NBA superstar Stephen Curry has a commanding presence both on and off the basketball court. Wearing fashionable beige business casual attire, he stepped onto the stage at Brooklyn’s Paramount Theatre this month, where the audience, diverse in age and backgrounds, received him with cheers and roars of “MVP.” Curry received the ovation with polite humility, then spoke to the crowd about what he regards as the foundation of his success in sports, and more recently, in business: his work ethic.
“I’m about to go into my 17th year [in the NBA], and the idea is that from the beginning, work ethic was my superpower—it was my skill,” Curry told comedian and actor Roy Wood Jr., who conducted a fireside chat with the NBA legend before the Brooklyn audience.
The event coincided with the launch of Curry’s new book, “Shot Ready.” The work spans over 400 pages and features more than 100 vivid photographs from his childhood through his trailblazing NBA career as the Golden State Warriors’ star guard. Already a New York Times bestseller, it also offers readers an intimate look at the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Speaking with Wood Jr., the son of former NBA player Dell Curry recalled growing up as an avid basketball fan. Despite not being the most naturally gifted player and often being the shortest on his teams until college, he persevered. “Playing in the NBA was a distant dream,” he said.
Work ethic, instilled by his parents, was the one thing he knew he could rely on. Curry believes this perspective is relatable to everyone, not just athletes. “It’s a philosophy and a mindset for getting the most out of life,” he explained, “and enjoying every experience and opportunity that comes your way.”
Curry’s legacy includes becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers, a two-time NBA MVP, and a four-time champion with the Warriors. He played on Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making his Olympic debut and helping his team win the gold medal while averaging a team-best 14.8 points per game. The gold medal, he said, means a great deal.
His path was enriched by mentorship and lessons, including advice from NBA superstars LeBron James and Chris Paul during elite summer camps in college.
“Everyone’s goal was the NBA, but once the draft happens, everything resets,” Curry remembered them telling him. You could have been the best on your team, but when you join the NBA, you start from zero. “How are you going to reinvent yourself?” Curry said. He recalled how work ethic, resilience in the face of failure, confidence, and self-belief were tested every day.
A budding business empire
Curry’s book also explores his commitment to community and philanthropy, a passion he shares with his wife, Ayesha Curry, an entrepreneur, chef, actress, and New York Times best-selling author. The parents of four children, the two founded the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation in Oakland, Calif., supporting childhood nutrition and education.
As founder and CEO of Thirty Ink, Curry oversees a house-of-brands conglomerate including Unanimous Media, Underrated Golf and Basketball, and Gentleman’s Cut bourbon. Thirty Ink generated $173.5 million in revenue in 2024, according to CNBC.
Curry also maintains a partnership with Under Armour, serving as president of the company’s basketball and golf footwear and apparel brand—the Curry Brand. This multi-year deal is reportedly valued at least $215 million over nine years and includes a $75 million stock award plus royalties, incentives, and equity.
Last month, Google announced Curry will join the company as its new performance advisor in a long-term partnership across Google Health, Google Pixel, and Google Cloud. He will help enhance products, train algorithms, and even design future hardware and features, according to the company.
Curry shared with Wood Jr. that, when the time comes, he doesn’t have a set “playbook” for life after basketball. But he knows his priorities will include being present with his family, deepening his involvement with his family’s foundation and grassroots sports, and continuing to make an impact on basketball through mentorship. He emphasized staying open to future opportunities, saying, “Team ownership … who knows what that will look like.” Curry said that he is open to whatever life offers. “Right now, I’m trying to get everything I can out of basketball,” he said, adding, “for who knows how long.”
Curry’s advice for career and life: work hard, seize opportunities, and always be ready to shoot your shot. That clearly resonated with many of his fans, who left the Brooklyn venue with excitement and energy.