Seth Curry Had the Confidence, Now Finding the Comfort
By Isaac Harris
For Seth Curry, gaining confidence is not what he credits for his breakout season. It’s the growing comfort in his new home and new role.
Up until January 9th, Seth Curry’s role in Dallas was somewhat unknown.
In the first 34 games of the season, Curry started in just six games while coming off the bench in 24 games. He played off the ball to Deron Williams and J.J. Barea at times while still getting time at point guard running the second unit.
His role was constantly changing.
Now, his role is simple. On January 12th, Rick Carlisle inserted Curry into the starting unit and he has been the starting point guard ever since. With 22 consecutive games starting, Seth Curry has taken his opportunity and ran with it.
His energy on the court is contagious on both ends of the floor. He’s pulling up from that Curry bloodline range. He is driving the lane and finishing over the best bigs in the league. It’s like a bird that has been in the cage his entire life is finally flying high in the world.
Some would say that it’s his confidence that is growing, but that’s not the case according to Curry.
"“I’m getting more comfortable, I wouldn’t say it’s my confidence growing. I just know I can affect the game every night and I play with an edge every time I step onto the court every time. Play with energy and try to get the crowd involved and stuff like that,” Curry said."
Since the All-Star break, Curry has taken his game to new heights.
Over the last five games since the break, Curry is averaging 23.6 ppg, .59 FG%, and .55% from behind the arc. As his breakout season continues, it’s not just the media that recognizes it, but his teammates are crediting the hard work he has put in.
“He came in very confident. Worked very hard over the last couple of years. I saw him a couple of years ago in training camp with the Warriors,” Harrison Barnes said after the win against Miami.
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“He has improved a lot since then but I think with the added opportunity that coach has been giving him this year he has been able to really get into a groove, get confidence, get game reps and that has been what really has taken his game to the next level,” Barnes said.
Curry’s role as a scorer in the starting unit is now defined and he has taken that next step in his career. From his ‘swagger’ on the court to his mellow personality off the court, his confidence has never wavered. But now Curry finally feels comfortable and a new player has been born.
When I asked Rick Carlisle if he has seen Curry’s confidence grow this season, Carlisle knows Curry doesn’t lack confidence.
"“He didn’t have a confidence problem when he got here…and he still doesn’t,” Carlisle said."
For some players, the key to success is finding the confidence in themselves and their game. For Seth Curry, it’s finding the comfort in his role and new system in Dallas.
Next: Melvin Hunt: From Teaching Math to Teaching Hall of Famers
Now he’s found it and the league has taken notice…or at least they should.