The 2009 NBA Draft: Revisiting A Misunderstood Class
Table of Contents
- The Setting and the Stakes of the 2009 NBA Draft
- The Pre-Draft Narrative and Expectations
- The Top of the Board and Their Trajectories
- Unearthing Gems and Undrafted Talents from the 2009 NBA Draft
- Team-by-Team Impact: How the 2009 NBA Draft Shaped Franchises
- Revisiting the "Boring Class" Narrative
- The Legacy and Long-Term Influence of the 2009 NBA Draft
- A Look Back at the Full List of Picks
The Setting and the Stakes of the 2009 NBA Draft
The 2009 NBA Draft, the 62nd annual iteration of the event, was a cornerstone moment for many franchises looking to inject new talent into their rosters. Held on June 25, 2009, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, it was a night filled with anticipation and high stakes. NBA teams, having finished their regular seasons and playoffs, gathered to select from a pool of promising young athletes. These included standout college basketball players from across the U.S., as well as an increasingly significant number of international players who had honed their skills in leagues abroad. The draft lottery, a crucial precursor to the main event, had already determined the order of the top picks. On May 19, 2009, the Los Angeles Clippers emerged victorious, securing the coveted first overall pick. This put them in a prime position to select a franchise-altering talent, a decision that would heavily influence their trajectory for years to come. The process itself involved two rounds, with each of the 30 NBA teams having the opportunity to make selections, though picks could be traded, adding an extra layer of strategic complexity to the night. As ESPN.com comprehensively covered, the draft was a culmination of months, if not years, of scouting, analysis, and speculation, all leading up to the moment these young men heard their names called.The Pre-Draft Narrative and Expectations
Leading up to the 2009 NBA Draft, the prevailing sentiment among many analysts and fans was one of mild disappointment. The class was widely considered to be "the least talented since the dreadful class of 2000." This perception stemmed from a lack of perceived superstar depth beyond the very top, and a general feeling that the overall talent pool was not as robust as previous years. Unlike some drafts rife with speculation and uncertainty at the top, the 2009 class had a clear-cut consensus number one pick. For months, it was almost universally understood who would be selected first overall, leading to a narrative that "this year’s NBA draft was supposed to be boring." There were "no crazy trade rumors involving that top pick," further solidifying the idea that the night would unfold predictably. Media outlets like ESPN.com provided extensive coverage, including mock drafts and player analysis, but even their comprehensive reports often echoed the sentiment of a straightforward, perhaps unexciting, draft class. This pre-draft narrative, however, would prove to be one of the most inaccurate in recent memory. As history often shows, "things don’t always play out as they should," and the 2009 NBA Draft was a prime example of initial perceptions being dramatically overturned by on-court performance and career longevity. The quiet anticipation belied the explosive talent that was about to enter the league.The Top of the Board and Their Trajectories
The top five picks of the 2009 NBA Draft represent a fascinating study in player development, team fit, and the unpredictable nature of professional sports careers. While some lived up to or even exceeded expectations, others struggled to find their footing, highlighting the inherent risks in draft night decisions.Blake Griffin: The High-Flying Start
Selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers, Blake Griffin was the undisputed top prospect of the 2009 NBA Draft. A dominant power forward from Oklahoma, Griffin's athleticism, explosiveness, and highlight-reel dunks made him an immediate sensation. Though he missed his entire rookie season due to injury, his debut in 2010-2011 was spectacular, earning him Rookie of the Year honors. Griffin quickly became the face of the "Lob City" Clippers, forming an exciting partnership with Chris Paul. He was a multi-time All-Star, known for his incredible dunks and improving all-around game, including his passing and later, his three-point shooting. While injuries eventually took a toll, Griffin enjoyed a stellar career, showcasing the immense talent that made him the consensus No. 1 pick.James Harden: From Sixth Man to MVP
