What pick was Steph Curry when he was first drafted into NBA? Year and pick order explored
Steph Curry is one of the greatest and most influential NBA players of all time. Unlike many elite players we mention in the same breath as him, Curry wasn't that hyped coming into the league. He was coming off a stellar season at Davidson College, where he nearly led them to the NCAA Final Four.
Curry was prominently known as a shooting threat more than anything else. Most scouting reports suggested he would struggle in the league due to his physical attributes and relatively small frame compared to other guards.
His best comparisons were Mike Bibby and Mo Williams, with the worst being his future coach Steve Kerr and JJ Redick. Curry wasn't touted to become a star in the league due to his limitations.
He was presumed to be a defensive liability. Furthermore, Curry's offensive ability projected him to be an NBA-caliber player and nothing more.
However, his lack of explosiveness due to physical limitations also hurt his prospects of being a higher draft pick.
When did Steph Curry get drafted?
Curry entered the 2009 NBA Draft and got selected as the seventh overall pick by the Golden State Warriors.
The LA Clippers selected Blake Griffin first overall, while the Grizzlies picked Hasheem Thabeet next and James Harden went to OKC as the third overall pick. The Kings then selected Tyreke Evans fourth while Minnesota selected Ricky Rubio fifth overall and Jonny Flynn sixth in consecutive picks.
The 2009 NBA Draft class also featured other prominent players like DeMar DeRozan, Jrue Holiday and Patrick Beverley.
.@StephenCurry30 gets selected #7 overall to the @warriors in 2009... then he became a 3x NBA Champion!
2020 #NBADraft: Wednesday, November 18 7:30pm/et, ESPN 📺 https://t.co/yfnIpuVMF0
Steph Curry overcame his limitations to become one of the greatest players ever
Steph Curry went from being projected to be a player who would have to find his niche to be in the NBA to a superstar who is now the face of the league. Curry worked on everything and overcame all his limitations to get to where he is today.
The two-time MVP could barely stay healthy just a couple of years into his debut. Curry suffered multiple ankle injuries, which could've potentially shortened his career. However, he found a way to navigate those troubles and turn the Warriors into a dynasty.
According to Bucks owner Marc Lasry, in 2012, the Warriors were prepared to trade Steph Curry for Andrew Bogut but the Bucks medical staff was concerned about Steph's ankles. https://t.co/CeAps0OSKl
Steph Curry worked on his physique and strength while continuing to develop his offensive game, turning into a three-level scorer. That allowed him to absorb more contact and become a better defensive player than he was in his younger days.
Four NBA championships, two MVPs, nine All-Star selections, a Finals MVP and multiple other accolades later, Steph Curry is now inching closer to becoming a top-five all-time player.
He has already made the top 10 on many lists after continuing to prove his critics wrong and leading the Golden State Warriors to new heights.
Also read: Steph Curry names the toughest moment of his NBA career: "I felt like Forrest Gump without the big braces"