Stephen Curry, now a record-breaking shooter and cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, was once considered a risky draft prospect. Six teams reportedly passed on him in the 2009 NBA draft due to concerns about his size, playmaking ability, and ankle durability. However, it was the influence of then-Warriors coach Don Nelson that ultimately led the team to select Curry with the seventh overall pick.
"One of the big reasons I was drafted by the Warriors was because of Don Nelson," Curry said in a statement following Nelson's passing at age 86. Nelson, a Hall of Fame coach known for his innovative and fast-paced "Nellie ball" style, spent 11 seasons with the Warriors across different tenures. He was instrumental in shaping the team's identity before Curry's arrival, leading the "Run TMC" and "We Believe" eras.
Curry himself was initially hesitant about working out for the Warriors, believing he was unlikely to be drafted by them given the presence of existing point guard Monta Ellis. He was reportedly convinced he would be selected by the New York Knicks with the next pick. Despite his impending retirement as coach, Nelson was a forceful advocate for Curry.
Nelson first noticed Curry's talent during the 2009 NIT tournament at Saint Mary's College. "I was marveling at his skill from shooting and passing and ball handling," Nelson recalled. "I just thought he was a star."
Curry recollected that Nelson protected his shooting form during his rookie season, even berating training staff who he felt were impeding Curry's shooting mechanics with excessive weightlifting. "Y’all killing his shot! He’s lifting too much weight!" Curry recalled Nelson saying. "I didn’t even know that was a concept. I just wanted to get stronger."
Nelson's conviction in Curry's potential proved prescient. Though Curry only played one season under Nelson, his selection by the Warriors is widely seen as the foundational step that eventually led to multiple championships and cemented the franchise's place in NBA history. Nelson, who retired as the NBA's all-time leader in wins at the time, left a lasting impact on the sport and on Curry's career, who will likely go down as the greatest shooter in NBA history.