During Monday’s press conference, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel pointed out the importance of preparation and having optimum focus during practice sessions.
To make his point, McDaniel discussed a recent conversation he had with Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, whom he ran into while at the Four Seasons in Orlando.
Mike McDaniel Was ‘Too Rattled’ To Ask for Stephen Curry’s Phone Number
McDaniel recalled a chance encounter with Curry that happened back in March.
“I was talking to the team today about Steph Curry. I got a chance to talk to him this offseason, and he talked about every time he shoots, his focus is the same: on the front of the rim. [It’s the same in practice] as in games. He can do some elite stuff, but it comes back to his practice and preparation for those moments. It’s why he can do things that no one else can.”
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A reporter asked a follow-up question about when McDaniel got a chance to meet Curry. McDaniel said their conversation occurred while he was staying at the Four Seasons in Orlando. Curry was in town because the Warriors were facing the Orlando Magic, while McDaniel was enjoying a trip to Disney World with his wife, Katie.
“I ended up talking to him a little bit. My wife got a picture of us having a conversation,” McDaniel said. “I think he got a picture of us, but I was too rattled to ask for his phone number. If he’s listening to this press conference, I would love to get that picture! It was pretty cool.”
🎥 Mike McDaniel on meeting Steph Curry in Orlando back in March: “I ended up talking to [Curry] for a little bit… I was too rattled to ask for his phone number.” (@MiamiDolphins) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/qhAq8O8JyE
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) August 12, 2024
The Dolphins’ head coach has a lot of respect for the four-time NBA champion and two-time NBA MVP.
“He’s the extreme version of everything I believe in, in training for athletics,” McDaniel said.
This explains why McDaniel would cite Curry’s focus as an example to his team.
McDaniel estimated that their brief encounter lasted roughly five to 10 minutes. Curry recognized Miami’s head coach, so no formal introduction was required. McDaniel stated that he still finds it strange that people recognize him when he’s out in public.
“He did know who I was, which made no sense, much like every person in public that [recognizes me],” McDaniel said. “You know, people identify me a lot, and it never gets normal. Maybe I’m delusional, I don’t know, I just don’t ever expect it. That doesn’t make any sense.”