Stephen Curry has always been known for his sharpshooting and agility on the court, running around screens and letting off quick-trigger threes. But there is always scope for improvement, and the Chef seems intent on not taking any chances for the new season. That is understandable, considering the Golden State Warriors’ disappointing playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, which Steph missed most due to a hamstring injury.
Curry has been ramping up his offseason preparation, showing he’s committed to returning stronger and leading the team to another championship. Fans saw his hard work in a recent Instagram post, capturing him in the middle of a gym. At 37, the Warriors’ talisman obviously needs to put in the work to continue playing at a high level. However, he has seemingly gone a few steps ahead and pulled off a legitimate transformation.
Curry, carrying two weighted plates, has stunned Warriors fans online with muscular, veiny arms. The caption read, “Steph looks dialed in for year 17,” and perfectly captured the online reaction, showing that his continued work on improving his body remains at a level that most can’t even dream of.
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This isn’t a first for Steph. In 2022, he spoke about putting on 15 pounds of muscle since his unanimous MVP season in 2016, saying, “Just taking on physical defenses and being able to defensively take bigger blows and guard bigger guys. With the added strength, I’ve kept my endurance where it goes hand in hand…. I’m not getting bumped and bruised like I used to, so it helps all the way around.” Having played at least 27 minutes per game for every season for more than a decade, he added that adding onto his muscle helped him recover faster, and gave him confidence while also improving his on-court production.
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Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also weighed in on Curry’s transformation, comparing his physique in 2022 to 2016. Kerr said that he was “ripped” and that Steph was “physically very different [in 2022] from [2016],” highlighting just how much Curry has evolved as an athlete while maintaining elite performance.
As Curry enters his 17th NBA season, his offseason training has transformed as well. “It has evolved drastically [over the past decade] from when I started this camp to now in terms of building out the schedule of on-and-off-court stuff and how to pace yourself through an offseason,” Curry told reporters, in August, at his annual Curry Camp.
“I’m nerding out on heart rate stuff, foot contacts, checking all of the boxes of movement and skill relevant to my game.” This data and technology-driven approach adds another wrinkle to his preparation and helps him achieve peak performance, ensuring he stays durable, sharp, and competitive as he heads into another NBA season.
Curry’s preparation is a precursor to another high-stakes season, with fans hoping the Warriors will deliver. No one knows how many years this team has remaining. Still, Curry’s offseason work, combined with what co-star Jimmy Butler has been up to, sets the tone for their challenges and demonstrates that Curry is fully invested in the team’s success.
Dub Nation reacts to Curry’s jaw-dropping transformation
One fan jokingly remarked, “Random d— test coming in👀,” reflecting the shock many felt at Curry’s offseason results. The comment perfectly captures the mix of awe and humor dominating the replies, as fans marveled at the superstar’s veiny, muscular arms and overall physical transformation heading into the upcoming season. The joke was obviously aimed at the extra workout his arms have seemingly undergone, although some may argue it takes away focus from the actual consistent work he has seemingly put in.
Another fan reflected on Curry’s early career, writing, “Imagine seeing this photo in 2010 lol.” The comment highlights the stark contrast between his lean and skinny rookie days and the athlete he has become. Back then, following a continuing pattern of ankle injuries, he was labeled injury-prone and too weak for the NBA. However, he has since changed the narrative, become the best shooter in the league’s history, and now appears committed to longevity.
Many fans celebrated the work behind the transformation, with one exclaiming, “My boy has been in that weight room!! 😤😤😤,” highlighting the intense dedication Curry has put into resistance training, agility drills, and overall conditioning to maintain peak performance, even in his late 30s.
Some fans leaned into humor, joking, “I thought he was just golfing this summer 😂.” Earlier this summer, Curry returned to the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, aiming to defend his 2023 title. While that did not happen, this workout has shown how he’s locked in on basketball as training camp edges closer.
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Other reactions tied his transformation to performance on the court, as one fan wrote, “Of course he looks like that after carrying the team.” This pointed to how Curry’s stats jumped after the Jimmy Butler trade in February. Before the trade, he averaged 22.4 points per game, which was lower than his previous standards. However, he jumped by almost 5 points following the trade, showing that he could still improve his production when the stakes were raised.
Finally, one fan summed up the sentiment: “He wants it bad.” The comment captures Curry’s relentless drive and competitive spirit, fueling his offseason commitment and quest to lead the Warriors back to championship contention. At 37, Steph knows his window for another championship is closing fast, and he appears determined to ensure that it remains open for now.