In some ways, Stephen Curry just finished the greatest season of his career.
Although his shooting percentages were lower than usual in the regular season, he looked a lot more like his old self come playoff time, averaging 27.4 points on 45.9 percent overall shooting and 39.7 percent shooting from 3-point land, plus 5.9 assists per game.
In the NBA Finals versus the Boston Celtics, Curry put up 31.2 points a game while hitting 48.2 percent of his shots and 43.7 percent of his treys in leading the Golden State Warriors back from a 2-1 deficit to win the world championship.
In doing so, Curry finally won the Finals MVP, the biggest individual honor that had eluded him for years.
At age 34, he is showing no signs of slippage, and it’s clear that as he goes, so goes the Warriors’ dynasty.
How much longer can we expect him to play at or near his current level?
Curry’s Game Can Age Very Well
Basketball players who rely on their athleticism, speed or quickness don’t tend to age well.
However, those who depend on skill, will and smarts can age like a fine wine.
Curry is in the latter category.
He’s not exactly a dazzling physical specimen, and at 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, he has a physique that could pass for that of a “normal” man.
But Curry is incredibly skilled, not just at shooting, but also at handling the ball and passing.
As a point of reference, Steve Nash was also a phenomenal shooter back in the day, as well as a precision passer who led the NBA in assists per game five times.
He made his last All-Star team during the 2011-12 season, during which he turned 38 years of age and put up 12.5 points and 10.7 assists a game.
John Stockton was somewhat similar to Nash in skill sets and playing style, and even in his late 30s, he was still a very effective player whose numbers weren’t that much lower than they were in his prime.
Curry could very well be several years away from any sort of noticeable decline.
What Others Are Predicting About Curry’s Longevity
A few weeks ago, former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins said that Curry could actually have a long future as a star player.
The former big man essentially said that Curry could still be an elite or near-elite player in his early 40s.
"Another 8-10 years… He could actually be the Tom Brady of the NBA."
— Kendrick Perkins on how much longer will Stephen Curry be in his prime#NBATwitter #DubNation pic.twitter.com/pyBX5LrTdw
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) July 19, 2022
In addition, Curry’s father Dell Curry also feels the Warriors guard can make it to age 40 as a very solid player.
“Watching him play at 34, he can stay at his level and be this productive on the floor,” he tells NBC Sports Bay Area. “He might not score 30 a game, but you’re going to have to guard him. That’s important to have on your team, someone you have to guard. It makes things easier on your teammates.
“He still has the drive. He wants to win more. He’s hungry to win more. So, he definitely can play at this level for several years to come.”
Curry is under contract until the 2025-26 season, which is when he will turn 38.
For years to come.
More on @StephenCurry30's contract extension » https://t.co/jWwG1yKZuq pic.twitter.com/vPQeAfDqma
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 6, 2021
It is amazing how far medical science has come, as injuries that would’ve ended an athlete’s career back in the day are merely obstacles to be overcome today.
The one reason for caution is that Curry has been a little injury-prone over the years.
He missed some time late this past season with a sprained ligament in his foot, and he does have a history of ankle and knee injuries.
But if Curry is lucky enough to avoid major injury, perhaps the Warriors’ dynasty could last for the better part of this new decade.
NEXT: Would Signing Carmelo Anthony Be A Good Idea For Warriors?