The third overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder, James Harden's journey was one of remarkable evolution. Initially coming off the bench for a Thunder team featuring Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Harden excelled in a sixth-man role, even winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2012. His trade to the Houston Rockets in 2012 proved to be a pivotal moment, unleashing his potential as a primary scorer and playmaker. Harden transformed into one of the league's most dominant offensive forces, leading the league in scoring multiple times and winning the MVP award in 2018. His signature step-back three-pointer and ability to draw fouls made him nearly unguardable. Harden's trajectory from a promising role player to an undeniable superstar is one of the most compelling narratives to emerge from the 2009 NBA Draft.Stephen Curry: The Game Changer
Perhaps the most impactful player to emerge from the 2009 NBA Draft, Stephen Curry was selected seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors. Doubts about his size and athleticism lingered, but his unparalleled shooting ability was undeniable. Curry's career started with flashes of brilliance, punctuated by ankle injuries. However, once healthy, he revolutionized the game of basketball with his incredible range, quick release, and off-ball movement. He led the Warriors to multiple NBA championships, won back-to-back MVP awards (including the first unanimous MVP in NBA history), and shattered numerous three-point shooting records. Curry's influence on how the game is played, emphasizing long-range shooting and fluid offense, is arguably the most significant legacy of the 2009 draft class.Other Notable Players and Surprises
The top five also included Hasheem Thabeet (2nd overall to Memphis Grizzlies), whose NBA career struggled to take off, making him one of the draft's biggest busts. Tyreke Evans (4th overall to Sacramento Kings) had an impressive Rookie of the Year campaign but struggled with consistency and injuries thereafter. Ricky Rubio (5th overall to Minnesota Timberwolves) brought his flashy passing and international flair to the league, enjoying a respectable career as a pass-first point guard. Other significant players from the 2009 NBA Draft include DeMar DeRozan (9th to Toronto Raptors), Jrue Holiday (17th to Philadelphia 76ers), and Jeff Teague (19th to Atlanta Hawks), all of whom became All-Stars and key contributors for their respective teams, further solidifying the unexpected depth of this draft.Unearthing Gems and Undrafted Talents from the 2009 NBA Draft
Beyond the high-profile lottery picks, the true measure of a draft class's depth often lies in the players selected later in the rounds, or even those who went undrafted entirely, who nonetheless carved out successful NBA careers. The 2009 NBA Draft delivered several such surprises, proving that talent evaluation is an art, not a perfect science. One of the most notable "steals" of the draft was Jrue Holiday, selected 17th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. Holiday developed into an elite two-way guard, known for his tenacious defense, playmaking, and clutch shooting. He became an All-Star and a crucial piece of a championship-winning team, far exceeding expectations for a mid-first-round pick. Similarly, Jeff Teague, taken 19th by the Atlanta Hawks, became an All-Star point guard, leading successful Hawks teams with his speed and scoring. DeMar DeRozan, drafted 9th by the Toronto Raptors, steadily improved throughout his career, becoming a multiple-time All-Star and one of the league's premier mid-range scorers, a testament to his work ethic and the Raptors' player development. The second round also produced valuable contributors. Patrick Beverley, drafted 42nd by the Los Angeles Lakers (and immediately traded), became one of the league's most respected defensive guards, known for his grit and intensity. Danny Green, selected 46th by the Cleveland Cavaliers, developed into a quintessential "3-and-D" player, winning multiple championships with his sharpshooting and perimeter defense. These players, often overlooked on draft night, proved to be indispensable assets for their teams. Furthermore, the 2009 NBA Draft also saw "8 important players who went undrafted." While specific names aren't provided in the "Data Kalimat," historically, undrafted players who make it in the NBA often do so through sheer determination and finding the right opportunity. Their success stories underscore the idea that the draft is just one pathway to the league, and talent can be found even beyond the 60 official picks. The ability of teams to identify and develop these late-round and undrafted talents often separates the good franchises from the great ones.Team-by-Team Impact: How the 2009 NBA Draft Shaped Franchises
