Hey there, basketball fans. Picture this: I’m sitting in my living room last summer, flipping through channels after a long day, when I stumble on a clip of Stephen Curry chatting it up on a golf course. Now, I’m no pro golfer myself—my swing’s more of a wild haymaker that sends the ball into the woods half the time—but Curry? The guy’s got that effortless cool on the links, just like he does on the court. And then, out of nowhere, he drops this gem about the NBA’s most athletic player. It got me thinking back to my own pickup games in college, where I’d try to mimic those explosive moves but end up huffing and puffing like a steam engine. Curry’s pick? Ja Morant. Yeah, that Ja Morant. In a league full of freaks of nature, the greatest shooter of all time is crowning a rival as the king of athleticism. Let’s dive deep into this revelation, why it matters, and what it says about the state of the NBA today. Trust me, by the end, you’ll be replaying those highlight reels in your head.

The Moment Curry Dropped the Bombshell

It was during a casual round on the Good Good Golf YouTube channel in July 2025, where Curry was swinging clubs and answering fan questions with his signature humility and wit. The Warriors star, fresh off another season of defying Father Time at age 37, didn’t hesitate when asked about the league’s top athlete. “Ja Morant,” he said, adding with a grin, “I think pound for pound, he’s the most athletic dude in the league.” He even threw in comparisons to legends like prime Russell Westbrook and John Wall, guys who redefined explosiveness back in the day. For me, hearing that felt like a throwback to when I’d watch Morant’s dunks as a kid and think, “How is that even humanly possible?” It’s these off-court moments that make Curry so relatable—he’s not just a superstar; he’s a fan at heart, appreciating the game’s raw talent.

This wasn’t some scripted interview; it was Curry being Curry, honest and unfiltered. And in a league where rivalries run deep—the Warriors and Grizzlies have had their share of heated playoff battles—praising Morant shows class. It reminds me of that time in my early 20s when I was coaching a youth team, and one of my kids idolized Curry for his shooting but dreamed of Morant’s hops. Moments like this bridge generations and styles of play, making the NBA feel alive and electric.

Why Ja Morant? Breaking Down Curry’s Pick

Curry’s choice makes sense when you peel back the layers of Morant’s game. At 6’3″ and around 175 pounds, Morant isn’t the biggest guy out there, but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in sheer power and agility. We’re talking about a player who can explode from half-court to the rim in a blink, contort his body mid-air for impossible layups, and still finish with finesse. Curry’s “pound for pound” qualifier is key—it’s not just about raw size like a Giannis Antetokounmpo; it’s about efficiency and control in a compact frame. I remember watching Morant’s rookie year in 2019, feeling that same awe as when I first saw Allen Iverson back in the ’90s, but with modern flair. Morant’s vertical leap has been measured at over 40 inches, and his speed off the dribble is clocked at NBA elite levels, often hitting 20+ mph in bursts.

What sets Morant apart, though, is how he combines that athleticism with basketball IQ. He’s not just jumping high; he’s reading defenses, changing directions on a dime, and turning routine plays into viral moments. Curry, who relies on quickness and smarts rather than brute force, clearly sees a kindred spirit in that undersized dominance. It’s like when I played against a guy in my rec league who was half my size but could blow by me every time—frustrating, but you had to respect it. Morant’s accolades back this up: Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, two-time All-Star, and leading the Grizzlies to deep playoff runs. But injuries and off-court issues have tested him, making Curry’s endorsement even more meaningful—it’s a vote of confidence in his potential.

Stephen Curry: The Shooter Who Sees All

You can’t talk about Curry without appreciating his own journey. Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1988, Steph grew up in the shadow of his dad Dell Curry, a sharpshooting NBA vet, but carved his own path at Davidson College. Drafted seventh overall by the Warriors in 2009, he transformed from a skinny kid with ankle issues into a four-time champ, two-time MVP, and the all-time three-point leader with over 4,000 makes as of 2025. His game? Pure wizardry—off-ball movement, unlimited range, and that hesitation dribble that leaves defenders guessing. But athleticism? Curry’s not the leaper Morant is; his edge is endurance and explosiveness in short bursts, like those quick first steps that create space for his iconic pull-ups.

I’ve always admired how Curry defies the “big man” stereotype in a league trending taller and more versatile. Remember Game 6 of the 2022 Finals? He dropped 34 points, including that cold-blooded shimmy after a three, proving he’s got that competitive fire. Off the court, Curry’s a family man, philanthropist, and even a decent golfer—his Undercover Tour series with celebs like Justin Timberlake shows his fun side. But when he speaks on athleticism, it’s authoritative; he’s guarded the best, from LeBron to KD, and knows what separates good from great. It’s that experience that makes his Morant pick ring true—he’s not just hyping a rival; he’s spotting evolution in the game he helped redefine.

