Even the brightest stars eventually dim, and for the NBA’s all-time greatest shooter, that reality is beginning to come into focus. Steph Curry, at 36 years old, is openly contemplating his basketball mortality while continuing to dazzle on the court.
In a candid interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Curry acknowledged that retirement has been crossing his mind more frequently.
“I’m thinking about it more than I probably have before,” Curry admitted in the interview, shared by NBA on ESPN. “It’s okay to accept and acknowledge that the end is near. But only because it allows you to enjoy what’s happening right now. The more you talk about it and the more you acknowledge it, the more it levels up the sense of urgency in the moment.”
Still Dominating, But Aware of the Clock
Curry’s comments don’t mean he’s ready to hang up his sneakers just yet. He remains under contract with the Golden State Warriors through the 2025-26 season, and there’s no immediate indication that he’s planning to retire. However, Curry’s introspection highlights a growing awareness that his time in the league is finite.
Now in his 16th NBA season, Curry has matched the career longevity of his father, Dell Curry, who played 16 years in the league. The comparison isn’t lost on the younger Curry, who has consistently defied expectations and redefined what’s possible for a player of his stature and style.
But even the most exceptional careers have their twilight years. While Curry is still capable of producing jaw-dropping performances, his usage and statistical output have been trending downward.
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- In the 2022-23 season, at age 34, Curry averaged nearly 35 minutes and 30 points per game.
- In 2023-24, those numbers dipped to 33 minutes and 26 points per game.
- So far this season, Curry has been logging 31 minutes per game and averaging 21.8 points—still impressive but noticeably below his career norms.
Additionally, his shooting percentages have seen a slight decline. His 43.5% field-goal accuracy this season is the second-lowest of his career, and his 40.3% from three-point range is his third worst.
Signs of the Grind
Curry’s humanity was on full display last week in a blowout loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, where, for the first time in his career, he failed to make a single field goal in a game where he played at least 12 minutes. While it’s just one game in a long season, moments like this serve as a reminder that even Curry isn’t immune to the wear and tear of a lengthy career.
Despite these challenges, Curry remains a central figure for the Warriors, who are not ready to let go of their leader. Golden State continues to bank on Curry’s experience, leadership, and ability to ignite the team with his legendary shooting.
Cherishing the Present
Curry’s reflections on the end of his career underscore the importance of savoring the present. As fans prepare to watch the Warriors take on the Los Angeles Lakers in the highly anticipated Christmas Day game, it’s worth noting the historic significance of the matchup.
A 39-year-old LeBron James, still dominating the league, will face off against 36-year-old Curry—two generational talents who have defined basketball for over a decade.
When Curry steps onto the court for these moments, fans should take his advice and cherish the now. These are the good times, and they won’t last forever.
For Curry, the journey may be closer to its end than its beginning, but his focus remains on making the most of every moment. And for basketball fans, there’s still plenty of magic left to witness.