The Warriors’ legend offers wisdom to the next generation on Draft Day

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry walks across the court

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry walks across the court/LAPRESSE

Tonight marks one of the most important events on the basketball calendar: the 2025 NBA Draft. Teams across the league have been analyzing, evaluating, and finalizing their strategies to acquire the next generation of talent that will shape the league in the years to come. While some franchises have already made bold moves early in the offseason, others are preparing to build through youth and potential-one pick at a time. Among those paying close attention is Golden State Warriors icon Stephen Curry, who offered an emotional message to the 75 young prospects awaiting their names to be called.

Nervous energy, excitement, and a flood of emotions fill the hearts of these collegiate stars on the brink of professional life. In mere hours, their lives will change with the announcement of a single name. Curry, who himself was selected seventh overall in the 2009 draft-after being widely overlooked and underestimated-knows all too well what that night feels like.

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Back then, Curry was viewed as undersized and underwhelming, a far cry from the four-time NBA champion and global icon he would become. Few imagined the impact he would have-not only on the Warriors but on the entire game. It’s that unlikely journey that shaped his message to today’s incoming class.

Be open to the unexpected. Things will happen to you and sometimes you won’t see that they’re happening for you…” “Sixteen years in the league. Grateful for every moment. From being underrated to receiving accolades beyond my wildest dreams. To the next generation hearing their name called tonight: trust the journey. What feels uncertain now might be setting you up for something greater.

Curry shared in a heartfelt video.

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It’s a message of humility, perspective, and resilience-one that resonates even more amid the soaring expectations surrounding Cooper Flagg, the 18-year-old phenom from Maine who is widely projected to go No. 1 overall and could potentially become the league’s first billion-dollar man.

Still, as Curry’s story proves, where you’re picked does not define where you’ll go.

Flagg may command the spotlight today, but for the other 74 prospects, the journey is just as valid. Being drafted late-or not at all-does not close the door to greatness. What matters most is what comes after: the work, the growth, and the perseverance.

As tonight’s draft unfolds, Curry’s words serve as a grounding reminder to every hopeful player: nothing is promised, but everything is possible. The legacy begins not when your name is called, but when you decide what to do with the opportunity that follows.