Ja Morant’s Rise: From Murray State to Grizzlies Stardom

Morant’s story is the stuff of NBA dreams. Hailing from Dalzell, South Carolina, he was overlooked coming out of high school, landing at Murray State where he averaged 24.5 points and 10 assists as a sophomore, earning OVC Player of the Year. The Grizzlies snagged him second overall in 2019, and boom—instant impact. His rookie season? 17.8 points, 7.4 assists, leading Memphis to the playoffs. By 2022, he was an All-Star, dropping 28-point triple-doubles like it was nothing. I recall that 2022 play-in game against the Warriors, where Morant posterized everyone, including a young Jonathan Kuminga—it was electric, the kind of moment that hooks you on basketball.

But Morant’s path hasn’t been smooth. A knee injury in 2022 sidelined him for most of the following season, and off-court drama, including a 25-game suspension in 2023 for social media antics, raised eyebrows. Yet, he bounced back in 2024-25, averaging 25.1 points and 8.1 assists, proving resilience. His athletic toolkit—those 360 layups, windmill dunks, and lightning-quick crossovers—makes him a highlight machine. Compared to Curry’s precision, Morant’s chaos is poetry in motion. It’s why former players like Davante Adams called him “the most athletic professional athlete in the world” after a 2024 game. Morant’s not just athletic; he’s transformative, turning the Grizzlies into contenders with his leadership.

Athleticism in the Modern NBA: What Does It Even Mean?

Athleticism isn’t one-size-fits-all in today’s NBA—it’s a blend of speed, vertical, endurance, and body control. Back in the ’90s, it was about raw power like Shawn Kemp’s dunks; now, with pace-and-space offenses, it’s about quick-twitch bursts and recovery. Curry nailed it by invoking “pound for pound,” echoing boxing’s focus on efficiency over size. In my days playing intramurals, I’d see guys who could jump out of the gym but gassed out quick—true athleticism sustains performance. Data from NBA tracking shows Morant’s top speed rivals prime Westbrook’s 21.5 mph, while his player efficiency rating (PER) hovers around 25, elite for a guard.

The league’s evolved too, thanks to Curry’s shooting revolution. Teams now prioritize versatile athletes who can switch on defense and space the floor. Morant fits that mold, but so do others. A 2021 GM survey had Giannis, Zion Williamson, and Anthony Edwards topping athletic lists, but Curry’s pick highlights guards’ resurgence. It’s fascinating—athleticism now amplifies skill, not defines it. Humor me: if Curry had Morant’s hops, he’d be unguardable, dropping 50 every night. But that’s the beauty; diverse talents keep the NBA fresh.

Comparing Curry’s Pick: Morant vs. Other NBA Athletic Freaks

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty with a comparison. Morant edges out in explosiveness, but how does he stack up against today’s beasts? I’ll break it down in a table for clarity, using stats from the 2024-25 season (via NBA.com) and qualitative notes.

From this, Morant’s blend of guard agility and power stands out. Pros of his style: Unpredictable drives create chaos; cons: Injury risk from high-flying plays. Edwards, for instance, pros: Youthful endurance; cons: Less playmaking. It’s why Curry’s endorsement sparks debate—Morant’s the total package for a point guard.

Pros and Cons of Morant’s Athletic Dominance

• Pros:
  • Elite body control: Morant can euro-step through traffic like no one else, turning potential travels into and-ones.
  • Speed demon: His acceleration off the bounce disrupts entire defenses, leading to easy buckets or assists.
  • Durability rebound: After injuries, he’s adapted, focusing on smarter plays—averaging fewer dunks but more efficient finishes.
  • Fan appeal: Those highlights? Pure entertainment, boosting jersey sales and social media buzz.
• Cons:
  • Injury vulnerability: High-impact style led to a 2022 knee tear; staying healthy is key for longevity.
  • Size limitations: At 175 pounds, he gets bullied in the post—needs better strength training.
  • Off-court distractions: Suspensions have hurt team momentum; maturity is evolving, but it’s a work in progress.
  • Over-reliance on athleticism: As he ages, transitioning to Curry-like skill will be crucial.

Balancing these, Morant’s pros outweigh for now, but the cons remind us athleticism alone doesn’t win rings—skill and smarts do.

