Stephen Curry, widely regarded the greatest shooter in NBA history, has built a legacy defined by championships, records, and game-changing performances. Yet, despite his immense success, the Golden State Warriors superstar recently opened up about his struggles with self-doubt and impostor syndrome—a revelation that offers a rare glimpse into the mental challenges faced even by the most accomplished athletes.
In an interview for CNBC’s documentary ‘Curry Inc.: The Business of Stephen Curry’, Curry admitted that, despite his accolades, he sometimes questions whether he truly belongs among the NBA’s elite.
“I’m human like everybody,” Curry said. “You have doubts about yourself, you have impostor syndrome at times”.
Steph Curry: “I’m human like everybody, you have doubts about yourself, you have impostor syndrome at times, like you have an idea of…”
Alex Sherman: “You still have impostor syndrome?”
SC: “At times, yeah.”
(via @CNBC)pic.twitter.com/dkujMBid7H
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 2, 2025
Impostor syndrome—a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud—is common among high achievers. For Curry, these feelings stem from his underdog mentality, which has been a driving force throughout his career. Despite growing up as the son of former NBA player Dell Curry, he was often overlooked due to his smaller stature and unconventional playing style. Even after being drafted in 2009, many doubted whether he could thrive in the NBA.
Rather than allowing self-doubt to hinder him, Curry has used it as motivation. His relentless work ethic and commitment to improvement have propelled him to superstardom.
“Matching the God-given abilities and the work ethic and just being able to lose myself in the game—I think that’s a good formula,” Curry explained.
This mindset has helped him overcome obstacles, from early-career injuries to critics questioning his ability to lead a championship team.
Curry’s openness about his mental struggles is significant, as it challenges the notion that elite athletes are immune to self-doubt. His willingness to discuss impostor syndrome may inspire others—both in sports and beyond—to acknowledge their own insecurities and seek ways to overcome them.
In an era where mental health awareness is gaining traction, Curry’s reminds us that success does not eliminate self-doubt—it simply changes the stakes.
As Curry continues to shape his legacy, his honesty about impostor syndrome adds another layer to his greatness—not just as a basketball player, but as a role model for perseverance and self-awareness.
