Before the Golden State Warriors took the floor in Orlando on Tuesday, Stephen Curry made the tunnel his stage again. With his sneaker free agency now fully underway after splitting from Under Armour, Curry used the Warriors’ trip to face the Orlando Magic to honor two of the franchise’s all-time icons.
Cameras caught Curry arriving at the Kia Center in the black-and-white Reebok Shaqnosis, the same silhouette tied forever to Shaquille O’Neal during his Magic years. For warmups, he switched into the Nike Air Penny 2 “Volt”, a bright tribute to Penny Hardaway and Orlando’s 90s era. The clip circulated quickly online, and fans immediately understood what Curry was doing — paying respect while enjoying a freedom he hasn’t had in more than a decade.
Golden State Guard Continues to Explore His Sneaker Freedom
Curry has wasted no time experimenting since stepping away from Under Armour last week. He had been the face of their basketball business for 12 years, helping launch Curry Brand and producing one of the league’s most consistent signature lines. With the partnership now dissolved, Curry Brand will continue independently, and Curry is free to lace up whatever he wants before games.
That freedom was already on display last Friday, when Curry warmed up for the Warriors’ NBA Cup matchup against the San Antonio Spurs in a pair of Nike Kobe 6 “Mambacita Sweet 16” sneakers. The look was meaningful for another reason: Curry began his NBA career as a Nike athlete in 2009, and his connection to Kobe Bryant runs deep. Kobe joined Nike in 2003, helping create one of the most iconic sneaker lines ever, and Curry has spoken often about how much Bryant’s mindset influenced him.
Reflecting on the moment, Curry told reporters that wearing those Kobes “spoke for itself,” adding, “I just wanted to take advantage of that moment and pay tribute. I think it gave me some good energy tonight.”
That emotional throughline has continued into every game since.
What It Means for the Warriors and Curry’s Next Big Decision
On the court, Curry delivered again with 34 points in the Warriors’ 121–113 loss to the Magic. Jimmy Butler added 33, though Orlando controlled the game with six players scoring in double figures.
Off the court, the sneaker world is buzzing. Curry will have no shortage of suitors. Shaq, now President of Reebok Basketball, would love to bring the Warriors star into the fold. Nike is in the mix too, especially with Curry slipping back into Kobes last week. His warmup choices feel intentional — subtle hints, respectful nods and reminders of the people who shaped pieces of his basketball identity.
And with Curry Brand shifting to outside investment, there’s always the possibility he keeps building his own thing rather than joining someone else’s.
Warriors Star Is Turning Pregame Moments Into Storylines
GettyStephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket against the Phoenix Suns.
If the first few games are any indication, Curry is treating sneaker free agency as an opportunity, not an obligation. His pregame fits have meaning. His warmups tie back to memories, mentors and basketball eras that mattered to him. Even when he eventually changes into his Curry Series 7, the groundwork is already laid.
Fans can expect him to keep switching it up. Some tributes might be to legends, some to peers, and some to moments only Curry understands. But the message so far is clear: he’s enjoying this chapter, and he’s controlling the narrative one pair at a time.
It might end up being one of the most entertaining Warriors subplots of the entire season.
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