The Ultimate “What If” in NBA History: Stephen Curry and the Knicks’ Missed Opportunity
In the bustling world of NBA history, few moments come as hauntingly speculative as the 2009 NBA Draft, where the New York Knicks, armed with the 8th overall pick, had a golden opportunity to select Stephen Curry — a player who would go on to reshape the entire landscape of basketball. Instead, the Knicks passed on the two-time MVP, opting for Jordan Hill, and the Golden State Warriors, who had the 7th pick, ended up with Curry, despite his own reluctance to be there. The result? One of the most polarizing “what ifs” in NBA history.
The Draft Night Drama
As the 2009 draft unfolded in New York City, there was palpable anticipation surrounding the lottery selections. The Knicks, long desperate for a star, were in a prime position to make a statement with the 8th pick. Curry, fresh off a standout career at Davidson, was an obvious candidate — a sharpshooting guard with the kind of skills that could elevate any team. But Curry himself didn’t want to play in New York. His desire was clear: he didn’t envision his future in the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. The Knicks were known for their struggles, their chaotic front office, and their inability to build a contender.
However, the Knicks, led by then-president Donnie Walsh, chose to bypass Curry, instead selecting Jordan Hill, a power forward out of Arizona who offered size and athleticism. Hill had a solid, though unspectacular, career in the NBA, but his potential never matched the seismic shift Curry would bring to the game. Meanwhile, the Warriors, under new coach Don Nelson, saw in Curry the perfect fit for their up-tempo, perimeter-oriented system. Despite Curry’s reluctance, they took a chance on him at No. 7.
The Knicks’ Fate Without Curry
The decision to pass on Curry is a thorn in the side of Knicks fans and remains a critical moment in the franchise’s recent history. In the years following the 2009 draft, New York would go through a series of failed rebuilding attempts, with no player truly leading them back to championship contention. Instead of Curry, who would go on to lead the Warriors to multiple championships and revolutionize the game with his three-point shooting, the Knicks were left trying to develop a combination of lesser talents, including Hill, who never became the impact player they had hoped for.
Had the Knicks selected Curry, the narrative of the franchise could have been drastically different. Curry’s game-changing ability from beyond the arc could have reshaped the team’s offensive identity, giving New York a star to build around — someone who could both fill seats and bring the team back into the playoff race.
The Warriors’ Destiny With Curry
In contrast, Golden State’s decision to draft Curry became one of the greatest moves in NBA history. Curry, initially seen as a risky pick due to concerns about his size and ability to succeed in the NBA, quickly proved the doubters wrong. His unmatched shooting range, deep ball accuracy, and leadership transformed the Warriors into one of the most dominant franchises of the modern era. With Curry at the helm, the Warriors won four championships in just a few years and altered the way the entire league approached basketball.
Not only did Curry secure his legacy as arguably the greatest shooter of all time, but he also led Golden State to a period of sustained excellence, earning multiple MVP awards, and revolutionizing the game through his skills and leadership. His ability to stretch defenses, coupled with the Warriors’ small-ball, pace-and-space system, became the blueprint for success in the modern NBA.
The “What If” Scenario
Had the Knicks taken Curry with the 8th pick, would the franchise have turned the corner? Would they have built a championship contender around him, like the Warriors did? It’s easy to imagine Curry’s unique blend of shooting, ball-handling, and leadership changing the Knicks’ fortunes, potentially attracting other key players to New York and putting them in the conversation with the NBA’s elite.
Could Curry have led the Knicks to titles? Given his ability to elevate teammates and change the direction of a franchise, it’s entirely possible. But as fate would have it, the Knicks passed on him, and the Warriors took a gamble on a player who would reshape the sport.
A Long-Lasting Legacy
Now, looking back on the 2009 draft, the Warriors’ decision to draft Curry stands as one of the most brilliant in NBA history. The Knicks, on the other hand, remain a team that could’ve — and perhaps should’ve — taken a chance on the transcendent talent sitting right in front of them. As Curry’s legacy continues to grow, the what-if scenarios will undoubtedly continue to swirl around the Knicks’ missed opportunity.
In the end, it’s a decision that will never be forgotten — a move that completely altered the trajectories of two franchises and forever changed the NBA landscape. Could New York have been home to the greatest shooter of all time? We’ll never know for sure, but the “what if” will remain one of the most fascinating stories in basketball history.
