Recently there has been a lot of confusion and speculation online about whether NBA superstar Stephen Curry is alive or dead. Rumors have been swirling on social media and in online forums that Curry has passed away, leading many fans to worry and wonder what exactly is going on with the basketball phenom.
This article will get to the bottom of this viral hoax and explain what’s really happened with Steph Curry at that time. There are legitimate reasons why people would be concerned about Curry’s health and wellbeing, but rest assured, the death rumors are completely unfounded.
Who is Stephen Curry?
For those unfamiliar, Stephen Curry is a professional basketball player who is currently a point guard for the Golden State Warriors. The 32-year old North Carolina native has been with the Warriors since they drafted him in 2009 out of Davidson College. Curry didn’t take long to make an impact – he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2010 and would go on to reach stardom over the next decade.
Curry has led the Warriors to three NBA championships in 2015, 2017 and 2018. He was named NBA MVP twice, in 2015 and 2016, and holds the records for most three-pointers made in a regular season and in a postseason. Curry’s legendary shooting range and accuracy are a huge reason why the three-point shot has become so prolific in today’s NBA. Quite simply, he revolutionized the way basketball is played.
Many analysts and fans consider Curry to be the best shooter in NBA history. His gravity on the court creates openings for the entire Warriors offense. Beyond his stats and accolades, Curry has built a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic players to watch. His flashy ball-handling and deep three-point bombs make him a fan favorite both in Golden State and across the entire NBA.
What Led to the Steph Curry’s Death Hoax?
So why have rumors emerged that this vibrant superstar at the peak of his powers has suddenly died? As is often the case with celebrity death hoaxes, the rumors seem to have originated as pure speculation due to Curry’s absence from the public eye.
The coronavirus pandemic led to some major changes for the NBA in 2020. The season was suspended in March and resumed in July with teams playing inside a restricted “bubble” in Orlando to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks. This meant Golden State could not participate in the resumed 2019-20 season after finishing with the worst record in the league.
Curry’s lack of visibility while other NBA stars were playing televised games again seems to have sparked concern and rumors that he had somehow died. In essence, the baseless speculation stemmed from people asking “where’s Steph?” without realizing the Warriors were not involved in the bubble.
This is not the first time wild, unfounded rumors have spread online about Curry. In 2017, President Donald Trump publicly “uninvited” Curry from visiting the White House after the Warriors’ championship win. That controversy put Curry’s name in the political spotlight, which also led to some conspiratorial rumors about the basketball star’s whereabouts.
Is Stephen Curry Dead or Alive? The Real Facts
To definitively put the rumors to rest, Stephen Curry is very much alive and well. He has not passed away or been struck by any life-threatening illnesses. Curry was simply spending time with family while the Warriors were absent from the NBA bubble playoffs.
By all indications, Curry has been perfectly healthy during his time out of the public eye in 2020. He utilized the extended offseason to let his body fully recover after dealing with injuries over the past couple years. Curry stands ready to lead Golden State back into championship contention next season as he enters his thirties.
Also Read: Stephen Curry Retirement Date: Is Steph Curry retiring soon in 2023?
It is understandable how baseless gossip could spread on social media about Curry’s wellbeing given his visibility as one of basketball’s biggest stars. However, there is absolutely zero credible evidence to suggest he has died or is in poor health. Rest assured the vibrant, energetic MVP will be dominating NBA arenas again soon.
Stephen Curry’s Net Worth?
Now that the unfortunate death hoax has been debunked, one uplifting aspect of Curry’s story to highlight is his immense financial success. His skill and popularity in the NBA have enabled Curry to accumulate an extremely high net worth even at a relatively young age for pro athletes.
According to Forbes as of May 2023, Stephen Curry has a net worth estimated at $100.4 million. His lucrative contract with the Warriors accounts for a good chunk of this valuation. Curry signed a 5-year, $201 million extension in 2017 and a 4-year, $215 million supermax contract in 2021.
