superstar has revolutionized the game of basketball with his unparalleled shooting ability, redefining the concept of three-point shooting. But while Curry is often celebrated for his incredible range and scoring prowess, another aspect of his game has been steadily evolving: his ability to facilitate offense and rack up assists. In a recent game, Curry surpassed NBA legend Rajon Rondo on the all-time assists list, cementing his status as one of the most complete point guards the league has ever seen.
The milestone is a significant achievement for Curry, who has long been compared to some of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Moving ahead of Rondo, one of the best pure passers the game has ever witnessed, underscores Curry’s growth as a playmaker and his ability to make his teammates better. This moment not only adds another accolade to Curry’s illustrious career but also offers an opportunity to reflect on how he has redefined the role of the modern point guard.
Curry’s Journey to the Milestone
To fully appreciate Curry’s ascent on the all-time assists list, it’s important to look back at his journey. When Curry entered the league in 2009 as the seventh overall pick out of Davidson, few could have predicted the impact he would have on the game. Known primarily as a shooter, Curry wasn’t immediately viewed as a traditional point guard, especially in the early stages of his career. However, as his game developed, so too did his playmaking ability.
Curry’s evolution into a premier facilitator has been one of the most underrated aspects of his career. While he was known for his scoring, particularly from beyond the arc, Curry worked diligently to improve his court vision, basketball IQ, and decision-making skills. These qualities helped him transform from a scoring guard into a true floor general, capable of orchestrating one of the most potent offenses in NBA history.
Over the years, Curry’s assist numbers have climbed steadily. While his career average of just under 7 assists per game might not stand out compared to some of the all-time great passers, it’s important to note the style of offense that the Warriors have employed during Curry’s time in the league. The Warriors’ system, under head coach Steve Kerr, emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and unselfishness. As a result, many of Curry’s assists come within the flow of the offense, often leading to open three-point shots or easy baskets at the rim.
Passing Rondo on the all-time assists list is a testament to Curry’s consistency and longevity. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Curry has remained one of the most reliable playmakers in the league, continuing to dish out assists at a high rate while leading the Warriors to multiple championships. His ability to balance scoring with facilitating has been key to Golden State’s sustained success.
Rajon Rondo’s Legacy as an Elite Passer
To understand the significance of Curry surpassing Rajon Rondo on the all-time assists list, it’s important to recognize Rondo’s legacy as one of the greatest passers in NBA history. Rondo, a two-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, built his career on his elite court vision, pinpoint passing, and basketball IQ. Known for his ability to control the tempo of the game and find his teammates in the perfect spots, Rondo earned a reputation as one of the most unselfish players in the league.
Rondo’s prime came during his time with the Boston Celtics, where he played alongside Hall of Famers like Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. Rondo’s ability to distribute the ball effectively made him the engine of those Celtics teams, particularly during their 2008 championship run. He led the league in assists three times (2012, 2013, and 2016) and consistently ranked among the top passers during his career.
While Rondo’s career assist totals are impressive, what truly set him apart was his ability to elevate his play during the postseason. Rondo’s playoff performances, particularly his memorable triple-doubles and clutch passing in high-pressure moments, earned him the nickname “Playoff Rondo.” His basketball IQ, combined with his ability to dissect opposing defenses, made him a nightmare for teams during deep playoff runs.
For Curry to surpass a player of Rondo’s caliber on the all-time assists list is no small feat. Rondo’s career was defined by his playmaking, whereas Curry’s reputation has largely been built on his scoring. The fact that Curry, a player known for his three-point shooting, is now passing one of the greatest passers in NBA history speaks volumes about his overall skill set and longevity in the game.
Curry’s Evolution as a Point Guard
While Stephen Curry’s shooting abilities have often overshadowed his other skills, his growth as a point guard has been just as impressive. In the early stages of his career, Curry was often viewed as more of a combo guard, someone who could score in bunches but wasn’t necessarily a traditional floor general. However, as the years went by, Curry began to embrace the responsibilities of running an offense and making his teammates better.
