The Minnesota Timberwolves famously passed on Stephen Curry not once, but twice, during the 2009 NBA Draft.
The 2009 NBA Draft: A Pivotal Moment
In the 2009 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves possessed two consecutive lottery picks, holding both the 5th and 6th overall selections. Despite Stephen Curry being available for both picks, the Timberwolves ultimately chose other players, thereby creating one of the most discussed "what if" scenarios in modern NBA history.
Timberwolves' Selections
- 5th Overall Pick: The Timberwolves used this pick to select Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio. This particular pick was acquired by Minnesota in a trade that involved Randy Foye and Mike Miller.
- 6th Overall Pick: Immediately following their first selection, the Timberwolves again passed on Curry, choosing point guard Jonny Flynn with the 6th overall pick.
Both of these selections by the Timberwolves occurred before the Golden State Warriors ultimately drafted Stephen Curry with the 7th overall pick. Curry's subsequent career, marked by multiple NBA championships and MVP awards, underscores the significance of Minnesota's draft decisions that year.
To illustrate the draft order around Curry's selection:
| Draft Pick | Team | Player Selected | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Ricky Rubio | Curry was available |
| 6 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Jonny Flynn | Curry was still available |
| 7 | Golden State Warriors | Stephen Curry | Future MVP and multiple champion |
