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Stephen Curry: Most Valuable (and Humble) Player

By Maggie Pilloton

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Best shooter in the NBA. Face of the Golden State Warriors franchise. Baby-faced assassin. In addition to these titles, Stephen Curry can now add another one to his résumé: MVP.

Monte Poole of Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area first reported on Sunday afternoon that Curry would be named MVP, and it was then confirmed on Monday that Curry is officially the NBA’s MVP of the 2014-15 season, after receiving 100 out of the possible 135 first-place votes.

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The 2014-15 season was a magical one for Curry and the Warriors. This season, Curry averaged 23.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 2.0 steals in 32.7 minutes per game in 80 games. He also shot 48.7 percent from the field, 44.3 percent from three-point range, and 91.4 percent on free throws. In addition to putting up these dazzling statistics, he also was a record breaker this season.

Among his many accomplishments this season, Curry was the leading vote-getting for the 2015 All-Star Game, he started the All-Star Game for the Western Conference for the second straight season, he was rewarded with his own signature shoe (the Curry One), he broke his own single season record for three-pointers with 286, and he led the Warriors to a 67-15 record, which was the best in the NBA and the sixth best record in NBA history.

There was not one player in the NBA that was more impactful and successful this season than Curry, hence why he won MVP. He is more than deserving of this MVP award, and Dub Nation is incredibly proud that their superstar is finally earning the national recognition that he has deserved for several seasons.

Not only was Curry deserving of this MVP award on the court, but he is also an MVP off the court.

Some superstars in sports have good character, make an impact on their community, and, generally, are good people. However, Curry goes beyond that. His humility is what sets him apart from a typical NBA superstar, or professional athlete, in general.

According to several sources close to him, Curry has not changed who he is as he has gained more fame. He hasn’t let the money and the fame get to his head. In fact, the “celebrity” status might’ve even made him more humble. He works extremely hard for everything, but he is also incredibly thankful and courteous.

Feb 14, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates during the 2015 NBA All Star Three Point Contest competition at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

In his MVP press conference on Monday, he took the time to thank each of his teammates individually, Warriors fans, the Warriors equipment manager, the media relations staff, each security guard at Oracle Arena, and, of course, his family. In addition, he donated his prize car for the MVP award to the East Oakland Youth Development Center.

Curry showed the professionalism, class, and respect during his press conference that he shows every day on the court. When speaking about his family, Curry choked up and got a little emotional. Here’s what Curry said about his wife:

"“I gotta start with my wife,” said Curry. “I can’t thank you enough for who you are as a person, how you challenged me, inspired me every single day.”“Whether I have a good game or bad game, we lose we win,” Curry told his wife from the podium, “when I go home, things are good.”"

Curry then spoke about his father, who he’s very close to and who truly taught him how to be an NBA player, as Dell Curry was a 16-year NBA veteran:

"“To be able to follow in your footsteps,” said Curry, failing to hold back tears, “it means a lot to me.”"

Curry also said that his family and his faith are “10 times more important” to him than basketball is. Basketball is his job, but his family is his reason for success, happiness, and worth.

Many people say that Curry is a fantastic basketball player, but he’s an even better person, as Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, Warriors President and Chief Operation Officer Rick Welts, and Warriors general manager Bob Myers alluded to during Monday’s press conference.

"“You all know what he can do on the basketball court,” Warriors general manager Bob Myers said of Curry. “But, to be honest, you’re missing the best part of him if that’s all you know.”"

His teammates agree:

There is nothing better in sports than witnessing a humble underdog with great character win one of the biggest honors in sports, an MVP award. The only thing that would be better for a Warriors fan than witnessing Curry win MVP would be to watch him lead the Warriors to an NBA title. That could be up next for the motivated superstar.

Curry is the ultimate role model, and I feel so lucky to have witnessed his transformation from a skinny college kid with a dream to an NBA MVP, all while maintaining his high level of character, gratitude, and humility.

Congratulations, Steph Curry. You’re a true MVP on and off the court.

Next: Warriors Mailbag: Rest, Rotation, Speights

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