An entire NBA season can stretch long enough for old dreams to fade and new ones to take shape. However, financial constraints prevented the Suns from moving on, allowing Damion Lee to pick up where he left off. During his year-long break, the unwavering support from his wife, Sydel, proved invaluable. A special nod goes to Stephen Curry for his vocal encouragement; after all, that’s what families do.

Beyond their time as Warriors teammates, the duo shares a unique bond through Curry’s sister. Supporting his brother-in-law became a vital mission for Curry, which he approached with grace and brilliance. Now that Lee’s back on the hardwood, the four-time champion has shared behind-the-scenes moments that reunited him with his former Splash Bro, Klay Thompson.

“I’ve seen a lot of it behind the scenes over the last year and talked to him a lot and understand how motivated he was and the emotional roller coaster,” Curry told The Arizona Republic following Lee’s comeback. At one point, it was uncertain whether the swingman would make a return to the court, but his zeal was strong enough to change his fate. Comparing Lee’s right meniscus surgery to that of Thompson, Curry said, “A lot of people see return, like when Klay (Thompson) went through it.”

Much like Lee, Klay was ruled out for the 2019-20 season due to a torn ACL, but that wasn’t it for Klay. He missed the following season too, because of his Achilles tendon injury. Curry further added, “You might see him (Lee) here or there sporadically throughout the rehab process, but the emotional roller coaster is the hardest part for guys to be in isolation.”

Curry highlighted the monotonous rehabilitation Lee had to go through every day while being away from the team. “It’s a test of mental fortitude, and it’s a really, really long and strenuous process,” the 36-year-old mentioned. Not only Lee, but there have been multiple beneficiaries of Curry’s generosity. That’s likely one of the reasons the Dubs star is universally loved. Aside from his help to family, Curry also devotedly assists the underprivileged and the next generation. And just for them, he recently left a special message.

Stephen Curry shares a message for the next-gen who try to follow in his footsteps

For starters, walking the same route as Stephen Curry is no cakewalk. Even if the man hasn’t talked about the difficulties of shooting from beyond the arc, that’s a fact. Focusing solely on three-pointers will not impress Curry, he clarified.

While speaking to YouTuber Jazzy at the Underrated Golf 2024 Tournament, Curry said “Now you see kids younger and younger trying to shoot threes a little early.” He had one advice for them, “I say make sure you work on the fundamentals and work your way up to it. But it’s cool that people know that it’s possible to shoot way out there.”

Curry’s impactful NBA career has encouraged many over the years. With his on-court excellence and off-court generosity, Stephen Curry continues to inspire and empower young athletes, cementing his legacy as a role model and champion for the future of basketball.