Former Golden State Warriors guard Nate Robinson believes that 37-year-old Stephen Curry still has one more championship run left in him.
“Man, I believe that he can do it,” Robinson told Heavy Sports in an exclusive interview arranged by mBit Casino. “Steph is one of the greats. It was a great opportunity for me to be there, to watch him become the player that he is today. I was there.”
Robinson joined the Warriors during the 2011-12 season when Curry missed 40 games due to an ankle sprain. The three-time NBA Slam Dunk champion averaged 11.2 points, 4.5 assists and 2 rebounds in 51 games for Golden State.
Getty David Lee (L), Nate Robinson and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after Robinson made a basket in the fourth quarter of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Oracle Arena on February 20, 2012, in Oakland, California.
“When I was there, watching him play and going through the ankle injuries and playing through all that and watching him work out was one of the best things I’ve ever seen anybody do,” Robinson said. “And his workouts are extreme, and he does such a great job of making shots and making it look real easy, because he puts in so much work behind closed doors that people don’t get to see.”
The Man Behind the Superstar
Robinson praised Curry’s ability to make difficult plays appear effortless on the court, noting that fans often see only the results, not the relentless preparation behind them.
“I just wish that people could be a fly on the wall watching his workouts live, so they can understand what he puts into it and how he gets out of it,” Robinson said. “Like what he puts in, he gets out during the games, that’s from the fans cheering and him doing some magical things. I think year 17 for him, is going to be a great season. Big year, great season. And I just know that with him, he always brings it. You never got to doubt him bringing it. So he’s going to bring it, and I’m excited to see what he does this year.”
A Second Chance at Life
Robinson, now 41, recently overcame a major health challenge with a successful kidney transplant last February. The procedure came from a living donor, Shane Cleveland, who has since become a lifelong friend.
“It was like meeting your guardian angel, it’s hard to explain,” Robinson told Heavy Sports. “When you’ve been fighting for your life for so long and you get a gift, like getting a kidney and hearing that you’re getting one — man, it changes your life.”
The two have built a close bond, sharing family events and weekly NFL pick ’em leagues. “We’re in this little pick ’em league football where you pick your NFL games every week. He came to my birthday, and I’ve been to his house for the Fourth of July. We’re bonding our families together. I told him, ‘We’re family now, bonded for life.’ And I meant that,” Robinson said.
Admiration for the Game and Its Stars
Robinson’s reflections underscore both his admiration for Curry’s dedication and the gratitude he feels for a second chance at life. While his own playing days may be behind him, his perspective on one of the game’s greatest shooters offers insight into what makes Curry extraordinary, which started way before he became the all-time greatest shooter in history.
For Robinson, Curry’s work ethic and commitment to excellence are a model for any athlete. And his own story — surviving a potentially life-ending condition and forming a lasting friendship with his donor — is a testament to perseverance, faith and gratitude.
Ex-Warriors Guard Opens Up on Steph Curry and His Second Chance at Life