Stephen Curry is at a high point in his career, having finally won his first Finals MVP and led the Warriors to their 4th championship in just 8 seasons. Curry was unstoppable throughout their epic playoff run, putting up monster performances and lighting virtually every team up on his way to another ring.
While it may not feel that way, though, Steph is getting up there in age; he turned 34 this year. And with Warriors owner Joe Lacob’s recent comments about not trading away the team’s young core, it’s clear that they are already thinking about a future without their talisman. However, Bulls legend Scottie Pippen doesn’t think the end is anywhere close for Curry, expressing his belief that the Chef can play for many years to come.
“[Steph’s] a mini-LeBron…he’s strong for his size…he could probably play the game into his 50s if he wanted to”
Scottie Pippen on how special it is watching Steph Curry play#NBA2K23SummerLeague | @ScottiePippen | @StephenCurry30 pic.twitter.com/qOeCkWU6s0
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 15, 2022
“I think Steph has put himself in a position, obviously, as the greatest shooter we’ve ever seen,” Pippen said. “You take a guy like Steph, you know, he’s a mini-LeBron to some degree. From a physicality standpoint, he’s strong for his size. He could probably play the game into his 50s if he wanted to.”
The comparison with LeBron James is an interesting one, considering that Curry and Bron have been great rivals throughout the 2010s. But it’s also not a surprising comparison. James has made himself the poster child for longevity, finding himself in MVP conversations during the 2021-22 campaign despite being in his 19th season in the NBA.
Stephen Curry’s stamina is exemplary. His movement on the offensive end is a large part of what makes him so effective. He’s not in the paint too often, so it stands to reason that he could carry on playing at a high level for long. The only thing that might stop him from doing so is if his ankle injuries make an unfortunate return. In any case, NBA fans and Warriors fans will be hoping that Pippen is right, and they get to witness Curry’s greatness for a long time to come.
