“We’d rather you not take him” – Steph Curry’s father WARNED Warriors to not draft son, wanted to play for Eastern Conference giants

Stephen Curry's historic pursuit of 3-point greatness at MSG and his late-blooming success redefined NBA shooting records. A legend's journey

“We’d rather you not take him” – Steph Curry’s father WARNED Warriors to not draft son, wanted to play for Eastern Conference giants

Stephen and Dell Curry (Credits: Bleacher Report)

Stephen Curry and his camp were indeed hoping for Madison Square Garden to be his permanent NBA home back in the 2009 NBA Draft. Dell Curry, who had a remarkable 16-season career as the NBA’s original sharpshooter among the Curry clan, revealed in a conversation that, the Knicks possessed the eighth pick in the 2009 Draft, while Golden State Warriors held the seventh pick. Dell Curry received a phone call from then-Warriors coach Don Nelson on draft day.

Thanks to David Kahn and the Minnesota Timberwolves, who picked Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn with the fifth and sixth picks, respectively, after Blake Griffin, Hasheem Thabeet, James Harden, and Tyreke Evans were off the board, Curry ended up with the Warriors at No. 7. Nelson and then-Warriors general manager Larry Riley defied Dell Curry, agent Jeff Austin, and others who were advocating for the Warriors to let Steph slip to the Knicks at No. 8.

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Dell Curry reflected on the conversation vividly, recounting, “I said, ‘No, we’d rather you not take him if he’s there because we have another place we’d like him to be.’” Don Nelson, the Warriors’ coach at the time, responded resolutely, “Well, if he’s there, we’re going to take him.” Dell firmly held his stance and affirmed, “That’s your choice. You call me and ask me a question, and I’m telling you the truth from my end.” Looking back, Dell Curry remarked with gratitude, “Thank God it didn’t happen.” This pivotal decision, made on that fateful draft day, had a profound impact on Stephen Curry’s journey, leading him to become one of the most iconic players in NBA history.

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This sentiment isn’t meant as an attack on the Knicks but rather as an expression of gratitude for how things have turned out. In Year 13 of his career, Curry, now an NBA legend, routinely earns MVP chants from opposing fans. He commands the home crowd’s attention like no other visiting player, entering what’s been aptly described as The Roger Federer Zone.

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Stephen Curry’s record-breaking 3-Point pursuit at MSG

The enduring tale of Curry’s 54-point explosion against the Knicks in 2013 on the second night of a back-to-back still echoes. It was his “coming-out party” as he ascended to become one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. Now, nearly nine years later, Curry returns to MSG needing just two more 3-pointers to surpass Ray Allen’s record for the highest regular-season triples total in league history.

In the world of sports, 3,000 has traditionally been associated with baseball. However, Curry, who will turn 34 in March, is making NBA statisticians dizzy with the possibilities of how high he can elevate his 3-point figures, given his commitment to offseason training to age gracefully.

Dell Curry stated that his son was a late bloomer in everything he did, as he resonated with his son with himself. Dell Curry himself didn’t reach his NBA height of 6-foot-4 until he got to Virginia Tech and grew two inches. He knew his sons had the talent to make it to the NBA, but he couldn’t have predicted that Stephen would become a two-time MVP and three-time world champion.

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