Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry is preparing for his 17th season in the league. Ahead of the new season, Curry was voted the best American player in the league in a survey of twenty coaches, scouts and executives, edging out LA Lakers star LeBron James.According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps on Monday, Steph Curry edged out Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, who both came second and third respectively. Curry won by 11 votes, Edwards gathered eight votes and Mitchell came a distant third with a single vote.The survey also picked other positions. For the 2026 MVP, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic edged reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander by 11 votes to five. Coming behind was LA Lakers guard Luka Doncic (4 votes), San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (2 votes), with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Edwards both earning one vote each.Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends on Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the second half during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena - Source: ImagnFor the best rookie, voters picked Dallas Mavericks first pick Cooper Flagg with 19 votes. Coming in a distant second was Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel with a single vote.What’s next for Steph Curry ahead of his 17th pro seasonAhead of his 17th season as a pro, Steph Curry publicly stated that he's focusing on the present and near future. He’s under contract through 2026-27, and is looking at it season by season.Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates with forward Draymond Green (23) after a play during game seven of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory - Source: ImagnLast season was demanding, health wise, as he dealt with injuries, especially the hamstring that affected his availability in the playoffs. The Warriors announced on Wednesday that he has been cleared for light on-court workouts and will be re-evaluated again Saturday.Steph Curry's current deal rings in at about $59.6 million for 2025-26. The extension runs through 2027, and by then he’ll be 39.