"Steph's got glass ankles. Steph's Grant Hill 2.0" - Steph Curry's best friend once revealed how critics doubts fueled future MVP transformation

When Steph Curry decides to hang up his shoes and retire, he will be remembered as one of the greatest players of this or any era. However, he wasn't always the dominant player who takes the court every night. Curry has overcome ankle injuries that plagued the early part of his career with the Golden State Warriors, crediting recovery and improvements to trainer Keke Lyles.

Lyles, who was a strength and conditioning coach with Minnesota during the 2012-13 season, observed Curry from afar, watching him be hobbled by rolled ankles that prevented him from playing his best against the San Antonio Spurs, who knocked him out of the playoffs. Lyles joined the Warriors that offseason with one goal: get Curry to rely less on his ankles and more on his hips.

"Shiftiness is an ankle strategy," Lyles said, "but power comes from the hips. We wanted to teach Steph how to load his hips to help unload his ankles."

Along with the physical recovery, Steph must overcome mental blocks, including the critics. Bryant Barr, a close friend and former teammate of Steph, spoke about the criticism Curry faced as he recovered.

"People started saying, 'Steph's got glass ankles. Steph's Grant Hill 2.0,'" Barr said. "He didn't hide his emotions, his frustration, for anyone."

Curry has spoken highly of the team that works with him behind the scenes to ensure he is in peak physical condition, whether recovering from injury or preventing ones in the future. He credits Lyles and personal trainer Brandon Payne for helping him regain his confidence.

"There was a time when I was just worried about playing basketball," Steph said, "much less playing at a high level. Now I try to have as much fun out there as possible."

Does Steph Curry have enough left around him to make one last playoff run?

Steph Curry is having another stellar season for the Warriors, averaging 22.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.2 steals in 34 games this season. He is well on his way to another All-Star appearance, but the team around him leaves much to be desired. At 21-21, the Golden State Warriors are on the outside looking in at the Western Conference play-in picture.

The Warriors are expected to be aggressive on the trade market before the deadline after moving De'Anthony Melton to the Brooklyn Nets for Dennis Schroder. Golden State has been attached to many of the big names expected to move, including Nikola Vucević, Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler. The team feels the pressure to make the most of Curry's greatness.