The decisions made on June 25, 2009, had profound and lasting consequences for several NBA franchises, some for the better, others less so. The 2009 NBA Draft serves as a powerful case study in how a single draft class can alter the course of an organization. The **Los Angeles Clippers**, holding the first overall pick, made the obvious choice in Blake Griffin. Despite his initial injury setback, Griffin became the cornerstone of the "Lob City" era, transforming the Clippers from a perennial laughingstock into a legitimate playoff contender. His athleticism and star power brought excitement and relevance to the franchise, helping them attract other key players like Chris Paul. While they never reached the NBA Finals with Griffin, his presence elevated the team's profile significantly. The **Oklahoma City Thunder** made arguably one of the most impactful decisions by selecting James Harden third overall. While Harden's eventual trade to Houston is a point of contention for Thunder fans, his initial role as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate was crucial to the Thunder's rise to Western Conference prominence and their 2012 NBA Finals appearance. The trade, though painful at the time, also netted them assets that contributed to their future success. The **Golden State Warriors'** selection of Stephen Curry at seventh overall proved to be a franchise-altering move, perhaps the most significant of the entire 2009 NBA Draft. Curry, along with Klay Thompson (2011) and Draymond Green (2012), formed the core of a dynasty that won multiple championships and redefined modern basketball. The Warriors' ability to identify Curry's unique talent and build a system around him propelled them to unprecedented heights. Conversely, the **Memphis Grizzlies** took Hasheem Thabeet second overall, a pick that did not pan out. Thabeet struggled to adapt to the NBA game, and his lack of production meant the Grizzlies missed out on players like James Harden or Stephen Curry, who were selected immediately after him. This pick highlights the immense pressure and potential pitfalls of high draft selections. The **Sacramento Kings** drafted Tyreke Evans fourth overall. While Evans had a stellar rookie season, winning Rookie of the Year, his career was plagued by injuries and inconsistency. The Kings, a team that has struggled for sustained success, missed an opportunity to land a long-term star at that crucial draft slot. Other teams like the **Toronto Raptors** (DeMar DeRozan), **Philadelphia 76ers** (Jrue Holiday), and **Atlanta Hawks** (Jeff Teague) also found significant value in the 2009 NBA Draft, securing players who became All-Stars and foundational pieces, contributing to their respective teams' competitive windows. The varied outcomes across franchises underscore the importance of not just drafting talent, but also developing it and building a cohesive team around it.Revisiting the "Boring Class" Narrative
The initial perception of the 2009 NBA Draft as a "boring" or even "least talented" class has been thoroughly debunked by the passage of time and the incredible careers forged by its members. What was once considered a predictable draft with limited upside ultimately produced an astounding array of talent, making it one of the most celebrated draft classes of the 21st century. The presence of three future MVPs and multiple NBA champions within the top seven picks alone—Blake Griffin, James Harden, and Stephen Curry—is a testament to the unforeseen depth and star power of this class. Curry's revolutionary impact on the game, Harden's scoring dominance, and Griffin's early athleticism and all-around game far exceeded the modest expectations set for the class. Beyond these superstars, players like DeMar DeRozan, Jrue Holiday, and Jeff Teague developed into All-Stars and crucial contributors, showcasing the depth of talent extending well into the first round. The narrative of a "dreadful class of 2000" was often invoked as a comparison, but the 2009 NBA Draft proved to be its antithesis. The 2000 draft is widely regarded as one of the weakest in NBA history, producing very few long-term stars. In stark contrast, the 2009 class boasts a remarkable number of players who achieved All-Star status, won championships, and fundamentally altered the league's competitive landscape. This re-evaluation serves as a powerful reminder that draft assessments are often premature. The true measure of a draft class unfolds over many years, as players develop, adapt, and overcome challenges. The 2009 NBA Draft is a prime example of a class that defied its initial lukewarm reception, proving that sometimes, the quietest drafts produce the loudest legacies. Comprehensive resources like The Draft Review (with Matthew Maurer) provide a wealth of NBA draft history, statistics, and biographies that allow for such retrospective analysis, continually enriching our understanding of these pivotal moments.The Legacy and Long-Term Influence of the 2009 NBA Draft
