Although they won’t be taking a trip to the NBA playoffs or preparing for another Finals appearance, there is still one important event approaching the Golden State Warriors. For the first time in years, the Warriors will have the opportunity to make a selection in the NBA draft’s first five picks.
With Golden State’s season over, and no basketball on the calendar yet, Warriors Wire is rewinding back through the history of the Warriors. Memorable moments, matchups worthy of a rewatch and standout performances have been the primary focus of Warriors Rewind. However, with the draft approaching, Warriors Wire is highlighting some of Golden State’s best draft day selections.
In 2007, the Golden State Warriors drafted a player that changed the state of basketball in the Bay Area.
June 25, 2007
The 2007 edition of the NBA draft kicked off with Los Angeles Clippers selecting Oklahoma’s Blake Griffin. The Memphis Grizzlies picked Connecticut’s Hasheem Thabeet and Oklahoma City followed by taking James Harden. Fast forward to the No. 5 overall selection, and the Minnesota Timberwolves were on the clock.
In an unprecedented move, the Timberwolves selected back-to-back point guard prospects. However, neither of them were a point guard from Davidson.
Minnesota landed with Spain’s Ricky Rubio and Syracuse’s Jonny Flynn. With the Warriors on the clock, Golden State general manager Larry Riley selected Stephen Curry with the No. 7 overall pick.
Coming off a blistering performance in the NCAA tournament, Curry averaged 28.6 points on 45.4% shooting from the field in his junior season at Davidson. The point guard prospect added 5.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. Over his career with the Wildcats, Curry netted 41.7% from beyond the arc.
With eyes for Curry and New York next on the clock, Knicks fans in attendance filled Madison Square Garden with boos after NBA commissioner David Stern announced Golden State’s choice.
Watch the moment the Golden State Warriors drafted Curry via YouTube:
After starting out his career averaging 17.5 points on 46.2% shooting with 5.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game in his rookie season — the rest is history. Championships, Most Valuable Player awards and a flurry of 3-pointers all started with Golden State’s franchise-altering selection in 2009.
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