Stephen Curry spoke candidly about teaming up with longtime rival LeBron James at the Olympics. During an appearance on The Stephen Colbert Show, Curry noted that his mindset had to change greatly when teaming with a player he shared such a deep rivalry with. But playing with James gave him a great confidence boost.
“I had to get used to liking that guy after all of our battles. But it was a confidence boost, and it came at the right time.”
During the interview, Curry also spoke about James giving him a compliment that caught him off guard, especially as it came in the early stages of the tournament, when Curry was struggling for confidence and wasn't performing at his usual level.
Clearly the compliment worked, as Curry was phenomenal in the final stage of the tournament. In the final two games, Curry scored a combined 60 points, as he became the star of the show for Team USA against Serbia and France. Curry delivered two of the best performances of his career in high-pressure situations.
Curry opened up recently about beating France in Paris to win the gold medal, stating that he couldn't even dream of it. It is safe to say that he will not be forgetting his run with Team USA anytime soon.
While his time with Team USA at the Olympics was special, his return to the Warriors next season might be a reality check he isn't expecting. Curry and the Warriors aren't expected to do well next season, as the franchise failed to replace the exiting Klay Thompson with a second star during the offseason.
However, Stephen Curry believes that the franchise is still a contender. Perhaps this is what motivated him to sign a one-year, $62.6 million extension that sees him stay with the franchise till 2027.
Will Stephen Curry Retire A Warrior?
Stephen Curry spoke about his long-term NBA future in the wake of his recent contract extension, noting that he hopes to stay a Warrior for the rest of his career. For Curry to remain with one franchise for his entire career, especially in an era where superstars are constantly on the move, would be quite the accomplishment.
Curry has been, without a doubt, the greatest player in the history of the Warriors' organization. After being drafted in 2009, Curry developed well, and within five years, became an All-Star for the first time.
Stephen Curry took a major leap during the 2014-15 NBA season when he was named the NBA MVP. That very same year, he led the Warriors to the NBA championship. Since then, he has gone full steam ahead, winning another MVP, three more NBA championships, a Finals MVP, and becoming a regular superstar and All-NBA player.
It is clear that Curry is winding down his career. At 36 years old, he doesn't have much time left in the NBA. The Warriors should do their best to build around him while he is still playing at an elite level and maximize their championship pedigree.
