Stephen Curry has built a career on rewriting what people thought was possible in basketball. From the moment he broke into the league, his shooting range altered the geometry of the game, and his legacy has only grown with each passing season. Nearly a decade after his historic unanimous MVP in 2015–2016, the Golden State Warriors guard has added another accolade to his long list of honors: he has been voted the best American player in the NBA by a panel of league executives.
This is not the first time Curry has been singled out by his peers and the broader basketball community. In fact, recognition has followed him throughout his career, whether from coaches, players, the media, or the millions of fans who celebrate his brilliance. That unanimous MVP season still stands as one of the most iconic individual campaigns in NBA history. No other player before him had ever secured every first-place vote. The feat cemented his status as a trailblazer and set a standard that few could hope to match.
Now, as the league prepares to open a new season in less than a month, ESPN ran its annual survey of executives, probing opinions on who holds the crown in various categories. When asked about the best American-born player in the NBA, Curry emerged as the top choice, finishing three votes ahead of Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. The result is particularly striking because it highlights both the respect Curry still commands and the rising challenge of the younger generation.
The discussion could have taken a very different turn had Jayson Tatum been included in the mix. According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, the Boston Celtics forward might have significantly altered the results of the poll. But Tatum’s absence from this year’s season looms large after he tore his Achilles in last year’s playoffs, an injury that has sidelined him and shifted the landscape of the American basketball hierarchy.
For Curry, this recognition comes at an interesting stage of his career. At 37 years old, he is preparing to step into his 17th NBA season. Most players at that age have either transitioned into smaller roles or stepped away from the game entirely. Yet Curry remains a centerpiece for Golden State, carrying not only the expectations of his team but also the admiration of the wider basketball world. His production from last season proves he is still far from slowing down, averaging 24.5 points, six assists, and 4.4 rebounds.
The Warriors fan base sees this award as more than a symbolic gesture. To them, it is a reminder that their franchise icon is still capable of leading them to glory. As the team gears up for another campaign, talk of a possible fifth championship ring continues to buzz through the Bay Area. Curry’s consistency, leadership, and ability to rise to the biggest moments give hope that the Warriors’ championship window is not yet closed.
What makes Curry’s latest honor special is the context. Basketball is in the middle of a generational shift, with younger stars like Edwards, Luka Dončić, and others staking their claims to the future of the league. Yet, in the eyes of those who evaluate the game most closely, Curry remains on top among American players. It’s a testament to his skill, longevity, and the way his game has aged—relying not on physical dominance but on precision, intelligence, and an unparalleled shooting stroke.
As the new season draws near, the story of Stephen Curry continues to evolve. He is no longer the fresh-faced underdog who transformed into a revolutionary figure. He is the veteran statesman of the league, a player whose name is etched into the DNA of modern basketball. With four championships already behind him and the respect of coaches, peers, and executives alike, the only question left is whether he can add yet another chapter to an already legendary career. Warriors fans are convinced the answer could be yes.
