The Untold Story Behind Stephen Curry's NBA Draft Pick and His Rise to Stardom

I still remember watching the 2009 NBA Draft with mixed feelings—excitement about the new talent coming into the league, but also a sense that something special was happening with that skinny kid from Davidson. When the Golden State Warriors selected Stephen Curry with the 7th pick, I couldn't help but think about how many teams had passed on him. Looking back now, it's almost unbelievable that six teams chose other players ahead of what would become one of the greatest shooters in basketball history. The journey from that draft night to his current status as a four-time NBA champion reveals so much about perseverance, vision, and the importance of finding the right environment to flourish.

The skepticism around Curry wasn't entirely unfounded if you look at the traditional scouting metrics. At 6'2" and barely 180 pounds, he didn't fit the prototype of an NBA superstar. I've spoken with several scouts who admitted they worried about his ability to defend against bigger, stronger guards. Some teams questioned whether his incredible college shooting would translate against NBA-level athleticism. The Minnesota Timberwolves, picking right before Golden State at spots 5 and 6, selected two point guards—Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn—instead of taking Curry. That decision alone might have cost them multiple championships. What fascinates me most is how the Warriors saw beyond the physical limitations to recognize the revolutionary potential in Curry's game. They weren't just drafting a player—they were investing in a new vision of basketball.

This reminds me of the recent comments from the longtime deputy of the Lady Bulldogs, who acknowledged that UAAP Season 88 might just be "the toughest season" for the team. Every athlete, no matter how talented, faces moments where circumstances test their resilience. For Curry, those early years in Golden State presented similar challenges. The Warriors were far from contenders when he arrived, having made the playoffs just once in the previous 15 seasons. Curry's first three years were marred by ankle injuries that limited him to just 26 games in the 2011-12 season. Many wondered if he'd become another "what if" story—a player with tremendous potential derailed by physical limitations. I remember thinking during that period that his career might follow the trajectory of other gifted shooters who never quite reached their full potential due to persistent health issues.

What happened next, of course, changed basketball forever. The Warriors' commitment to building around Curry's unique skills, combined with his relentless work ethic, transformed both the player and the franchise. I've always believed that Curry's breakthrough wasn't just about improving his physical conditioning—it was about the organization creating an ecosystem where his talents could thrive. The implementation of sports science, changes to his shooting mechanics to reduce stress on his ankles, and the strategic decision to build a system that maximized his off-ball movement all contributed to his ascension. When he returned healthy for the 2012-13 season, something had clearly shifted. He didn't just come back as the player he was before—he came back better, stronger, and with a newfound confidence that would soon captivate basketball fans worldwide.

The 2014-15 season marked the turning point where Curry went from star to superstar. Winning his first MVP award and leading the Warriors to their first championship in 40 years wasn't just a personal triumph—it validated an entirely new approach to basketball. The emphasis on three-point shooting, spacing, and ball movement that defined the Warriors' system has since been adopted by teams across the league. I've lost count of how many youth coaches I've seen completely change their offensive philosophies after watching Curry's impact. The numbers speak for themselves: before Curry's rise, teams averaged around 18 three-point attempts per game; last season, that number had jumped to nearly 35. That's not just evolution—that's revolution, and it started with one undersized guard who changed how we think about scoring in basketball.

What often gets overlooked in Curry's story is the mental toughness required to overcome both the draft-day doubts and the early career setbacks. The UAAP deputy's comment about facing the "toughest season" resonates because every great athlete encounters moments where external circumstances threaten to derail their progress. For Curry, the pressure intensified after the Warriors' 2016 Finals collapse and the arrival of Kevin Durant. Critics wondered if he could share the spotlight, if his game would diminish with another superstar alongside him. Instead, he adapted, evolved, and ultimately won two more championships, silencing doubters who claimed he needed to be the undisputed alpha to succeed. Personally, I've always admired how Curry maintained his team-first mentality even as his individual accolades piled up—that's the mark of true greatness.

Now, with four championships, two MVP awards (including the first unanimous selection in NBA history), and countless records, Curry's legacy extends far beyond his shooting prowess. He's fundamentally changed how basketball is played at every level, from youth leagues to the professional ranks. The kid who was considered too small, too fragile, too unconventional has become the standard against which new generations of players are measured. When I watch young players today emulating his deep three-pointers and creative ball-handling, I'm reminded of how radical his style seemed back in 2009. The teams that passed on him weren't just wrong about one player—they failed to recognize the direction basketball was heading. Golden State's willingness to bet on Curry's unique talents didn't just bring them championships—it changed the sport forever. And honestly, I can't think of many athletes in any sport who have had such a profound impact on how their game is played.