Legendary guitarist BB King couldn’t read music, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs didn’t know how to write computer code, and four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry is absolutely hopeless when it comes to spinning a ball on his finger.
‘So I can do a lot of things with a basketball – a lot of things,’ Curry said in a video posted on Team USA‘s social media pages ahead of this month’s Paris Olympics. ‘That is the one thing I can’t do.’
Popularized by the Harlem Globetrotters and mastered by everyone from Dr. J to middle school gym teachers, the trick requires the performer to balance a ball on an index finger while using the other hand to spin the sphere with enough centripetal force for it to remain in place.
The hardest part is getting started. Both hands are needed to send the ball into a rapid rotation before shifting one underneath to support the weight of the spinning orb. Some experts recommend getting the ball on top of a fingernail in order to reduce friction.
‘That’s one of the most embarrassing things,’ Curry continued as he tried and failed to accomplish the feat for the cameras. ‘You got me nervous even thinking about spinning a ball on my finger.’
Curry’s embarrassment is understandable.
When one spends as much time on a basketball court as he has, an ability to do these sorts of tricks is expected. Clearly has no such issues with shooting or dribbling – two areas of the game where he’s considered a master.
But fortunately for the Golden State Warriors star, he’s not the only member of Team USA who can’t perform the trick.
‘I’ll try – ain’t really my thing’ said LeBron James, who also struggled to pull of the maneuver.
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Coincidentally (or not), James was born in the same Akron, Ohio hospital as Curry, whose father was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers at the time of his birth. So, perhaps, there is something in the water Akron General Medical Center.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid wasn’t born in Akron, but rather Yaoundé, Cameroon, not that it makes any difference. Like Curry and James, the naturalized American citizen is also incapable of spinning a ball of his finger.
‘I’m probably the only guy on the team that cannot,’ Embiid said, unaware that Curry and James also failed.
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant didn’t hesitate to express his disappointment in Embiid.
‘That’s sickening,’ Durant said. ‘I thought he had more coordination than that.’
Durant was also surprised to learn that Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Halliburton struggled in this area as well.
‘At the point guard [and he] don’t know how to do that?’ Durant asked.
Boston Celtics point guard and two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday had no problem, although he misfired when he predicted that LA Lakers star and Team USA center Anthony Davis would be unable to duplicate the skill.
‘C’mon Jrue, you know me better than that,’ Davis said while effortless spinning the ball on his finger.
Team USA’s stars would have a hard time competing with former Pacers, Magic, Lakers and Suns coach Frank Vogel.
Now 51, Vogel was an eight grader growing up in New Jersey when he made an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. Remarkably, Vogel was able to spin a basketball on the end of an elongated toothbrush while simultaneously cleaning his teeth.
Team USA has a warmup vs. Team Canada on July 10 in Las Vegas before exhibitions in Abu Dhabi and London later this month.
The US will defend its Olympic gold medal beginning on July 28 against Serbia.