The 2009 NBA Draft remains the most significant cautionary tale in Minnesota Timberwolves history, as the franchise bypassed future four-time champion and two-time league MVP Stephen Curry with two separate lottery selections. By choosing Ricky Rubio at fifth overall and Jonny Flynn at sixth, the Timberwolves left the door open for the Golden State Warriors to select Curry at seventh, altering the trajectory of the modern NBA.
The Sequence of the 2009 Draft
Heading into the 2009 draft, the Timberwolves held two picks within the top six, a position then-general manager David Kahn hoped would solidify the team’s backcourt. According to the official NBA draft records, Minnesota selected Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio with the fifth pick and Syracuse standout Jonny Flynn with the sixth. The Golden State Warriors followed immediately, selecting Stephen Curry, who had gained national prominence after a historic NCAA tournament run with Davidson College.
The decision to pass on Curry was not based on a lack of scouting, but rather a strategic miscalculation regarding the team’s roster needs and the perceived fit of the available prospects. Reports from that era, including coverage from ESPN, noted that the Timberwolves were heavily invested in the idea of Rubio as a foundational playmaker, despite his existing contractual obligations in Europe that delayed his arrival in the NBA by two seasons.
Why the Timberwolves Passed on Curry
The organizational logic at the time centered on the belief that Jonny Flynn, who had been named Big East Tournament MVP, provided a more immediate and athletic solution at the point guard position. Kahn famously defended the selection of Flynn, citing his physical tools and collegiate production. However, the move is now widely regarded as one of the most lopsided talent evaluations in professional sports history.
While Curry faced questions about his size and potential to translate his perimeter-shooting game to the professional level, his performance at Davidson had been statistically elite. According to Basketball-Reference, Curry averaged 25.3 points per game across three collegiate seasons. The Timberwolves’ choice to draft two point guards in the same round created a logjam that failed to produce a franchise cornerstone, while the Warriors successfully built their dynasty around Curry’s unprecedented shooting ability.
The Long-Term Consequences
The impact of the 2009 draft was felt for over a decade. Stephen Curry went on to lead the Golden State Warriors to four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022) and became the league’s all-time leader in three-point field goals. His presence transformed the Warriors into a global brand and fundamentally changed the tactical approach of the entire NBA, moving the game toward a perimeter-oriented style.
In contrast, the Timberwolves struggled to regain relevance in the Western Conference for years following the 2009 draft. Jonny Flynn played only three seasons in Minnesota before his career was hampered by injuries, and while Ricky Rubio eventually became a beloved figure and a productive starter for the franchise, the opportunity cost of missing a generational talent like Curry remained a point of focus for analysts and fans. The event serves as a primary example of how scouting misses in the lottery can define an organization’s competitive window for a generation.
Comparative Draft Outcomes
| Player | Draft Position | Primary Team | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky Rubio | 5th | Minnesota Timberwolves | Career playmaking leader |
| Jonny Flynn | 6th | Minnesota Timberwolves | All-Rookie Second Team |
| Stephen Curry | 7th | Golden State Warriors | 4x NBA Champion, 2x MVP |
For current fans looking to evaluate the long-term impact of roster decisions, this draft remains the benchmark for “what-if” scenarios. The Timberwolves have since undergone multiple ownership changes and front-office restructures, with the current management team focusing on a new era of basketball operations. The next major checkpoint for the organization is the upcoming offseason, where draft strategy and roster development will again be under the microscope as the team looks to sustain its current competitive standing in the Western Conference.
