Being the son of a 16-year NBA veteran doesn't always guarantee success or an easy path to basketball's big leagues.
Seth Curry, son of Dell Curry, is one of the many second generation NBA players who knows a thing or two about that. Even his older brother, Stephen, who's now a two-time NBA MVP and champion, had that as a youngster.
Unlike Steph and all the others, though, Seth Curry's journey is a little too up-and-down than usual.
Seth had stats and accolades upon graduating at Charlotte Christian School, but only drew attention to smaller schools, like Liberty. In there, he had to work his way up the ranks – which he successfully did in one season – before being able to transfer to Duke, a much respectable basketball program.
The same challenges welcomed him with the Blue Devils, and again he responded. From riding the bench, he eventually became one of Duke's key scorers and playmakers.
Such resiliency didn't do much for him moving forward. Seth Curry went undrafted in the 2013 NBA draft, and then bounced around the country playing in minor leagues and getting occasional 10-day contracts.
The constant moves ended when the Dallas Mavericks gave Curry a true opportunity last season, where he became a regular part of the rotation. The rebuilding Mavs' trust in the journeyman paid off, as Curry was able to net 15.6 points and 2.3 threes per game on 50.6 percent shooting upon becoming a starter.
And then… another road block.
Seth Curry hurt his left leg prior to the start of the season, and has missed all of the Mavs' 38 games on the year. It has left him watching rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. take over his spot instead of competing for it.
Curry shared his frustration and aim to finally return to the hardwood with the Rick Bonnell of The News&Observer this past week.
“It’s very, very frustrating,”
“I knew I would have a big role coming into the season. I prepared myself all summer for this season. It’s a huge setback, obviously, but I just have to attack my rehab with what I can do to help myself get back.”
The Mavs are currently sitting towards the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 13-25 slate, and the team is still long ways ahead of returning to prominence. Still, there's no denying that Seth Curry would've had a great part in the Mavs' attack had he been healthy.
He is reportedly able to shoot and do running in the pool, and should be able to return sometime this season.
