Stephen Curry’s agent and father tried to steer him to the Knicks during the 2009 NBA draft.
They weren’t acting autonomously.
Curry on “All The Smoke” podcast:
Instead, the Warriors picked Curry No. 7. The Knicks took Jordan Hill at No. 8.
Curry’s sentiment was understandable. Golden State had made the playoffs only once in the previous 15 years. The Knicks hadn’t been much better lately, but at least they offered the glamorous New York market.
It worked out well for Curry, whose agency even made last-ditch efforts to convince the Warriors to pass on him. He blossomed into an all-time great player on a team that gave him an incredible supporting cast. Curry has won three championships in Golden State and says he wants to retire there.
The Knicks, on the other hand, have largely struggled since. They were above average for a few years, but that’s it. Hill washed out after eight unremarkable NBA seasons.
Curry in New York is an interesting “what if?” Would he have overcome that franchise’s deep-seated problems?
Fortunately for him – and contrary to his initial hopes – he never had to find out.
