Kerr says Curry ‘humble human being, arrogant basketball player’

MANILA, Philippines – In the 3 years that the Golden State Warriors’ Steve Kerr spent with reigning back-to-back MVP Stephen Curry, the champion coach knows exactly who his superstar is.

Kerr articulated Curry’s personality well in a post-game interview after Curry unloaded 9 3-pointers for 42 points en route to a 139-115 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday, April 2 (Monday, April 3 in Manila). 

“He’s a very humble, modest human being, which you guys respect. And he’s an arrogant basketball player, which is what you need to be a superstar,” Kerr said in explaining how Curry hasn’t changed in the absence of another superstar, Kevin Durant.

“I don’t think he’s been any different with KD out in terms of his leadership. He’s still just Steph. He’s humble and cocky at the same time, which is why we like him,” the coach added.

Curry has shone brightly anew in the absence of the injured Durant, taking over offensively and also comfortably in charge of playmaking as Golden State rides an 11-game win streak. He recorded his 26th career 40-point game and his fourth this season. Curry also had 8 assists in that win.

Many attributed this to Durant’s absence, with Curry no longer trying to make way for the 2014 MVP. But Kerr begs to differ.

“He believes in himself and he goes out there and he’s looking to light it up every night,” he said. “And take him off the floor, you’ll find a kinder, gentler human being. It’s a pretty powerful force.”

Durant, who has been out since February 28 with a sprain and bone bruise in his left knee, may return this weekend before the regular season ends. – Rappler.com