Only a select few NBA players are so iconic that their jersey numbers are synonymous with them. The number 23 is synonymous with the legendary Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the GOAT of basketball. Similarly, the numbers 8 and 24 instantly evoke the legacy of Kobe Bryant, a player whose impact on the game is unforgettable.
And when it comes to jersey no. 30, only one hooper comes to mind: Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP and three-time NBA champion has cemented himself as one of the greatest players in league history, and his iconic jersey number is a testament to that.
However, the Golden State Warriors recently had a family reunion this offseason when they signed Steph’s younger brother, Seth. The younger Curry had worn the jersey no. 30 four times in his 11-year career and even jokingly tried to buy his older brother’s number from him. But with Steph firmly rooted in his iconic jersey, Seth had to pick a new one: no. 31.
That didn’t stop the siblings from having fun during the Warriors’ open practice when they swapped jersey numbers.
“It was actually his idea in the tunnel,” Steph shared with a smile. “He didn’t want to do my idea. I said when they announce me, he should have ran out, and then when they announced him, I should have ran out. We were trying to take it to another level.”
One of the top-selling jerseys
Despite entering his 17th season in the NBA, Steph’s popularity remains at an all-time high. After making the All-Star and the Second Team All-NBA Team last season, the sharpshooting ace is gearing up to lead the Warriors on another title chase, this time with Jimmy Butler, Al Horford and the newly re-signed Jonathan Kuminga by his side.
This means his recognizable No. 30 jersey will remain in high demand all season and will likely be at the top of the league’s jersey sales again. So when the idea of wearing his brother’s No. 31 during a regular-season game was brought up, he knew the chances of it being approved were slim to none.
“I’m sure Adam Silver would love that,” Steph remarked.
Excited to play with Seth
While brothers teaming up certainly adds an extra layer of intrigue, ultimately, only results truly matter. With this in mind, Steph is confident in his younger brother’s ability to impact the game, primarily through his long-range sniping.
“I know how he approaches the game,” Steph said of his younger sibling. “I know how good he is. I know he can lift a locker room, too. Not just that, but knows how to pick and choose his spots depending on his role and his opportunity and he always finds a way to just get it done.”
With two of the team’s best players, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, offering little to no outside shooting, floor spacing will be a crucial component of the Warriors’ attack this season. It is an area Seth can definitely help with, given that he shot a career-high 45.6 percent from beyond the arc last season.
“I know he hasn’t played yet in the preseason, but it’s cool to practice against him and see what I know has been the case for the last decade. Watched him go through his career, how he does things behind the scenes,” Steph relayed about the experience so far of being teammates with Seth. “And he gets to hang out with his nieces and nephews a little bit more, too, which is cool.”
Having one Curry on the Warriors has been phenomenal for the last 16 seasons. Having two? The Warriors hope it will result in something special.