Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry shared his thoughts on the end of Kobe Bryant’s career and how it influences his own approach to the twilight of his basketball journey. Curry’s reflections offer a glimpse into the mindset of one of the NBA’s most iconic players as he navigates the final chapters of his storied career.
Curry began by acknowledging the different scenarios he’s observed among players who have spent their entire careers with one franchise.
Per the SF Standard:
“From my vantage point, I’m comparing it to guys that only played for one franchise,” Curry said. “Dirk [Nowitzki], Tim [Duncan], Kobe, from our era.”
The comparison to Kobe Bryant is particularly poignant. Bryant’s final years with the Los Angeles Lakers were marked by a series of challenges, including a devastating Achilles injury in 2013 and a subsequent decline in team performance. The Lakers struggled, posting a 25-57 record in Bryant’s last season, and the team’s focus often shifted to how many points Bryant could score in his farewell tour.
Curry expressed his desire to avoid a similar scenario.
“You don’t want to be in a situation the Lakers were in those last three years [with Bryant],” Curry emphasized. “I know he came off the Achilles injury, but it was, like, they were a lottery team, and it was more just how many points can Kobe score down the stretch of his career. I don’t want to be in that scenario.”
Curry’s comments highlight his commitment to maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring that his final years in the NBA are marked by meaningful games and team success.
“My whole thing is, you have to be realistic,” Curry continued. “There’s probably not a move or a scenario where you’re gonna walk into a season or a playoff series as the perennial favorite. There’s just a lot of talent around the league. But to be competitive, where you have a chance — that’s what we want to see. I’m sure that’s what our fans want to see. Playing meaningful games, no matter how it ends.”
The Warriors’ star also touched on the importance of appreciating the present while being mindful of the inevitable end of his career.
“You think about that more and more,” Curry said. “I’m not at the farewell yet. That’s just part of time. If you’re fighting human nature or fighting the inevitable in that, then … I don’t think you’re handling it right. Because you need a little bit of fear of what’s coming, what an end might look like, to inform decisions that you’re making now and appreciate what’s going on right now.”
Curry’s approach to his career is a testament to his dedication to excellence and his respect for the legacy of players like Kobe Bryant. As he continues to compete at the highest level, Curry remains focused on leaving a lasting impact on the game and ensuring that his final years are defined by competitive spirit and team success.
