Stephen Curry names NBA legend who shaped his charity work

Stephen Curry has credited a longtime NBA veteran for inspiring his deep passion for charitable work. The Golden State Warriors guard made the revelation in a recent interview, tying his off-court efforts to lessons learned from a league legend.

What did Curry say?

Curry named Grant Hill as the NBA veteran who lit the spark for his philanthropy. The two-time MVP told reporters that Hill’s approach to community impact showed him how athletes can leverage their platforms beyond basketball. “Grant taught me that giving back isn’t just about writing checks,” Curry explained. “It’s about showing up, listening, and building real connections.”

Why does this matter for Curry?

The revelation comes as Curry’s own foundation, the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, marks its fifth year of operation. Since launching in 2021, the Oakland-based charity has raised over $50 million and served more than 100,000 youth in the Bay Area. Curry’s public embrace of Hill’s philosophy aligns with his broader push to normalize athlete activism in the NBA. The Warriors star has repeatedly called for peers to use their influence for social change, pointing to Hill’s career as proof that impact lasts longer than highlights.

How did Hill influence Curry?

Curry met Hill during the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend in New York. At the time, Hill was finishing a 19-year Hall of Fame career with stops at Detroit, Orlando, Phoenix and Los Angeles. “He’d already walked away from the game,” Curry recalled, “but he wasn’t done serving.” Hill’s post-playing work with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and his family’s philanthropic projects left a lasting impression on Curry, who was then entering his prime with the Warriors.

What’s next for Curry’s giving?

Curry’s foundation recently broke ground on a new $10 million sports and education complex in Oakland, set to open in spring 2027. The project will include a full-size basketball court, STEM labs and a nutrition center. “This is just the next step,” Curry said. “We’re not slowing down.” The foundation’s annual gala in August will celebrate its latest milestone: a $7 million matching challenge from the Warriors ownership group.