Getty
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors prepares for warm-up with assistant coach Bruce Fraser
The clip spread quickly — the kind that rarely stays contained once it reaches the NBA’s orbit.
Hours after being waived by the Chicago Bulls, former No. 5 pick Jaden Ivey went live and delivered a stream-of-consciousness message that moved between faith, basketball and something in between. At one point, he turned his attention to Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry.
“That’s why you got Steph Curry, and he not even surrendered. And y’all believe he’s a Christian,” Ivey said. “Y’all believe he’s a Christian because he wrote Philippians 4:13… but he cursing, just like the world… he don’t know Jesus.”
He later referenced championships held by Curry, LeBron James and Michael Jordan as ultimately insignificant “on Judgment Day.”
Within minutes, the video began circulating. The reaction followed just as fast — and in every direction.
Why Curry’s Name Carries Weight
Curry’s inclusion wasn’t random.
For much of his career with the Warriors, Curry has been open about his Christian faith, frequently referencing Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” — on his shoes, in interviews and in public appearances.
GettyA close-up of the shoes of Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors with the quote “I can do all things” during their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena on December 16, 2009 in Oakland, California.
That visibility has made the Warriors star one of the most recognizable faith-driven figures in the NBA, which helps explain why his name surfaced in Ivey’s remarks.
Curry has not publicly responded.
Concern, Confusion and a Familiar Internet Pattern
For some, the reaction wasn’t about basketball or theology. It was about concern.
“Religious psychosis is serious y’all. This guy needs help.”
“Something is 100% going on lol nba players don’t just go haywire like this out of nowhere.”
“Praying for Brodie… we don’t need another young man who’s a pro athlete to lose a battle with mental health.”
The tone echoed a familiar pattern when athletes veer into unexpected territory — a mix of speculation, empathy and unease.
Support and Conviction
Others saw something different.
“S/O to him for standing on what he believes.”
“Excellent point. We value championship rings, but God values true repentance and faith in Christ.”
Those reactions framed Ivey’s comments less as controversy and more as conviction.
Curry Becomes the Focal Point
If the livestream covered multiple themes, the internet quickly narrowed in on one: Curry — and, by extension, the Warriors.
“What Steph got to do with this 🤣🤣”
“And this is why Curry is still employed, and Ivey is talking into a phone camera.”
“Steph literally the nicest, most generous person in the NBA.”
“But at the end of the day, Steph Curry is a good dude… a stand-up guy.”
There was pushback, humor and defense — often all at once.
“Jaden really looked at Steph Curry’s rings and said ‘none of that saves your soul though’ 😭”
“Steph Curry pointed up at the sky after a shot more than Jaden Ivey ever has.”
The contrast — Curry’s carefully built public image in Golden State and Ivey’s direct critique — gave the moment added traction.
Humor Cuts Through
Some reactions leaned into the surreal nature of the moment.
“Is he on a plane? Imagine getting on your spring break flight… and Jaden Ivey is sitting next to you ranting about Steph Curry’s rings not mattering on judgment day.”
A Broader Conversation
Others widened the lens.
“Some of the things about these stars are unfortunately true… but his statements, true or not, might have cost him his career.”
“The victimhood is real. Neither Steph Curry nor LeBron James even knows who this guy is.”
What began as a livestream quickly expanded into a broader debate — touching on belief, public image and accountability.
Fallout Continues
The comments came on the same day the Bulls waived Ivey, citing “conduct detrimental to the team,” though the organization did not provide specifics.
For now, there is no response from Curry or James.
But the conversation continues to move — shaped in real time by the same audience that amplified it.
And like most moments that reach this scale, it’s no longer just about what was said.
It’s about what people think it means.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
More Heavy on Warriors
Loading more stories