Stephen Curry, the iconic face of modern basketball, is coming to terms with the reality of retirement as he embarks on his 16th NBA season. At 36, the Golden State Warriors standout has reflected on his illustrious career and recognized the approaching end of his time on the court.
During insightful interviews, Curry has expressed, "It’s okay to accept and acknowledge the end is near," noting this acceptance allows him to enjoy the present moment even more. He believes, "The more we speak about it, the greater the urgency to seize every moment becomes.” With his timeline narrowing, Curry is embracing every victory and every game more passionately than ever.
This season, Curry’s impact remains undeniable. Despite facing some declining statistics, he still averages 21.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. While these numbers are down compared to previous seasons—he averaged nearly 30 points per game not long ago—the two-time MVP's contributions continue to be pivotal for the Warriors.
Last season, the Warriors stumbled during the NBA Play-In tournament, and both Curry and his teammate Draymond Green understand the pressure to succeed. Curry stated, "If victories aren't coming, the dialogue shifts toward how we can secure success for ourselves and the team." The urgency to win is palpable, not just for Curry but for the entire Warriors organization.
This narrative of urgency is particularly relevant as the Warriors prepare to face the rival Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day. Currently, the Warriors sit at eighth place in the Western Conference, eyeing opportunities to solidify their postseason chances. With their record currently at 15-13, the season has not been as smooth sailing as they had hoped after starting strong at 12-3.
Curry's on-court performances reflect this unevenness as well. He has struggled recently, culminating in one notable game against the Memphis Grizzlies where he failed to make any field goals—a stark reminder of the reality of aging athletes. His performance woes are not due to lack of effort, but rather the natural wear and tear experienced by players as their careers advance.
Despite these realities, Curry remains determined. His focus is clear: he wants at least one more shot at the championship trophy he has hoisted four times before. Reflecting on his contract, Curry is tied to the Warriors through the 2025-26 season, leaving room for potential greatness before he hangs up his sneakers.
When asked directly about how many more seasons he envisions, Curry gives little away, leaving fans and analysts to ponder how many more opportunities the basketball world has to watch him play. He comments, "I think it’s important to realize both I and my teammate Draymond Green are still capable of making significant contributions, and we have to shift our mindset to meet this challenge head-on."
Underneath the competitive pressure, there’s personal significance too. The son of Dell Curry, who also had a successful 16-year NBA career, Stephen’s major milestone of 16 seasons matches his father’s achievements. His legacy is intertwined with family history, but he is also building his own monumental narrative as the leader of this powerhouse franchise. He has etched his name as the all-time leader in three-pointers, with 3,841 to date, and has garnered ten All-Star selections—all accolades distinguishing him as one of the greatest players to ever step onto the court.
Throughout significant ups and downs of the season, the Warriors will undoubtedly depend on Curry’s leadership and skill to push them toward playoff success. They must navigate their strategies effectively leading up to the February trade deadline, especially as they build on their veteran roster surrounding him.
Fans and analysts will watch closely as Curry continues this season, his reflections on retirement serving as both motivation and acknowledgment of his remarkable career. When the Warriors take the floor against the Lakers, June will feel particularly special, as fans appreciate not only the rivalry but the magic of witnessing two future Hall of Famers—LeBron James and Curry—compete on the grand stage.
For now, Curry remains focused on the future and the task at hand. He embodies the belief, "Enjoy what’s happening right now," as he leads the Warriors. The Christmas matchup promises to be not just another game, but possibly a moment where Curry again shows the heart and hustle basketball fans have come to love.
