Eddy Curry was a center who played for teams like the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks and Miami Heat. Curry also appeared in the heat with the Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. During his tenure as an NBA player, he struggled with several issues and was often unfit. While with the Bulls, he was their top scorer and leader during the 2004-05 season. Curry had his best season statistically with New York, averaging 19.5 points per game during the 2006–07 season.
He was traded to the Knicks by the Bulls as they suspected he had heart problems and didn’t want to risk it. Curry declined during his time with the kicks and his relationship with their new coach, Mike D’Antoni, soured as he was unable to meet the fitness requirements for his training camps.
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When Eddy was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, he decided to buy out and was not a good fit. According to the Bleacher Report, he contacted Pat Riley to join Miami on one of their postseason runs. However, Heat’s front office felt that signing Curry for a full season made sense.
NBA Champion Eddy Curry talks about playing for LeBron James and the Miami Heat
Eddy Curry later won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat. Curry talks about the pressures and expectations of playing with the Big 3 in Miami in a podcast interview with DjVLad.
Eddy Curry tells @djvlad that the organization offered him $400,000 a year for 50 years while he was with the Chicago Bulls if he would take a DNA test to see if he developed heart problems. Curry refused to take the test.
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) June 24, 2022
Eddy Curry was part of the New York Knicks’ trade for Carmelo Anthony. The Minnesota Timberwolves allowed Curry to leave the Knicks when they faced Curry’s takeover during their 2011 rebuild. After becoming a free agent without playing a game for the Timberwolves, Curry signed and made his debut for the Miami Heat later in the 2011-12 season, 764 days after he last played his NBA game.
Curry, the fourth pick in the NBA draft, won a championship with the LeBron James-led team. Eddy Curry told DjVlad about the pressure of playing for LeBron James. DjVlad asked Curry: “What was it like when you entered this place?”
curry said “That was crazy! I’ve never felt so obligated to be ready. Even when I knew I wasn’t going to play, I had to be ready. Just a duty to stay in shape, in the best shape of my life too be.”
DIVE DEEPER
Eddy is reported to have lost over 70 pounds before even wearing the Heat jersey. This is likely the LeBron James Effect. Curry admits The Heat was the best team he’s ever played on. LeBron James’ influence was enough to push Curry to battle his fitness woes and revive his gaming spirit.
Eddy Curry wins an NBA championship
While it was known that Eddy Curry’s fitness was a problem in his career. He got the occasional minute during his time in the Heat and had to stay ready.
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This shot of Eddy Curry pacing behind LeBron is the most exercise he’s gotten since signing with the Knicks.
— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) June 22, 2012
LeBron arguably dumped the entire heat list and brought them to the NBA Finals. He’s proven why he deserves to be in the GOAT talk and the 2012 championship run in Miami is one of his biggest accomplishments.
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WATCH THIS STORY: How old was LeBron James at his first NBA Finals?
Eddy Curry and LeBron James won the NBA championship together in 2012. He played in 14 games during the 2012 season and even found himself a starter in one of those games. His contribution notwithstanding, Eddy Curry played with Miami’s Big 3, which is impressive in itself. Also, Eddy Curry is an NBA Champion, and that’s what counts at the end of the day!
