Steph Curry not only followed in his father Dell Curry’s footsteps, but he also exceeded all expectations by becoming one of the greatest shooters in the history of the NBA. However, when Steph was a teen basketball player, he was considered an undersized player who faced long odds of even making it to the NBA.
Of course, Steph overcame what was widely viewed as physical disadvantages and went on to win four NBA championships. The now 36-year-old Golden State Warriors guard is listed at 6 feet 2 and 185 pounds. Meanwhile, Steph’s dad peaked at 6 feet 5 and was listed at 205 pounds during his decade-long run with the Charlotte Hornets.
During a discussion on the Audible podcast “Heat Check with Stephen and Dell Curry,” Dell pointed the finger at his ex-wife Sonya for his son’s physical shortcomings.
“You were always the smallest, shortest, skinniest kid on all your teams, from 6 years old, 6th grade and all the way up, and I contribute that to your mother,” Dell told Steph in the audiobook’s second episode.
Steph Curry’s Dad Points Fingers at Ex-Wife Sonya for NBA Star’s ‘Deficiencies’ (Photos: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images; @sacurry22/Instagram)
Steph Curry’s dad points (left, with Steph) says his ex-wife Sonya (right) is responsible for the Golden State Warriors star’s “deficiencies” as an NBA player. (Photos: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images, @sacurry22/Instagram)
Although Sonya Curry is 5 feet 3, she was also an athlete, playing volleyball when she attended Virginia Tech.
Instead of viewing his size as a disadvantage, Steph seemed to use it as fuel.
“The physicality deficiencies I had early, and, you know, there was always just an encouragement to just work, figure it out, build confidence as you go,” Steph told comedians Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett during a November 2023 edition of their “Smartless” podcast.
Steph also told the comedians that growing up watching his dad play in the NBA helped develop his love for sports.
“It’s kind of forced upon you just by that’s all you’re in … you’re in a gym all the time. You develop a love for it, but I played other sports growing up, baseball, football, obviously golf too,” Steph said.