The Chase Center was buzzing with laughter and good vibes during the Golden State Warriors’ open practice on Thursday night, as Stephen Curry and his younger brother Seth Curry pulled off a hilarious jersey swap. Steph, the Warriors’ superstar, sprinted out of the tunnel rocking Seth’s No. 31 jersey, while Seth, in a playful twist, jogged onto the court wearing Steph’s iconic No. 30. The lighthearted moment had fans roaring, but on Friday, Steph revealed that the stunt was just the tip of the iceberg.
“It was actually Seth’s idea in the tunnel,” Steph shared during his media availability, a mischievous grin creeping across his face. “I wanted him to run out when they introduced me.” The idea of Seth stealing his brother’s spotlight as the announcer called Steph’s name? Pure Curry chaos—and we’re here for it.
For the first time since Seth went undrafted in 2013, the Curry brothers are sharing an NBA training camp, a full-circle moment for the siblings who once teamed up at Charlotte Christian High School in North Carolina. Now, at 35, Seth is a seasoned NBA veteran, winding down a respectable career while his older brother continues to redefine basketball greatness. The Warriors signed Seth just a day after training camp kicked off, though he has yet to suit up for a game this preseason.
“I know how good he is and how he approaches the game,” Steph said of his brother, his tone brimming with respect. But when asked if fans might see the brothers swap jerseys for an actual game, Steph shut down the idea with his signature wit. “I’m sure [NBA commissioner] Adam Silver would love that,” he quipped, making it clear that “Jersey-Gate” will remain a one-night spectacle.
Butler’s Absence Shakes Up Warriors-Lakers Showdown
While the Curry brothers stole the show with their antics, the Warriors’ Sunday preseason clash against the Los Angeles Lakers will be missing some serious star power. Coach Steve Kerr dropped a bombshell on Friday, confirming that Jimmy Butler will sit out the game due to a personal matter. “It’s not a negative reason,” Kerr clarified, though he kept details under wraps.
Butler isn’t the only big name potentially sidelined. Kerr hinted that veterans Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Al Horford might also rest for the Lakers matchup or the Warriors’ subsequent game in Portland on Tuesday. On the Lakers’ side, LeBron James is confirmed to miss the game with a nerve injury, setting the stage for a depleted showdown in Southern California.
Butler, who tweaked his ankle last week, has been a force in practice since returning. His best friend and teammate Buddy Hield couldn’t stop raving about Butler’s performance during a physical scrimmage. “He was good, man, real good,” Hield said. “Making jump shots, being physical—he looked sharp.” Steph echoed the sentiment, praising Butler’s ability to dominate. “He was attacking the rim, dictating the pace,” Curry said. “It was a very impactful day. Our practices have been at a high level, and Jimmy’s competitive will set the tone.”
Kerr Passes the USA Basketball Torch
In other news, Kerr offered high praise for Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who will succeed him as head coach of USA Basketball. After leading Team USA to gold in Paris in 2024, Kerr stepped down, paving the way for his former lead assistant to take the reins for the 2028 Los Angeles games.
“Spo’s an incredible coach,” Kerr said, emphasizing the importance of Spoelstra’s assistant coaching experience. “It’s a different job, and now he has that under his belt. Spo is the perfect choice.”
As the Warriors gear up for the season, the Curry brothers’ jersey swap and Butler’s commanding presence in practice have injected excitement into camp. While “Jersey-Gate” won’t see a sequel in a real game, the Warriors’ chemistry—on and off the court—is undeniable. For Lakers fans, Butler’s absence might be a small victory, but with the Warriors’ depth and star power, Sunday’s game promises to be anything but predictable.