One of the key moments in Curry’s evolution as a playmaker came during the 2014-2015 season, when Steve Kerr took over as head coach of the Warriors. Kerr’s system placed a heavy emphasis on ball movement, off-ball screens, and unselfish play. This system allowed Curry to showcase not only his shooting but also his ability to pass the ball and create for others. Under Kerr’s guidance, Curry’s assist numbers began to rise, and he became more comfortable as the primary facilitator of the Warriors’ offense.
Curry’s ability to pass out of double teams and find open shooters became a critical component of the Warriors’ success. As teams began to focus more on stopping Curry’s scoring, he responded by improving his passing, often finding teammates like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala for open shots. This willingness to trust his teammates and make the right play helped the Warriors become one of the most efficient offensive teams in NBA history.
In addition to his on-court passing, Curry’s leadership and ability to communicate with his teammates also contributed to his development as a point guard. Over the years, he has become more vocal, taking on the role of a leader both on and off the court. His unselfish approach to the game has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches, and it’s one of the reasons why the Warriors have been able to sustain their success for so long.
Comparing Curry and Rondo: Two Different Styles of Playmaking
While both Curry and Rondo have now etched their names into the NBA record books as two of the league’s top assist leaders, their styles of playmaking couldn’t be more different. Rondo’s approach to the game was always that of a traditional point guard: he prioritized passing, rarely looking to score unless absolutely necessary. His court vision and ability to read defenses were his greatest strengths, and he often made the “hockey assist” — a pass that led to an assist.
Curry, on the other hand, operates in a more modern, dynamic style. While he can certainly pass and create for his teammates, his playmaking is often a byproduct of his scoring ability. Opposing defenses are so focused on stopping Curry’s shooting that it opens up passing lanes for him to find his teammates. Curry’s ability to draw defenders away from the basket creates opportunities for others, and he is adept at making quick, decisive passes that lead to easy scores.
Rondo’s passing was more methodical, often waiting for the perfect moment to deliver a precision pass, while Curry’s playmaking is often more spontaneous, occurring in the flow of the game. Curry’s assists frequently come from his ability to push the pace and create fast-break opportunities, whereas Rondo excelled in half-court sets, where he could dissect the defense and find open teammates.
The Broader Impact of Curry’s Milestone
Curry’s achievement in passing Rondo on the all-time assists list is more than just a personal milestone. It reflects the broader changes in the NBA and the evolution of the point guard position. In today’s game, point guards are expected to be not only facilitators but also scorers. The days of the traditional “pass-first” point guard are fading, as more and more teams rely on their floor generals to contribute heavily on the offensive end.
Curry is the embodiment of this shift. His ability to score at will, combined with his improved playmaking, makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league. While players like Rondo will always be celebrated for their passing abilities, Curry’s skill set represents the new standard for point guards in the NBA: players who can do it all.
As Curry continues to climb the all-time assists list, it’s worth considering where he will ultimately rank among the greatest point guards in NBA history. While Magic Johnson, John Stockton, and Steve Nash are often mentioned as the top-tier point guards, Curry’s unique blend of scoring, passing, and leadership puts him in the conversation as one of the most complete players to ever play the position.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Curry?
At 36 years old, Stephen Curry is showing no signs of slowing down. His ability to stay in peak physical condition, combined with his basketball IQ and shooting touch, suggests that he still has several productive years ahead of him. As he continues to add to his assist total and other career achievements, Curry’s legacy as one of the all-time greats is already secure.
For the Warriors, Curry’s milestone is just another reminder of how fortunate they are to have him as the face of their franchise. As the team looks to compete for more championships in the coming years, Curry’s playmaking will be just as important as his scoring. His ability to involve his teammates and create opportunities for others will continue to be a key factor in the Warriors’ success.
In conclusion, Stephen Curry’s rise to pass Rajon Rondo on the all-time assists list is a significant moment in NBA history. It highlights not only Curry’s individual growth as a player but also the broader evolution of the point guard position. As Curry continues to make his mark on the game, basketball fans around the world will undoubtedly appreciate the brilliance of a player who has transformed the sport in so many ways.
Leave a Reply