How Is Steph Curry Doing? Steve Kerr Explains His Predicament
Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ franchise player and one of the greatest basketball players of his generation, has become a global icon. From revolutionizing the game with his three-point shooting to winning multiple NBA championships, Curry has left an indelible mark on the sport. However, like every athlete, his journey has been filled with ups and downs. In the 2024-2025 NBA season, Curry finds himself facing some challenges, both on and off the court, and Golden State Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr recently shed light on his current predicament.
The Legacy of Stephen Curry
Before delving into the specifics of Curry’s current situation, it’s essential to acknowledge the magnitude of his legacy. Curry’s contributions to the game go beyond just winning championships. He is credited with changing how the game is played. As one of the most prolific shooters in NBA history, Curry has redefined the importance of the three-point shot, influencing how teams across the league approach offense.
His career is defined by accolades: three NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018), two MVP awards (2015, 2016), and an array of records, most notably for his three-point shooting. Curry is widely considered one of the top players in NBA history, and his ability to break records seems almost unbounded. His career has been an extraordinary journey of skill, perseverance, and impact.
However, as Curry ages and as the NBA landscape changes, even the greats experience moments of struggle. While the Warriors are still a formidable team, Curry’s role on the team and his impact in the ever-evolving league are facing new hurdles.
The Predicament: Injuries, Age, and Transition
In recent seasons, Curry has faced challenges that are a natural part of any athlete’s career. As of the 2024-2025 season, the star guard is 36 years old. While he is still an elite player, age is beginning to catch up with him. His speed and agility are still impressive, but they are not what they once were, and his body occasionally shows signs of wear. The Warriors have also seen their roster shift significantly over the years, with key players either leaving or moving into different roles. These changes have placed more responsibility on Curry’s shoulders.
In addition to age, injuries have also been a recurring issue for Curry. While he has remained relatively healthy throughout most of his career, the wear and tear of playing a physically demanding sport has led to recurring injury concerns. His history of ankle injuries, particularly in the early years of his career, has resurfaced, and more recently, Curry has dealt with nagging injuries to his shoulders and back, which have limited his time on the court and reduced his ability to perform at his absolute peak.
As of the 2024-2025 season, Curry has had to manage these physical setbacks more carefully. This has led to periods of rest and a focus on maintaining his body for the long haul. With the Warriors’ championship aspirations still alive, Curry’s health remains a critical factor in their success.
Steve Kerr’s Perspective
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who has worked with Curry for the entirety of his career, has a unique vantage point on the star guard’s situation. Kerr, known for his calm demeanor and analytical approach to coaching, has been extremely open about Curry’s current predicament. In a recent interview, Kerr discussed the challenges Curry faces, emphasizing how the star is navigating both physical and mental obstacles as the team continues to evolve.
Kerr noted that Curry’s situation is one that many elite athletes face as they age: a gradual shift in their role and the way they approach the game. “Steph has been the engine that drives us for so long, but like all great players, there comes a time when you have to adjust your game,” Kerr explained. “He’s still an incredible player, but we’re all aware of the fact that his body doesn’t respond the way it did when he was younger.”
The coach pointed out that this is not just a physical adjustment for Curry but also a mental one. For years, Curry has been the focal point of the Warriors’ offense, often carrying the team on his back in high-pressure situations. But as he enters his mid-30s, there is a recognition that the Warriors need to balance Curry’s workload more carefully. Kerr acknowledged that it’s a difficult task, especially given Curry’s drive and competitive nature.
“I think the toughest part for Steph is probably accepting that his body isn’t as fresh as it used to be,” Kerr continued. “But that’s where his intelligence on the court comes in. He doesn’t have to be a blur of motion anymore. He’s a master of the game now, and his basketball IQ allows him to adjust. Whether that’s making quicker decisions or using his experience to exploit mismatches, Steph can still be dominant even if he’s not doing things the way he did 10 years ago.”
One of the key points Kerr emphasized is the Warriors’ effort to reduce the burden on Curry, particularly in terms of minutes played. With the addition of younger players like Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and others who have developed over recent seasons, Kerr’s strategy involves distributing the workload more evenly across the roster. This not only helps preserve Curry’s health but also allows the younger players to grow and take on more responsibility.
The Warriors’ Changing Style
Kerr also pointed out that the Warriors’ system is shifting in ways that help ease Curry’s workload. The team has relied heavily on the “small-ball” strategy in recent years, with Curry at the center of an offense that spaces the floor and moves the ball quickly. But this approach has evolved, with the Warriors increasingly focusing on developing more balanced offensive sets and integrating players who can contribute at both ends of the floor. The signing of Chris Paul in 2023, for example, was a move designed to take some of the ball-handling duties off Curry’s shoulders, providing a secondary playmaker who could run the offense and create opportunities.
In addition, the Warriors have been making a concerted effort to develop a more potent defense, understanding that winning in the modern NBA requires a two-way approach. As Curry’s role changes, Kerr has emphasized the need for the team to rely on the collective strength of the roster rather than putting all the pressure on one player.
Is Curry Still the Best?
Despite the challenges, Curry remains an incredibly valuable player for the Warriors. His shooting ability continues to be unmatched, and his leadership on and off the court is a cornerstone of the team’s success. However, as Kerr explained, there is an adjustment in how Curry is used, with an emphasis on maintaining his health and efficiency rather than pushing him to play as many minutes or take as many shots as he did in his prime years.
Kerr made it clear that Curry’s value to the team cannot be overstated, but it’s essential for the Warriors to be strategic about how they use him moving forward. “Steph is still one of the top players in the league,” Kerr said. “He may not be able to do everything that he once could, but he’s still the most dangerous player in the NBA when he’s on the floor. It’s our job as a coaching staff to maximize his impact while managing his body.”
