If Stephen Curry had his way, he’d only be halfway through his NBA career. The Golden State Warriors star told Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer that he plans on playing 16 years in the league just like his father, Dell, and that eight years into his career, he has a greater understanding of what it’ll take to play eight years more.

“When I came in the league, that’s the only thing I did say – I want to play 16 years just because my Dad did,” Curry said. “I’ve always had an appreciation of what that meant. But now — having done eight years and understanding the work that it takes and whatnot — playing eight more years somewhere near the level I’m playing now would be solid.”

It’s easy to forget that there were some doubts as to whether Curry would even last eight years against the big boys of the NBA. He was considered too scrawny coming out of college and was blighted by ankle problems early in his career. But through hard work, he managed to overcome those obstacles and made a miraculous rise into becoming a legitimate superstar and two-time league MVP.

Despite those early ankle injuries, Stephen Curry has remained remarkably durable for most of his career. Apart from the 2011-12 season when he played just 26 games, he’s missed more than four regular season games in just one other season over his eight-year career.

While Curry may not have eight years left as a truly elite-level player, it's easy to see him still being an elite-level shooter well into his 30s, which should help him achieve his goal of lasting eight more years in the league if his health holds up.