The introduction of the three-point line by the NBA was originally intended as a minor addition to the sport, a simple hook to boost offensive production during a period defined by low-scoring games and physical defense. Yet, with the arrival of Stephen Curry, this distant shot was transformed into a lethal focal point capable of securing league titles.
This shift ignited a perimeter-shooting revolution that permanently altered how basketball is played. During the 1980s, the Boston Celtics paced the NBA by launching just 4.3 shots from beyond the arc per contest. Fast forward to their 2024 championship run, and Boston once again paced the league, this time hoisting an astonishing 42.5 three-pointers per game throughout the regular season.
Reflecting on this transformation, two-time league champion and “Inside the NBA” analyst Kenny Smith argues that this modern landscape would not exist without the influence of former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson. Smith contends that Jackson did not just rescue Curry’s professional trajectory, but actually salvaged the entire league by paving the way for today’s style of play.
“Prior to Mark’s arrival, Steph Curry was routinely benched during the final periods,” Smith explained. “The coaching staff relied heavily on Monta Ellis, believing Steph was a defensive liability down the stretch who couldn’t cope with that pressure. I remember watching those Golden State teams, hearing those doubts, and knowing he was on the trading block right up until Mark Jackson took the reins.”
The Warriors choose Curry over Ellis
Entering the league as the seventh pick in the 2009 draft, Curry joined a struggling Golden State squad that had finished 29-53 under the scoring leadership of Stephen Jackson, who averaged 20.7 points. The roster also featured Monta Ellis, the recipient of the 2006-07 Most Improved Player award, who occupied the starting shooting guard spot after averaging 19.7 points the previous season.
In his first year, the Davidson standout shared the backcourt with Ellis, though Monta remained the primary focal point of the offense. Even so, the rookie logged significant playing time, averaging 36.2 minutes per match. While a lack of historical quarter-by-quarter data makes it difficult to verify, Smith’s assertion that Curry was entirely kept out of fourth quarters seems somewhat exaggerated.
Nonetheless, Kenny’s recollection is accurate regarding the trade rumors of that time, which suggested the Warriors considered sending Curry to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Andrew Bogut, prior to ultimately sending Ellis east in that blockbuster swap.
Jackson subsequently noted that parting ways with Monta cleared the path to establish a team identity and playing style tailored around Steph’s unique talents, laying down the cornerstone for Golden State’s future championship run.
Jackson’s impact went far beyond the Golden State franchise
With Steph directing the offense during the 2012-13 campaign, Golden State posted a 47-35 record, clinching their first postseason berth since the iconic “We Believe” squad. They recorded 51 wins the following year, yet a first-round playoff exit prompted the front office to dismiss Jackson, despite his achievement of consecutive playoff appearances. Steve Kerr subsequently assumed the head coaching duties, setting off a legendary dynasty.
“His influence went beyond just rescuing the team; he preserved the entire league,” Smith remarked concerning Jackson’s legacy. “When you look at Steph Curry, Jackson preserved the sport by nurturing his development and giving him the freedom to showcase his true self. He protected the game and reshaped modern basketball culture around Steph’s style.”
Following his departure from the Bay Area, Jackson has not secured another head coaching position in the league. Various observers point to a multitude of factors explaining this absence, yet it remains remarkable that over a decade has passed without him receiving another opportunity on the sidelines.
While Jackson certainly provided the platform for Curry to shine, leading to the guard’s ultimate success, it is highly probable that a player of the two-time MVP’s immense caliber would have eventually achieved greatness regardless of who was coaching him.
This article was initially released by Basketball Network on August 31, 2026, debuting in their Off The Court category. You can select Basketball Network as a favored source by clicking here.
