Damn they passed up on curry twice
The 2009 NBA Draft is often considered one of the most underrated and fascinating drafts in recent history, especially due to the Minnesota Timberwolves' decision to pass on Stephen Curry twice. At that time, Curry was not yet seen as the transformative player he became, as scouts and teams were unsure of his potential. The Timberwolves selected players like Jonny Flynn and Ricky Rubio, aiming to address immediate team needs such as point guard depth and international talent. Jonny Flynn, picked 6th overall, was expected to be the franchise's solution at point guard but ultimately did not have the NBA success that many anticipated. Ricky Rubio, selected 5th overall, brought significant international experience, and though he made notable contributions in his career, he also could not match Curry's later impact. The draft also featured other stars like James Harden (picked 3rd by the Thunder), and Blake Griffin, who was selected 1st overall by the Clippers but missed his rookie year due to injury. Players like DeMar DeRozan and Jrue Holiday were also part of this draft, showcasing its depth. Looking back, the Timberwolves’ decision to pass on Curry twice reflects how difficult it is to predict future stardom in the NBA, as initial perceptions can be misleading. This draft is a classic example cited when discussing draft strategy, scouting, and the unpredictable nature of player development. It also highlights the immense value of long-term scouting and visionary front office decisions.
