Stephen Curry has built his legacy on long-distance dominance, and he creates doubts in his defenders even before he touches the ball. With him, it’s not just scoring totals or highlights, but how he can force his opponents into survival mode.

This fear was recently spoken on by a former NBA champion, who admitted that there was no other assignment like guarding Stephen Curry. His admission came with the respect and memory of sleepless nights spent chasing a man who transforms into a blur on the court.

Iman Shumpert, a part of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers that miraculously came back against Golden State in the finals, recently revealed his insights on the reality of guarding Curry. “He say it’s gonna feel like sometimes you leaving a layup open. Come out, play the whole game. Elbow and rib, dog. Whole time connected, hand on back,” Shumpert recalled on the No Limit podcast. His comments reveal his strategy: don’t give curry an inch, stay physical no matter what. For Shump and the Cavs, it was a matter of survival.

But even that level of commitment barely worked. Shumpert admitted that he blew other defensive assignments just to prevent Curry from getting the ball. “I ain’t never felt somebody, like, I ain’t never felt like I’m in danger if I can’t see him. I’ve never felt that type of danger.” Shumpert was a defender known for toughness, and for him to confess a dreaded “danger” at the thought of losing Curry for even a second speaks volumes about the psychological attack Curry subjects defenders to.

The danger isn’t just about Curry’s jump shot. It’s the chaos he creates, running through multiple screens, shifting through defenses and punishing even the smallest lapses of attention. Shumpert described moments of panic when an offensive rebound went up, and suddenly Curry was nowhere to be seen, until a dagger three from the wing would seal their fate. This isn’t just bullying, but relentless basketball terror.

And that was Curry back when his body was very different. Now, with his latest transformation, the man already considered the biggest off-ball threat in the league has come back with a much more imposing look.

A Different Version of Stephen Curry Emerges This Offseason

Stephen Curry has never relied on sheer strength for dominance. His game is built on movement, finesse and a lightning quick release that sends defenses for a loop. But at 37, with the grind of 17 NBA seasons behind him, the Warriors superstar has added another weapon to his arsenal. A photo of him in the gym with noticeably jacked arms has gone viral this offseason, igniting discussions about what a physically stronger Steph might mean for the rest of the league.

The change isn’t unprecedented. Back in 2022, despite being listed at 6’2 and 185 pounds, he put on about 15 pounds of muscle, putting him closer to 200 pounds.

He commented on the change, saying “With the added strength, I’ve kept my endurance where it goes hand in hand…. I’m not getting bumped and bruised like I used to, so it helps all the way around.” Now, following a disappointing loss in the second round to the Minnesota Timberwolves where he was sidelined with a hamstring injury, his added muscle might be a move to withstand punishment and prolong his career as he moves closer to his twilight years. The Warriors are still contending, and a stronger Steph can give them an edge in the physicality of the playoffs.

Off the court, Curry’s offseason has been very eventful: the release of his book, hosting the Curry Camp, travelling to China, celebrating daughter Riley’s 13th birthday, showing up at the US open. But that image of Curry looking like a bodybuilder has lingered with fans. Pair that with Shumpert’s comments, and the NBA’s most terrifying shooter looks prepared to match any physical punishment defenders throw at him.