Stephen Curry, who built himself up and returned to glory: Our NBA Person of the Year

The Athletic will be highlighting the biggest impact in the U.S. sports we cover in December. Next up is Stephen Curry, who at 34 led the Golden State Warriors to their fourth title in eight seasons and won his first NBA Finals MVP award.

Curry and his trainer Brandon Payne worked on his mechanics and recovery. They also worked to make him quicker and more efficient. Curry wanted to be prepared for the end of his career. He was a middle schooler when his father played his final two seasons in Toronto. He remembers the labor his dad required to get ready to play. The meticulous ramp-up needed to prepare for NBA intensity took a toll. His father was playing for Toronto at the time. Stephen Curry wants to avoid that. he wants the day he loses a step. It's possible that his training will prevent that from happening. it's also possible it will help him prevent physical decline.