Key Takeaways:
- Stephen Curry was drafted in the 2009 NBA Draft, with the 7th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors.
- Six players were drafted ahead of Curry, with only two of them still playing in the NBA today. Curry’s impressive career and legacy have made him one of the best players in the league.
- The teams that passed on Curry during the draft regretted their decision. The Golden State Warriors returned to glory, with Curry leading them to several championships and breaking numerous records.
The 2009 NBA Draft: Overview
The 2009 NBA Draft was a turning point for several rising basketball stars, including Stephen Curry. In this section, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the 2009 NBA Draft. We’ll also take a closer look at the six players drafted ahead of Curry and how his impressive career and legacy have made him one of the greatest players of all time.
Six players drafted ahead of Stephen Curry
The 2009 NBA Draft saw six players drafted ahead of Stephen Curry. Blake Griffin was the first overall pick, chosen by the Los Angeles Clippers. Hasheem Thabeet, a Tanzanian center from Connecticut University, was second overall, selected by the Memphis Grizzlies. James Harden from Arizona State University was the third pick, taken by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tyreke Evans, from Memphis University, was the fourth overall pick, chosen by the Sacramento Kings. Ricky Rubio, Spanish guard playing for DKV Joventut, was fifth, picked by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jonny Flynn, an American guard from Syracuse University, was sixth overall, also chosen by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite being passed over and facing doubts due to size and injury issues, Curry went on to become a three-time NBA champion and two-time MVP winner.
Curry’s impressive career and legacy
Indisputable is Stephen Curry’s career and legacy in basketball. He’s a legend, widely known as one of the greatest players ever. His numerous accomplishments and record-breaking feats have left an indelible mark on the sport.
His exceptional shooting, swift hands and impressive footwork on the court have won him various awards, including two Most Valuable Player (MVP) titles and multiple NBA championships. He’s renowned as one of the best three-point shooters in NBA history.
Not only on the court, but Curry’s philanthropic efforts through his foundation are equally impressive. His goal is to empower underserved youth and make a difference in their lives.
In spite of being overlooked by six players during the 2009 NBA Draft, Curry persevered and showed his doubters wrong by achieving great success. His commitment to excellence and dedication to helping others continues to inspire generations.
Curry’s career and legacy have earned him a place as one of the all-time greats in basketball history.
Examining the teams that passed on Curry
While Stephen Curry’s impressive career achievements are well-known, what’s often overlooked is the backstory of how he rose to stardom. In this section, we’ll examine the teams that passed on Curry during the 2009 NBA draft. By exploring the choices of other teams, we’ll be able to appreciate the impressive foresight of Golden State Warriors in selecting Curry and how it led to their return to glory.
Golden State Warriors returning to glory
The 2009 NBA draft was a thrilling event! Many skilled players were chosen, but the Golden State Warriors’ pick of Stephen Curry stands out. Since his draft, Curry’s incredible play has led to the Warriors’ revival. Before, they were having trouble making an impact and were a far cry from their golden days.
Looking back, six players were chosen before Curry. But, Curry has surpassed them and set a new standard for other players. It’s remarkable that Curry’s talents were overlooked by many teams, even those with higher positions in the draft order.
Although he was passed up by several teams, Curry’s talent was soon apparent. He has proven to be a giant force in the league. The Warriors’ faith in him has paid off- they have won three NBA championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018, with Curry as one of their most valuable players.
Because of Curry’s influence, the Warriors’ success is no longer uncertain. They are now seen as an elite team in the NBA. Other teams can take cues from the Warriors’ successes and how they reworked their franchise, returning them to glory.
Analysis of the 2009 NBA Draft class
The 2009 NBA Draft class was loaded with talent and is regarded as one of the strongest draft classes in NBA history. In this section, we will conduct an analysis of the draft class and delve into some of the players that had the potential to become future MVPs.
Several players with potential future MVPs
The 2009 NBA Draft class had some very special players. These players had impressive college careers, and were some of the most wanted in the draft. James Harden was drafted third overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has earned the MVP award and been chosen for the All-Star team eight times! Russell Westbrook was fourth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics. He won the MVP award in 2017 and averaged a triple-double for three years. Stephen Curry was seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors. He’s become one of the best players in history! He’s won three championships and two MVP awards. Blake Griffin was first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite injuries, he has made six All-Star teams.
Since entering the league, these players have been great forces in the NBA. They’re front-runners for individual awards, such as All-NBA selections and more MVP titles.
It’s important to remember the other talented players in this draft class. Players such as DeMar DeRozan, Jrue Holiday, Ty Lawson, Jeff Teague, and Toney Douglas have all had successful careers.
Interesting facts about the 2009 NBA Draft
The 2009 NBA Draft was quite memorable, with a pool of very talented players. One of these players was Stephen Curry, selected 7th overall by the Golden State Warriors.
Blake Griffin was the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers. James Harden was taken 3rd overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Minnesota Timberwolves picked Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn back-to-back at picks 5 and 6. The Warriors also added Klay Thompson at #11. Victor Claver was chosen at pick 22 by the Portland Trail Blazers. Tyreke Evans, Jeff Teague, and DeMar DeRozan were also in the first round.
There was an international presence in the 2009 NBA Draft, with Rubio, Claver, and Omri Casspi (drafted 23rd by the Sacramento Kings).
This was the last draft to allow high schoolers to enter the league. After this, players had to attend college for at least one year before being eligible for the NBA Draft. Interesting facts about the 2009 NBA Draft!
Conclusion
Who knew that Steph Curry would become the greatest shooter to ever live?
They certainly didn’t know in 2009 when he was drafted. Even though he was drafted high (7th), in hindsight he was way above all the players drafted before him.
Five Facts About When Was Stephen Curry Drafted:
- ✅ Stephen Curry was drafted in the 2009 NBA Draft. (Source: Various)
- ✅ Six players were drafted ahead of Stephen Curry in the 2009 NBA Draft. (Source: Sporting News)
- ✅ The LA Clippers selected Blake Griffin as the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. (Source: Sporting News)
- ✅ Despite being drafted after six other players, Stephen Curry is now considered as a top-10 player in NBA history. (Source: Sporting News)
- ✅ The 2009 NBA Draft was the 63rd annual draft of the National Basketball Association and took place on June 25, 2009, at the Madison Square Garden in New York. (Source: Wikipedia)