Endorsement deals with brands like Under Armour also bolster Curry’s net worth by tens of millions per year. He has his own shoe and apparel line through Under Armour which brings in tremendous revenue. Curry’s other endorsements include Infiniti, Callaway Golf, EA Sports, and more.
The two-time MVP is now one of the highest paid athletes in the world. His meteoric rise from an unheralded college player to lucrative NBA stardom is inspiring. At just 32 years old and still in his prime, Curry’s on- and off-court earnings should continue rising as his career progresses.
How Did the Death Rumors Spread?
Now that we’ve established Stephen Curry is alive and well, it’s worth examining exactly how this viral death hoax managed to fool so many fans and spread across social media. As mentioned, Curry’s absence from the public eye this year likely sparked the initial speculation. However, a few other key factors allowed the rumors to propagate.
First, it’s no secret Curry has battled some injuries over the past few seasons, including problems with his ankles and hands. Images of Curry looking hampered or dejected after re-aggravating these injuries probably stoked some unjustified fears about his health. Seeing a usually vibrant superstar visibly in pain can spark concern.
Second, the suddenness and finality of death makes it an unfortunately captivating topic that catches people’s attention on social media. Morbid as it may sound, “XYZ Celebrity Dead at __” types of headlines tend to get clicks and shares simply due to people’s fascination with mortality. So the topic lent itself to virality, whether the rumors were true or not.
Finally, the NBA hiatus in 2020 robbed fans of seeing Curry in action for an extended period. Out of sight, out of mind – so some likely assumed the worst after Curry disappeared from ESPN highlights for months. The hashtag #RIPStephenCurry emerged as people shared conspiracy theories about what had happened to him.
In the end, the ingredients were there for an unfounded rumor to catch fire without any evidence. The power of social media meant thousands saw and shared the hoax in a short period of time. Thankfully, journalists acted quickly to fact check and debunk the hoax before it spiraled any further out of control.
Looking Ahead to Curry’s Return
Thankfully, Stephen Curry remains very much alive and focused on returning to NBA stardom this coming season. The Warriors hope 2020’s disastrous campaign was just an injury-plagued blip and that Curry’s brilliance can elevate them back into contention. At 32 years old, Curry remains squarely in his prime to add more accolades and championships.
Under new head coach Steve Kerr, Golden State won three titles in Curry’s five seasons prior to last year. His consistently clutch play spearheaded their dynastic run. Now after an extended break and time for his nagging injuries to heal, Curry appears poised to lead another charge up the NBA mountain.
While the coronavirus delayed his quest to get back to the Finals, Curry has handled this downtime with class. He understands keeping his family and community safe is bigger than basketball. Expect him to return with an appreciation for hoops and hunger to deliver more memorable moments.
The next time Curry hits a game-winning three or erupts for a playoff career-high, remember how fleeting it all is. Cherish these special athletes in the present. Though the death hoax was clearly fabricated, it resonated because people naturally fear one day losing icons like Curry. For now, fans can breathe easy knowing the great Stephen Curry is alive, well, and readying his next act.
Conclusion
- Rumors emerged online in 2020 that NBA superstar Stephen Curry had died, but these were simply a viral hoax. Curry is alive and well.
- Curry has been with the Golden State Warriors since 2009, winning 3 championships and 2 MVPs while cementing his legacy as the greatest shooter ever.
- The hoax likely began due to Curry’s absence from the public eye during the NBA’s 2020 bubble playoffs that the Warriors did not qualify for.
- Curry has an estimated net worth of $130 million thanks to his lucrative NBA contracts and endorsements with brands like Under Armour.
- While the rumors spread rapidly on social media, journalists quickly fact checked and confirmed Curry is both healthy and preparing to continue his NBA stardom.
- Fans can look forward to Curry leading the Warriors again next season as one of basketball’s most entertaining and vibrant superstars.
