Adam Silver Calls Stephen Curry A Commissioner's Dream; Credits Him For Growth In Women's Basketball

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver appeared on KNBR 680's Murph and Markus on Tuesday where he spoke glowingly of Stephen Curry. In the show, Silver was asked what comes to mind when he thinks of basketball in the Bay Area and it didn't take long for him to bring up Curry.

"Most recently, I think championships," Silver said. "I think about the Chase Center and I think about everything that Joe Lacob and Peter Guber have done since taking over the organization. Of course, I'm always focused on Steph, who is a commissioner's dream.

"In addition to being an incredible player, just a pleasure to deal with and does amazing things in the community," Silver continued. "So many positive stories have come out of your community over the last several years."

Curry certainly has done a lot for the community and is exactly the type of superstar the NBA and Silver want. The Golden State Warriors guard has been involved in no controversies whatsoever in his career and has been a model citizen.

Curry, who is averaging 23.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game in 2024-25, has certainly played a part in the growth of basketball around the world as well. In this episode, Silver was asked what it's like to have a global ambassador like him around and it's safe to say the commissioner is quite grateful.

"It makes my job easy, honestly," Silver stated. "He travels in the offseason, he goes everywhere. I think he plays, most importantly, with real joy. In addition to the success he's had, he's so relatable as a player. I think, in part, not suggesting he's small, but he's not a giant like a lot of NBA players, so I think kids really relate to him.

"I actually think the growth we've seen in girls and women's basketball is directly connected to Steph, too, because he plays below the rim," Silver continued. "He plays a very relatable style of basketball."

Curry's style is more relatable than that of other superstars in the NBA. It is certainly possible that the two-time MVP has inspired many girls and women over the last decade to pick up a basketball and start hooping. 

"I think also there's the sense, too, from kids, because of his work ethic, the harder you work the better you're going to be as opposed to things you can't control, like size," Silver stated. "I think Steph has been responsible for a surge in growth and participation.

"As you guys were saying, it's not just a Bay Area or a U.S. phenomenon, it's clearly global," Silver added. "And those images of him, kids have smartphones all over the world now, so wherever you are, people know who he is. He's one of the most famous people on the planet at this point."

Curry certainly is one of the most popular basketball players in the world. While some of the purists don't necessarily like the brand of basketball the 36-year-old plays, he has captured the imagination of millions around the world with it.

Curry also appears to have gotten a new lease of life recently after the Warriors traded for Jimmy Butler. He has averaged 36.0 points per game since Butler arrived and will look to put on a show again when the Warriors face off against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Wednesday at 9:30 PM ET.