Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors envisioned himself to play professionally until the age of 37 after playing 16 years in the league. He wants to play the same number of years like his father, Dell Curry who retired as the Charlotte Hornets' all-time leader in points (9,839) and three-point field goals made (929) before deciding to finally hang up his jersey.
In an interview with Charlotte Observer, the two-time NBA champion revealed that when he joined the NBA, he had already set his eyes on playing just 16 years.
Curry, who signed a record five-year, $201-million contract extension with Golden State Warriors back in July -- the first supermax contract in the league -- will enter his ninth season in the league this October.
Eight more solid years
“I’ve always had an appreciation of what that meant,” Curry said referring to limiting his playing years to 16. He added that “having done eight years and understanding the work that it takes and what not – playing eight more years somewhere near the level I’m playing now would be solid.”
With the way Curry and his teammates are playing -- 2018 Finals MVP Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and 2015 Finals MVP Andre Iguodala -- there is no sign the Warriors train is stopping anytime soon, at least for the next two years.
Game experts, analysts and even odds makers believe the Warriors will be able to defend their title next year; some even believe they’ll be the fifth team to do a three-peat behind the Minneapolis Lakers, Boston Celtics (8 successive years), Chicago Bulls (twice) and the Los Angeles Lakers.
At 29, the four-time NBA All-Star has lots of solid years ahead of him if he remains healthy, active and injury-free.
He could easily complete the five-year contract and remain one of the elite players in the league. Notable NBA veterans who are past 34 years old and still known for their shooting prowess are Dirk Nowitzki (39), Kyle Korver (36) and even Dwyane Wade (35).
The Steph Curry legacy
In his first eight years in the league, Curry has already achieved many things other NBA superstars would dream of.
Curry already has two championships (2015, 2017), two regular season MVPs (2015, 2016), twice named to All-NBA First Team (2015, 2016) and All-NBA Second Team (2014, 2017), the scoring champion and steals leader in 2016, the All-Star 3-point champion (2015), Sportsmanship Award (2011), and AP Athlete of the Year (2015). And he’s just halfway through his planned stay in the league.
Like other NBA superstars, Curry still wants to win more championship titles if possible. However, he does not want to speculate as to how many he can help win for the Warriors during his remaining presumably eight years. But Curry believes with the opportunity given by the Warriors organization especially in keeping their most of their roster together, they have great things to look forward to.
