Stephen Curry, one of the greatest players in NBA history, has received the Esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his unparalleled contributions to basketball and unwavering commitment to the development of grassroots basketball around the world.
Curry has changed the modern game since his debut in the NBA in 2009. With his spectacular handles, jaw-dropping range, and unwavering calmness, he turned basketball into a perimeter-focused show. His influence caused a worldwide transformation in how the game is taught and played, inspiring millions of children to take up a ball and realize that excellence does not require stature, but rather perseverance and belief.
Curry’s famous career has included four NBA titles, two MVP honors (including the first unanimous MVP), many All-Star appearances, and countless three-point records. Beyond the honors, what distinguishes him is how he has used his position to inspire the next generation.
Stephen has made significant investments in neglected communities through his foundation, Eat. Learn. Play., which he co-founded with his wife Ayesha Curry. His priorities include youth development, education, and sports access. Basketball at the grassroots level has been a key component of that aim. Curry has built and refurbished courts in low-income neighborhoods, supplied equipment and mentorship to aspiring young players, and established competitive youth leagues that place equal emphasis on character as technique.
His “Curry Camp,” an elite training program for high-potential high school athletes, has served as a springboard for future stars while also instilling characteristics such as leadership, humility, and service. Curry’s dedication to people who are not in the spotlight has been equally strong. He has visited community centers, held free clinics, and sought to remove financial hurdles that keep children from engaging in organized sports.
Curry delivered a poignant speech while accepting the award at a ceremony in San Francisco, surrounded by family, past teammates, and global basketball leaders.
“This game has given me everything—joy, purpose, and a platform.” But what really matters is what we give back. I’ve always believed in putting seeds where they’re most needed: where dreams are still forming. Grassroots basketball is where the real magic happens, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
Tributes flowed in from across the basketball world. LeBron James dubbed him “the most influential player of our era,” while NBA Commissioner Adam Silver described him as “a global ambassador for the sport, on and off the court.”
Whether he’s shooting logo threes at Chase Center or helping a hesitant kid at a neighborhood gym, Stephen Curry has made basketball more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring than ever.
Congratulations, Stephen Curry—a legend whose legacy extends far beyond the arc. 🏀🔥