Stephen Curry’s tentative steps in Beijing earlier this month sparked concern about his knee health, but the Golden State Warriors guard is focused on managing his body to extend his career. A 21-second clip showing Curry limping after stepping out of a van went viral, drawing millions of views and renewed worries about the knee issues that sidelined him for two months during the 2025-26 season.
Curry’s teammate Gary Payton II downplayed the limp, calling it “just a hard day” and “nothing crazy.” Trainer Brandon Payne, who has worked with Curry since 2011, acknowledged the reality of aging for an NBA star. “Curry is just old now,” Payne said, putting the situation in perspective for a 25-year-old reporter: “In a few years, every morning you get out of bed — that’s how you’re going to look when you get out of bed.”
Two weeks after the Beijing video, Curry appeared at an event in Oakland without any visible limp, though he acknowledged his knee remains “top of mind.” “Obviously, (it) should be,” Curry said. “Anybody at this age, and amount of miles, you’re managing something. So, it’s kind of part of the longevity aspect of this. And I’m not afraid of it. I know what I need to do to, again, prepare myself to be ready to play.”
Curry’s knee problems last season were diagnosed as patella-femoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in his right knee. The Warriors described it as “frustrating,” a condition that kept him out for two months and forced him to modify his approach. “It’s a management game,” said Dr. Stephen Valdes, a physical therapist familiar with knee issues in NBA players. “You get a bad grade on a report card, the bad grade’s always going to show up on the report card.”
At 37, Curry remains a key figure for Golden State, leading the team in average offensive miles traveled per game last season despite his age. His ability to create off-ball movement, cutting and screening to open up shooting opportunities, is central to the Warriors’ offense. Yet with co-star Jimmy Butler out rehabbing an ACL injury, Curry will face even more defensive pressure, including targeted efforts to wear him down and draw fouls.
“He can guard,” Warriors defensive head Frank Vogel told the San Francisco Chronicle. “They hunt him just to tire him out, and draw fouls. That’s what every team in the league is going to (do), target the other team’s best scorer just to tire ‘em out.”
Curry’s long-term preparation with Payne has involved adapting to the realities of an aging body under the intense demands of the NBA. The training and recovery regimen he follows aims to keep him competitive deep into the season, but there is no simple fix for the wear and tear on his knees.
Curry said he remains optimistic about his readiness for the Warriors’ season opener in Los Angeles on October 21. “I should hopefully look like myself, come opening night,” he said. The question remains how he will maintain that condition through the grueling months ahead, especially with the Warriors relying heavily on his scoring and playmaking.
For now, Curry’s approach is clear: manage the knee pain, adjust his game where needed, and keep preparing to perform. The latest updates show a player aware of his physical limits but determined to adapt as he moves deeper into his 30s.
According to Yahoo Sports.