Introduction

Is Stephen Curry's prowess as a 3-point shooter unparalleled, even if he were to play in the 90s era? This article explores whether the legendary shooter would uphold his status or if the rules and defensive tactics of his time would hinder his success.

Curry's Skills and Stats in the Modern NBA

Stephen Curry is a pioneer in 3-point shooting, averaging around 30 points per game and setting numerous records. His ability to shoot quickly and with unmatched precision at various ranges is unparalleled. His mechanics, many argue, are the best of all time, making him the quintessential 3-point specialist in the NBA.

Challenges in the 90s: Rules and Defenses

However, if Curry were to play in the 90s, would his playing style and success be hindered significantly due to the rules and defensive tactics of his era?

Physical Defenses and Rule Differences

In the 90s, defensive tactics were more physical. Players could use their hands, arms, and bodies to impede an opponent, making for a different game. Multiple forms of checking players, from hand checks to body checks, were common, and rules were less stringent compared to today's standards. For instance, flagrant fouls we know today were not as prevalent or heavily enforced.

The ability to challenge and restrict a player's space to shoot would have been more pronounced. Opponents would likely target Curry in a variety of ways, such as picking him up deeper in the backcourt, pressing him closer to half-court, or using more aggressive body checks. This would limit his ability to shoot comfortably and freely.

Worse, the physicality of the game in the 90s was such that players were often more willing to be aggressive in their defensive strategies. Historically, players like Shaquille O'Neal, Michael Jordan, and Detroyer "Dr. J" often faced defenders hanging on to them, yet still managed to score at a high rate. The mentality of the era was often "no blood, no foul," meaning that players were expected to play physical and get past defenses, which meant fewer fouls were called.

This era's defense was much more challenging, and it would take a considerable adjustment for players to adapt. A typical player of today would not likely be able to withstand such physical play and still perform at a high level.

Physical play also meant that injuries that would be milked for days to weeks in today’s era were often played through or accepted as a cost of doing business. This difference in mentality could impact the longevity and success of players in the 90s, as modern training and medical advancements have drastically improved how players manage and recover from injuries.

Impact on Curry's Success

Given these challenges, Curry would not have the same level of freedom and opportunity to consistently shoot from far beyond the arc as he does now. His scoring average would likely be reduced to around 24-26 points per game, rather than his current 30-point average.

Despite this reduction, Curry's skill and talent would still make him one of the best 3-point shooters of his era. His mechanics and shot selection would likely be unmatched, even in the more physical and restrictive environment of the 90s. His ability to control the timing of his shots and to adjust his form based on the defensive pressure would allow him to remain one of the top shooters.

Conclusion

Stephen Curry's unparalleled 3-point shooting skills would still shine through even in the physical and restrictive setting of the 90s. However, the rules and defensive tactics of the era would undoubtedly affect his numbers and consistency. Nevertheless, his mechanics and shot selection would make him a formidable force, leading the discussion of best 3-point shooters in the 90s.

Would he hold the best title? The answer, based on his extraordinary skills and the unique aspects of his play, is a resounding yes. His unique shooting ability and physical attributes would allow him to overcome most challenges and remain one of the top shooters of his time, if not the best.