The Rivalry Angle: Warriors vs. Grizzlies Through the Years

Warriors-Grizzlies clashes add spice to Curry’s pick. Since Morant’s debut, they’ve met in playoffs twice: 2021 play-in (Warriors win) and 2022 second round (Warriors in six). Memorable? Morant’s 47-point explosion in Game 2 of ’22, or Curry’s 30-point closeouts. It’s gritty—Draymond Green’s ejections, trash talk—but mutual respect shines. I chuckle thinking of fans arguing online, like that time my buddy and I debated it over beers; he swore by Kuminga, I stuck with Morant. This rivalry highlights the West’s parity: Warriors’ shooting vs. Grizzlies’ grit. Curry naming Morant? It’s olive branch in a competitive conference, showing the game’s bigger than beef.

Impact on the Game: How Morant’s Athleticism Influences the League

Morant’s style pushes boundaries, inspiring young guards to train for explosiveness. Post-2019, we’ve seen a spike in high-flying point guards—think Scoot Henderson or Amen Thompson emulating his dunks. For teams, it means building around athletic engines: Grizzlies pair him with Jaren Jackson Jr. for switchable defense. Curry’s revolution spaced the floor; Morant’s closing it with drives. Informational nugget: What is athleticism in basketball? It’s measurable via metrics like burst speed (Morant tops at 2.5 g-forces) and vertical efficiency. For fans wanting more, check out NBA.com’s player tracking tools for deep dives. Transactionally, if you’re scouting talent, tools like Hudl or Synergy Sports help analyze athletic prospects—best for aspiring coaches.

People Also Ask: Answering Top Searched Questions

Based on real Google searches around this topic, here’s what folks are curious about. I’ve pulled these straight from SERP data to cover search intent.

Who is the most athletic player in the NBA according to Stephen Curry?

Curry named Ja Morant during a July 2025 golf outing, praising his pound-for-pound explosiveness. This aligns with fan polls where Morant often ranks high, though Edwards and Giannis compete closely.

Why did Stephen Curry choose Ja Morant over his teammate Jonathan Kuminga?

Kuminga is a beast—Klay Thompson called him a top athlete—but Curry focused on guard-specific athleticism. Morant’s quickness and control in tight spaces edged out Kuminga’s power-forward style.

Is Ja Morant more athletic than Anthony Edwards?

It’s close; Edwards has a higher vertical, but Morant’s body control and speed give him the nod per Curry. Both are under 6’5″ dynamos, but Morant’s playmaking tips the scale.

How has Stephen Curry’s view on athleticism changed over the years?

Early in his career, Curry hyped Westbrook; now, with experience, he appreciates evolved talents like Morant. It’s tied to his own game—valuing quickness over size, as seen in his 2024 Olympic gold.

Where can I watch highlights of Ja Morant’s most athletic plays?

Head to YouTube’s NBA channel for compilations, or NBA League Pass for full games. For free options, ESPN’s app has top-10 dunks featuring Morant.

FAQ: Real User Questions on Curry’s Revelation

Drawing from common queries on forums like Reddit and X, here are five answered with depth.

1. What makes Ja Morant ‘pound for pound’ the most athletic? It’s his efficiency—exploding without wasting energy. At his size, Morant’s 40-inch vertical and sub-4-second 40-yard dash equivalent make him a compact powerhouse, unlike bigger players who rely on mass.
2. Did Curry snub other stars like LeBron or Westbrook? No, he compared Morant to prime Westbrook positively. LeBron’s all-around athleticism is legendary, but Curry specified current players and guard focus—LeBron’s more marathon than sprint.
3. How does this affect Warriors-Grizzlies rivalry? It humanizes it; Curry’s respect could ease tensions. Next matchup? Expect chippy play, but off-court nods like this build league camaraderie.
4. Is Morant the best young athlete in the NBA? Arguably yes—over Edwards or Paolo Banchero—due to his stats and highlights. But health is key; a full season could solidify it.
5. Where to get tickets for Warriors vs. Grizzlies games? Use Ticketmaster or SeatGeek for deals. For navigational ease, check the teams’ official sites for schedules—2025-26 tips off October 21.

The Bigger Picture: Athleticism, Legacy, and the Future

Wrapping this up, Curry’s shoutout to Morant isn’t just praise; it’s a nod to the NBA’s blend of skill and spectacle. As someone who’s followed the league since Jordan’s heyday, I see echoes of past greats in these two—Curry’s finesse like Bird, Morant’s flash like Dr. J. With the 2025-26 season underway, watch how Morant elevates Memphis and Curry chases ring five. It’s engaging stuff: the humor in Curry’s golf swing fails, the emotion in Morant’s comebacks. For internal linking, check our piece on Curry’s all-time ranking. This game’s about evolution, and these guys are leading the charge. What do you think—who’s your most athletic pick? Drop a comment; let’s chat hoops.