How Stephen Curry Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Stephen Curry—a timeline of influence.

Stephen Curry, nicknamed "Chef Curry", is a highly decorated American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors. Considered the greatest shooter ever, he revolutionized basketball by popularizing the three-point shot. His accomplishments include four NBA championships, two regular season MVP awards, one Finals MVP award, and two All-Star Game MVP awards. Curry is also a two-time NBA scoring champion, an eleven-time NBA All-Star, and a ten-time All-NBA Team selection. He has also won multiple gold medals representing the U.S. in international competition.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

2009: Rookie Card

Stephen Curry's 2009 rookie card ranks among the most expensive sports cards of all-time.

Steph Curry 2009 Rookie Card Stephen Curry RC Rookie Phenoms platinum limited edition RARE Warriors

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2012: Curry excluded from 2012 U.S. Olympic team

In 2012, Stephen Curry was excluded from the list of 20 finalists selected for consideration for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team in London, which reportedly left him "very disappointed" but motivated to improve his game for future opportunities.

February 27, 2013: Start of the Three-Point Era

On February 27, 2013, Stephen Curry's game against the New York Knicks, where he made 11-of-13 three-point shots for a 54-point performance, is cited as the start of the NBA's three-point era.

2015: Jersey Sales Leader

From the 2015-16 to 2017-18 NBA seasons, Stephen Curry led the NBA in jersey sales for three consecutive years.

Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors NBA Kids Youth 8-20 Blue Icon Edition Swingman Jersey (US, Numeric, 18, 20, Regular, Blue)

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2017: Jersey Sales Leader

From the 2015-16 to 2017-18 NBA seasons, Stephen Curry led the NBA in jersey sales for three consecutive years.

Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors NBA Kids Youth 8-20 Blue Icon Edition Swingman Jersey (US, Numeric, 18, 20, Regular, Blue)

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2018: Ranked Among NBA Greats

In 2018, CBS Sports ranked Stephen Curry at No. 19 in their list of "50 greatest NBA players of all time".

2019: Warriors' System

In 2019, Sports Illustrated noted that "Curry and the Warriors are a great match of player and system" and that "the entire ecosystem is predicated on the idea that a player doesn't need to dominate the ball to dominate a game."

2020: Ranked 13th Greatest Player

In 2020, ESPN ranked Stephen Curry as the 13th greatest basketball player of all time, the second-highest active player behind LeBron James.

October 2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, Stephen Curry was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time as a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

2021: Record Rookie Card Sale

In July 2021, Stephen Curry's 2009 rookie card was purchased by Alt Fund II for a record $5.9 million, becoming the most expensive basketball card ever sold.

Steph Curry 2009 Rookie Card Stephen Curry RC Rookie Phenoms platinum limited edition RARE Warriors

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August 31, 2022: Jersey Retirement and Hall of Fame Induction

On August 31, 2022, Stephen Curry became the first Davidson graduate to have his jersey number retired and was inducted into the Davidson Athletics Hall of Fame.

2022: Complex Ranks Curry Among Top 10

After winning his fourth NBA championship and first Finals MVP award in 2022, Complex ranked Stephen Curry as the 10th greatest player in NBA history the following year.

2022: Jersey Sales Leader

From the 2022-23 to 2023-24 NBA seasons, Stephen Curry led the NBA in jersey sales for two consecutive years.

Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors NBA Kids Youth 8-20 Blue Icon Edition Swingman Jersey (US, Numeric, 18, 20, Regular, Blue)

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2023: Jersey Sales Leader

From the 2022-23 to 2023-24 NBA seasons, Stephen Curry led the NBA in jersey sales for two consecutive years.

Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors NBA Kids Youth 8-20 Blue Icon Edition Swingman Jersey (US, Numeric, 18, 20, Regular, Blue)

Check it on Amazon

March 2025: Assistant General Manager and Fund Creation

In March 2025, Davidson announced that Stephen Curry would serve as assistant general manager for basketball programs and co-create the "Curry-Berman Fund" with his wife Ayesha, Matt Berman, Erica Berman, and Don Berman.