He played a crucial role in the rise of the three-point shot<\/a> in the modern era. While Curry is now one of the faces of the NBA, the same wasn\u2019t the case when he submitted his name for the 2009 NBA Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n In fact, the Davidson alumnus fell to the seventh overall pick in the draft. Let\u2019s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the six players picked before the Baby-Faced Assassin.<\/p>\n Today, many players spend just a single season in the NCAA before declaring for the NBA draft. However, for a small guard like Curry, it was essential to hone his skills in college before becoming NBA-ready.<\/p>\n It\u2019s no surprise that Steph spent three years in college before he considered himself ready for the league.<\/p>\n Being the No. 7 overall pick in his class, Curry became a mid-lottery pick for the Warriors. But it\u2019s safe to say that Steph has surpassed all draft-day expectations<\/a> that NBA teams had from him.<\/p>\n After all, Curry is a four-time NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, two-time NBA MVP, 11-time All-Star and All-NBA, and has a plethora of more records to his name. But what about the six players picked ahead of him? Let\u2019s take a look at the list.<\/p>\n Draft Pick NumberPlayer NameTeam1Blake GriffinLos Angeles Clippers2Hasheem ThabeetMemphis Grizzlies3James HardenOklahoma City Thunder4Tyreke EvansSacramento Kings5Ricky RubioMinnesota Timberwolves6Jonny FlynnMinnesota Timberwolves7Stephen CurryGolden State Warriors<\/p>\n Despite the likes of James Harden<\/a> and Blake Griffin<\/a> being better prospects than Curry at the time of the draft, there\u2019s no doubt that the Warriors star is the most decorated and beloved player from the class.<\/p>\n Only one player from Stephen Curry\u2019s draft class remains in the NBA<\/p>\n Even after spending 16 years in the NBA, Curry remains one of the top stars in the league. He recently helped the Warriors reach the second round in the Western Conference<\/a>, only to witness the team\u2019s elimination from the sidelines after suffering a hamstring strain<\/a>.<\/p>\n But what about the players who were picked ahead of him? Here\u2019s a quick breakdown of the same:<\/p>\n Player NameWhere they are nowBlake GriffinOut of league Hasheem ThabeetOut of leagueJames HardenStarting point guard at LA ClippersTyreke EvansOut of leagueRicky RubioOut of leagueJonny FlynnOut of league<\/p>\n From the six players selected ahead of Curry, only one remains in the NBA in 2025. This is proof of Curry\u2019s talent and longevity.<\/p>\n![\"Stephen](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-88687284-933x627.jpg\")
Photo by Jim McIsaac\/Getty ImagesSix players who were picked ahead of Stephen Curry<\/p>\n