Selecting Curry

I've always been in awe of Stephen Curry. Remarkable - all the 3-pt shooting bonanazas he's cooked-up. However, for whatever reasons, I've never found it easy root for him. Even when I pulled for Dubs over Cavs in four consecitive NBA Finals (2015-18) - I reveled in Andre Igoudala's MVP and Kevin Durant's big shots.

When Curry hit his fourth three to clinch the gold medal for USA over France I hopped onto eBay to purchase my first Steph card. I didn't care for the night-night braggadocio. But as I shook my head, I realized I was also smiling.

Steph's undeniable heroics had won me over.

And I was finding plenty of appealing cards in my <$15 price range.

Hard to say exactly why Chef Curry hadn't matched my particular taste. Golden State is a historically cool franchise. Run TMC, C-Webb and Spree, the Baron Davis led playoff runs. And the all-time point guard's dynastic squads have always been fun to watch, with their off ball movement and pinball passing - Showtime 2K?. Even when the Warriors were on top, they were quite likable.

Maybe it's his mannerisms. Chewing the mouth guard... I don't know - any NBA player should exude confidence. I suppose swagger should be applauded as well, if not at least expected. Such airs likely help players get in the zone or harness the flow. Curry certainly has the chops to back it up - the deep bag of shots from way downtown, the handles, even hustle.

I admit I'm too critical. Being a fan can be a funny thing... We can be unreasonable. We often can not logically explain our preferences. Nor do we have to. The whole structure of pro sports is set up for us to consume. Root passionately. Obliviously even.

I chose Curry's first issue Select to commemorate his golden moment (and semifinal master showcase vs. Serbia.)

Since I returned to the hobby in 2022, it's been confusing trying to sift through the multitude of Panini sets. Prizm is the flagship, but what to make of everything else? Prestige, Mosaic, Illusions, Phoenix, Spectra, Court Kings, Crown Royale, Score, Donruss, Optic, Chronicles, Contenders...

Lately, for me, Select has risen to the top. I prefer it over Prizm.

With all the modern parallels I find it hard to rank what I'm holding. Checklists grow tedious. I don't mind as much for Select because each version offers variety. Alternate photo, new design. Courtside, Premier, Mezzanine, Concourse - these designations connect back to Flair's various seating charts. Courtside's bold, wavy tiger stripes are sweet. And Premier, with it's in-the-key foil arcs and flashy lanes conjures a lock and key design. Like the collector might crack open a treasure chest, or untap a hidden level in a video game.

A Balcony iteration could be fun. Maybe for like a team card that shows the court design from the nosebleeds.

For real, Select is a sharp set. It's got some history - matching up with Prizm's first release in 2012. It's got the recognizable Silver (refractor-like) parallel. Select is a cool word too. It connects to draft day. "The Golden State Warriors select..." And I did indeed enjoy impulsively select-ing my first Curry card.

Nearly satiated, I searched on for a Steph card in the Warriors earlier uniform from his rookie year. The warrior (ninja) character, navy, yellow and orange. A bit of a gap in product from 2009 -2012 yielded few options.

Curry's 2009 Generation Next card now sits in my digital shopping cart. Backs of modern cards often disappoint me. Same photo or no photo. Minimal player info. Hasty write-up. This one is a winner. Rookie Steph in alternate white uniform is clapping resolutely (mouth guard in), beseeching me to complete the purchase.

Returning to the digital market later that I night, I analyzed the GN card. It occurred to me that Curry never hesitates before he shoots. I pivoted to buying Select cards of another player I also revere, another USA basketball legend.

I've always rooted for Kevin Durant. Nickname: Slim Reaper. Drafted by the Supersonics. KD is always steely calm on the court. Protracted drag dribbles. His defensive reach seems exaggerated. His jumper - balletic, elastic, poetic - makes me picture a waterfall, or a shiny coin clinking into a soda machine. Easy money. Come to think of it Select is a nice match for his elegant game.

Feeling as decisive as Steph on a catch-and-shoot 3 from the logo, I snapped up KD cards from three Select sets and called it a night (night).