In the pantheon of NBA greats, few shine as brightly as Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. With a career spanning 16 illustrious seasons, Curry has etched his name in basketball lore as potentially the greatest point guard to ever grace the hardwood. Boasting 11 All-Star appearances, four NBA championships, two All-Star Game MVP awards, and a coveted Finals MVP, Curry’s resume is a testament to his unparalleled skill and relentless drive. As he steps into his 17th season at age 37, the fire that fueled his legendary campaigns still burns fiercely, promising more jaw-dropping moments and deep playoff runs when healthy.
Stephen Curry’s craziest handles of the 2024-25 season 😱 pic.twitter.com/tcZtfPjOVm
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 1, 2025
In an exclusive interview with Inside The Warriors on Friday, former Los Angeles Lakers All-Star forward Cedric Ceballos peeled back the curtain on what makes Curry a transcendent talent, both on and off the court. Ceballos, who has known Curry’s family for decades, didn’t hold back in praising the Warriors’ maestro, revealing the intangible qualities that elevate Curry to untouchable status.
“His love, his enthusiasm, the way he gives it his all,” Ceballos said with admiration. “Those spectacular plays, the dancing after he makes them—it’s pure joy. His dad was a great person, his dad’s wife an incredible woman. I’ve known them for years. To see this little kid who was sitting next to me when I won the dunk contest grow into this? It’s unreal. There’s no telling how far he’ll go—five, ten, maybe more years. He’s done a phenomenal job, and I absolutely love watching him play.”
30 years ago today…
Nick Van Exel went around the world for this INCREDIBLE dime to Cedric Ceballos 🤯 pic.twitter.com/UwXwGxQveU
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 7, 2025
Ceballos’ connection to Curry runs deep. He vividly recalls a young, four-year-old Stephen Curry sitting courtside during the 1992 Slam Dunk Contest, where Ceballos claimed victory with his electrifying performance. Little did anyone know that the wide-eyed kid would one day redefine the game of basketball with his sharpshooting wizardry and infectious charisma.
Ceballos himself is no stranger to the NBA spotlight. A standout forward, he earned his lone All-Star nod in the 1994-95 season with the Lakers, where he posted a career-high 21.7 points and eight rebounds per game. The following season, 1995-96, saw him continue his scoring prowess, averaging 20 points per game while starting 71 of 78 games. Beyond his All-Star credentials, Ceballos is best remembered for his iconic 1992 Slam Dunk Contest win—a moment forever linked to a young Curry’s early exposure to basketball’s grandeur.
Ceballos’ career wasn’t limited to the NBA. He showcased his talents across the globe, with stints in Israel, Russia, the Philippines, the American Basketball Association, and the International Basketball League. His NBA journey also included stops with the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat, cementing his legacy as a versatile and dynamic player.
As the Warriors gear up for the 2025-26 NBA season, all eyes will be on Curry when they tip off against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The matchup, part of the NBA’s opening night double-header on NBC, promises to be a thrilling clash of titans. With Curry’s unrelenting passion and Ceballos’ glowing endorsement ringing in fans’ ears, the stage is set for another chapter in the saga of a player who continues to defy expectations and redefine greatness.