The Baby-Faced Assassin

Can someone be a competitive killer and still be a nice person? 

NBA phenom Steph Curry proves you can. In the words of a contemporary athlete, “He’s the nicest dude there is, and on the court he’s a killer.” Curry’s competitiveness is legendary, even among wickedly competitive peers. 

He doesn’t want to lose a shooting competition, a round of golf, or a friendly game of cards. “Losing is just the worst feeling in life,” says Curry. He’s so ruthless, Curry prefers to play on the road just so he can silence crowds with his shooting skill. Even at 33 years old, his teammates call him the Baby-Faced Assassin. 

While shredding his competitors to pieces with his shooting accuracy and ball skills, Curry plays with joy. He brings a childlike enthusiasm to every game and makes three-point shots with the playful smile of a cartoon panda. 

Although an intense and fierce competitor, Curry has an easy-going and positive personality. He likes to shine a light on others. His small acts of kindness toward fans at games have become a personal trademark.

Steph Curry is arguably one of the best shooters the game has ever seen, but he is more committed to helping others than he is to further perfecting his shot. His foundation (Eat. Learn. Play.) has served over a million meals to children in Oakland, California — many of which he has delivered himself. He is deeply committed to his family and makes spending time with his children his highest priority. 

The next time someone excuses the bad behavior of a highly competitive person by suggesting a killer instinct requires a nasty demeanor, think of Steph Curry. Curry proves that the ambition to win does not have to be connected to a sour personality. In fact, perhaps a playful disposition is best suited for those who aspire to win at everything, including life.