Steph Curry’s latest All-Star selection isn’t just another accolade—it’s a historic moment that cements his legacy alongside basketball’s greatest legends. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Curry’s continued dominance at 38 a testament to his unparalleled skill, or does it highlight the evolving nature of the NBA, where longevity is becoming the new norm? Let’s dive in.
On Monday, the NBA announced that Curry will start in the 2026 All-Star Game at Inglewood’s Intuit Dome, marking his 12th All-Star nod and 11th start. This achievement places him in an elite group of just 17 players who have earned a dozen appearances with a single franchise. Even more impressive? His 12 selections are the most in Golden State Warriors history, tying him with icons like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Oakland’s own Bill Russell.
Joining Curry in the Western Conference starting lineup are Luka Doncic (Lakers), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), and Victor Wembanyama (Spurs). The Eastern Conference starters include Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee), Jalen Brunson (New York), Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia), and Jaylen Brown (Boston). And this is the part most people miss: This year’s All-Star format ditches the traditional East vs. West showdown for a three-team, round-robin tournament of 12-minute mini-games, with the top two teams advancing to a championship finale.
Curry’s selection is no mere lifetime achievement award. At 38, he’s averaging 27.6 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, while ranking second in both 3-pointers made (149) and free throw percentage (93.1%). His ability to score in bursts remains unmatched—he’s dropped 40+ points in four games this season, surpassing Michael Jordan’s record for most 40-point games after turning 30 (44). He’s also cracked 30+ points nine times, and the Warriors’ 4-6 record without him underscores his irreplaceability.
Curry’s climb up the NBA’s all-time scoring list is equally remarkable. He recently surpassed Kevin Garnett for 21st place with 26,298 points and is poised to overtake John Havlicek (26,395) soon, cracking the top 20. Entering Monday’s game against the Heat, Curry was just 25 3-point attempts away from becoming the first player in NBA history to attempt 10,000 career threes. His streak of 82 consecutive games with a made 3-pointer is the longest in NBA history.
Off the court, Curry’s legacy is just as impressive. On January 3, he and his father, Dell Curry, surpassed Dolph and Danny Schayes for the most combined games by a father-son duo with 2,135. Meanwhile, the Warriors are on a roll, sitting at 24-19 and winning five of their last six games during an eight-game homestand.
Looking ahead, Curry’s participation in the 3-point contest—a competition he’s won twice—remains uncertain. Fans are also curious if any of his teammates will join him at the Clippers’ home arena. Jimmy Butler is a probable candidate, though he’s expressed a preference for resting over participating in All-Star festivities.
Injuries have been a concern for the Warriors, with Draymond Green (right ankle sprain), Gui Santos (left ankle sprain), and De’Anthony Melton (injury management) sidelined for Monday’s game. Butler, however, is expected to play after missing Saturday’s win over Charlotte for personal reasons.
Here’s the controversial question: As Curry continues to defy age and expectations, is he redefining what’s possible for veteran players, or is the NBA’s modern pace and style simply more forgiving for aging stars? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
