Stephen Curry Selection
The moment the league's greatest shooter changed everything forever.
The Stephen Curry Selection refers to the pivotal moment during the 2009 NBA Draft when the Golden State Warriors chose point guard Stephen Curry with the seventh overall pick. This event serves as the foundational cornerstone of the franchise's modern dynasty, marking the transition from a struggling organization to a perennial championship contender. It represents the beginning of an era defined by revolutionary shooting and sustained excellence.
- Draft Year
- 2009
- Pick Number
- 7th Overall
- College
- Davidson College
- Position
- Point Guard
- Team
- Golden State Warriors
Lore & Background
Prior to 2009, the Warriors were known for inconsistency and frequent roster turnover. The front office sought a franchise player who could elevate the team's ceiling beyond mere competitiveness. While many scouts questioned his size relative to other prospects, the organization valued his elite shooting mechanics and competitive fire. This selection was not merely about filling a roster spot; it was a strategic gamble on a playing style that would eventually reshape professional basketball globally.
In Their Own Story
The broadcast room crackled with static as Commissioner David Stern stepped to the podium. In a hushed Warriors war room, scouts leaned in, eyes locked on the monitors. Then came the words that shifted history: 'With the seventh pick... Stephen Curry.' A collective exhale swept through the front office—not a roar of celebration, but the heavy realization that the gamble had landed. There was no confetti, just the quiet handshake and the donning of the blue jersey. Yet in that calm silence, the foundation for a decade-long storm of three-point barrages and championship banners was poured.
Reader's Guide
The 2009 NBA Draft Selection wasn't just a roster move; it was the ignition switch for modern Warriors dominance. Before Curry, the franchise spun its wheels between lottery despair and fleeting playoff hopes. By bypassing traditional size for elite skill, General Manager Bob Myers (then an assistant) and co-owner Joe Lacob bet on a small guard with a laser sight. That single choice paved the way for Klay Thompson's arrival just one year later, birthing the Splash Brothers duo that would redefine spacing and volume shooting across the league.
For fans, this moment transformed hope into a four-title dynasty in eight years. It turned Oracle Arena from a neutral venue into a fortress of noise and fear for opponents. The 'Curry Selection' ended a 40-year championship drought that stretched back to before he was even born, establishing a culture where shooting is the ultimate currency and excellence is the baseline expectation.
Did You Know?
- Curry was selected after Blake Griffin and Hasheem Thabeet went in the top two spots.
- He is one of only a few players drafted from Davidson College into the NBA.
- The Warriors traded for Klay Thompson just one year later to complete the backcourt.
- This pick ended a 40-year championship drought that began before Curry's birth.