Shot Ready

Archie Mac | 8:13am GMT 26 October 2025

Published: 2025
Pages: 411
Author: Curry, Stephen
Publisher: Macmillan
Rating: 4 stars

The great talk show host and interviewer Michael Parkinson was once asked if all the famous people he interviewed had a common denominator. Parkinson answered, they worked harder than anyone else in their chosen profession.

Stephen Curry, the most accurate three point shooter in National Basketball Association (NBA) history, would personify Parkinson’s description. From a young age we learn Curry with the help of his father, also a former NBA player, trained and worked tirelessly to build a metronomic shooting style. Curry discloses early in Shot Ready of a number of training regimes he employed throughout his illustrious career which should be read by every aspiring Hooper.

Probably for the benefit of us too old to put Curry’s advice to practical use, the author quickly moves on to his selection at number seven in the national draft. Given Curry’s decorated and long career with the Gold State Warriors, it’s hard to imagine what history might look like if he’d been drafted, as expected, by the New York Knicks. Curry, despite initially having limited game time, seems to have quickly embraced his new surrounds, and writes he knew this would be his permanent home.

Unusually for modern times, Curry has remained a one-club player, giving his all to the Dubs. With four NBA championships, Curry would already go down as a champion of the game, however he will be best remembered for changing his chosen sport. Curry has taken the art of scoring three points consistently, and from greater distances than any player before him. Not surprisingly he holds the record for the most three points in the history of the NBA.

While Shot Ready, does cover Curry’s superlative career in the NBA, the book also includes his philosophy on life. These nuggets of wisdom are scattered throughout the book and are not just for aspiring sports people but would benefit most people in life. Curry mentions his commitment to god and the significance of faith in his life. He doesn’t preach or labour the point, however it is clearly an important part of his identity.

Apart from sport Curry has used his profile to give back to the community. In basketball he has set up clinics for talented young players. Apart from basketball his philanthropy extends to charities for less fortunate children.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read that takes you from the insecure rookie to the player at the peak of his craft, and then to the senior pro – using his experience to offer leadership and guidance to the next generation of NBA players. Curry presents as a dedicated family-man that loves basketball and at the age of 37 continues to give absolutely everything to the game.

It would be remiss not to acknowledge the superb production values of Shot Ready. Full colour illustrations in a large format provide a reading experience second to none. Curry and basketball fans will no doubt return to the book regularly to enjoy the layout and quality photos. This book should not be missed by any sports fan.