Stephen Curry Reveals He Suffers from Impostor Syndrome Despite Legendary NBA Career

Despite a decorated NBA career and growing business empire, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry revealed that he sometimes suffers from impostor syndrome. In a wide-ranging interview for CNBC’s “Curry Inc.,” the two-time Most Valuable Player and four-time NBA champion opened up about self-doubt, underdog mentality, and the pressure of balancing success across multiple arenas.

Curry, widely hailed as the greatest shooter in NBA history, acknowledged that even the most accomplished individuals face internal struggles. “I’m human,” Curry said. “Like everybody, you have doubts about yourself, you have impostor syndrome at times.” The 11-time NBA All-Star reflected on his journey from being overlooked in his early years to breaking league records, attributing his rise to persistence, faith, and a relentless work ethic.

Born to former NBA player Dell Curry, Stephen grew up around professional basketball but said he never assumed he would play at that level himself. “I couldn’t have dreamt this,” Curry said, noting that his smaller stature and outsider mindset shaped his early experiences. Drafted seventh overall in 2009, he eventually became the all-time leader in three-point shooting and a transformative force in the sport.

Basketball | Source: Pexels

Curry, who has scored over 4,000 three-pointers in his career, said his underdog mentality continued to fuel him throughout his college years at Davidson and into the NBA. “Matching the God-given abilities and the work ethic and just being able to lose myself in the game I think is a good formula,” he explained.

Beyond basketball, Curry has built an extensive portfolio of business and philanthropic ventures. He leads Thirty Ink, a parent company for his interests across entertainment, marketing, fitness, lifestyle, and technology. He also owns a bourbon brand and runs the Underrated Golf Tour, an initiative to introduce minority youth to a sport historically dominated by white athletes.

Curry’s nonprofit foundation, Eat. Learn. Play., has raised nearly $100 million over the past five years for Oakland, California, schools. “From a national perspective, a lot of the narrative is trying to peel back programs and opportunities that are allowing people to have just a fair shot and a fair chance,” Curry said. “Everything that we do and what I can control is about true equity.”

Basketball rim | Source: Pexels

Despite these successes, Curry said he often wonders if he is meeting his full potential in all aspects of his life. “We all like to be a better husband, a better father, more present at times, just because we’re pulled — I’m pulled — in a lot of different areas,” he noted.

Curry’s candid remarks offer a rare glimpse into the psychological pressures that can accompany fame, wealth, and excellence—even for one of the most successful athletes of his generation. His contract with the Golden State Warriors was extended through the 2026-27 NBA season.