The legacy of the 2009 NBA Draft is undeniably one of profound impact and unexpected greatness. Far from being the "boring" or "least talented" class it was initially pegged to be, it stands as a pivotal moment that injected game-changing talent into the league, shaping multiple franchises and influencing the very style of play for over a decade. The most enduring influence undoubtedly comes from Stephen Curry, whose revolutionary shooting and offensive prowess fundamentally altered the strategic approach of NBA teams. His success from deep inspired a league-wide embrace of the three-point shot, changing offensive schemes and player development strategies across the board. James Harden's evolution into an unstoppable isolation scorer and master of drawing fouls also left an indelible mark, challenging defensive paradigms and prompting debates about offensive efficiency. Blake Griffin, with his early career highlight reels and later development into a skilled playmaker, showcased the versatility of modern big men. The 2009 NBA Draft provided a significant talent infusion for teams that made astute selections. The Golden State Warriors built a dynasty around Curry. The Oklahoma City Thunder, while eventually trading Harden, benefited immensely from his initial contributions. The Los Angeles Clippers gained a superstar in Griffin who brought them unprecedented relevance. Even teams like the Raptors, Sixers, and Hawks found multi-time All-Stars in DeRozan, Holiday, and Teague, respectively. The longevity and sustained excellence of many players from this class are also remarkable. Many remained key contributors deep into their careers, a testament to their skill, dedication, and the quality of their initial scouting. The full list of 60 picks, from Blake Griffin to Robert Dozier, and their college and NBA teams, tells a story of diverse backgrounds and varied outcomes, but the sheer volume of high-impact players is undeniable. In hindsight, the 2009 NBA Draft serves as a powerful reminder that initial impressions can be misleading. It underscores the importance of patient player development and the unpredictable nature of athletic careers. This class, once underestimated, ultimately delivered an extraordinary collection of talent that not only entertained millions but also left an undeniable and lasting imprint on the game of basketball.A Look Back at the Full List of Picks
For those keen to delve deeper into the specifics of the 2009 NBA Draft, comprehensive information is readily available. You can "find out all the information about the 2009 NBA Draft, including the first and second round, all the trades and players data" on various reputable sports platforms. "See the full list of 60 picks, from Blake Griffin to Robert Dozier, and their college and NBA teams," providing a complete picture of who was selected and where they began their professional journeys. Resources like ESPN.com offer "complete 2009 NBA Draft coverage, including mock drafts, player analysis, draft order, draft history, and more." Similarly, "The Draft Review (with Matthew Maurer) brings you a wealth of NBA draft history through its free resource of extensive statistics, biographies, articles, interviews and this live forum," making it an invaluable tool for historical research. These platforms allow fans and analysts to "find out which teams drafted which prospects and where they played in the NBA," offering detailed insights into each player's career trajectory. You can also "view all 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004" draft results, allowing for comparative analysis across different draft years. This level of detail helps in understanding the historical context of the 2009 NBA Draft and its place among other celebrated or scrutinized classes. Whether you're interested in "advanced per 36 min per" statistics or simply want to see the "list of all 2009 NBA Draft picks," these resources provide the definitive record of a draft class that defied expectations and left an indelible mark on the NBA.Conclusion
The 2009 NBA Draft, initially met with skepticism and labeled as a potentially "boring" or "least talented" class, ultimately blossomed into one of the most impactful and star-studded drafts in recent memory. From the high-flying dunks of Blake Griffin to the revolutionary shooting of Stephen Curry and the scoring mastery of James Harden, this draft class defied all pre-draft narratives, producing multiple MVPs, champions, and future Hall of Famers. It showcased the unpredictable nature of talent evaluation and the long-term journey required for prospects to truly make their mark in the NBA. The legacy of the 2009 NBA Draft is not just in the individual brilliance of its top players, but in how it reshaped franchises and influenced the very style of basketball played today. It stands as a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most unexpected sources yield the greatest treasures. We encourage you to revisit the full list of picks, explore the career trajectories of these remarkable athletes, and share your own memories of this truly extraordinary draft class. What were your initial thoughts on the 2009 NBA Draft, and how have your perceptions changed over time? Let us know in the comments below!
Year 2009 Fun Facts, Trivia, and History - HubPages
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New year 2009 in gold (3D) stock illustration. Illustration of festival
