Stephen Curry became the greatest shooter of all time and is well on his way to a Hall of Fame career. He credits his father, Dell Curry, for a crucial piece of advice that gave him the mindset to become one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Dell Curry Has a Huge Impact on Stephen Curry’s Career
Both Currys appeared on “The Athletic Show” on March 16. Stephen revealed a key piece of advice that Dell gave to him, as well as to Seth Curry and Sydel Curry.
“Something he taught me and my brother and my sister … ‘Nobody can want it for you. You can get good coaching, guidance, support, whatever, but you have to want it for yourself …’ Not really knowing what they were doing, but this is important. This matters,” the Golden State Warriors superstar said.
Steph Curry grew up watching his dad play in the NBA.
Now in year 17, Curry reflects on what he learned from being around the league at a young age. pic.twitter.com/aYSw1BHMN6 — The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 16, 2026
Stephen certainly took his father’s advice and turned it into a successful 17-year NBA career. He has four championship rings, one Finals MVP, two regular-season MVPs, 12 All-Star selections, and 11 All-NBA honors. At 38 years old, he averages 27.2 points, 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals for the 2025–26 campaign. However, he currently sits on the sidelines as he recovers from a right knee injury.
Dell exposed Stephen and his siblings to NBA life at a young age. The 1993–94 Sixth Man of the Year brought his kids to practice and encouraged his teammates to interact with them. Dell thinks this gave Seth and Stephen an idea of what it takes to become successful at the highest level.
“Another thing I think is big is I’d tell [my teammates] beforehand, ‘Hey, I’m bringing my boys to practice tomorrow. Talk to them, hang out with them,’ and on every team … everywhere I went, my teammates liked the fact that I bring my boys,” Dell said.
He mentioned several teammates who interacted with Seth and Stephen. Dell, now a Charlotte Hornets commentator, played with Muggsy Bogues, Hersey Hawkins, Alonzo Mourning, and Larry Johnson in Charlotte. Ray Allen spent time with Seth and Stephen when Dell played for the Milwaukee Bucks, and Vince Carter did the same on the Toronto Raptors.
Growing Up Around NBA Culture Helped Curry Succeed
Stephen thinks participating in and seeing NBA life at such a young age mentally prepared him for his career off the court.
“[You’re] getting paid to play the game at the highest level in the NBA. All the glamor of the NBA life, but seeing it behind the scenes was important for me to understand what it took to play at the highest level,” Stephen expressed.
The Hornets will retire Dell’s jersey on March 19, and Stephen will undoubtedly feel the same when the Warriors raise his jersey to the rafters after he retires. Both Currys succeeded at the highest level for their respective franchises.
