Don Nelson’s Key Role in Drafting Stephen Curry Amidst Concerns
Golden State Warriors coach Don Nelson is credited with being instrumental in the decision to draft Stephen Curry, despite concerns about Curry's size, playmaking, and ankles.
New York, NY, August 9, 2026 —
Don Nelson, former coach of the Golden State Warriors, played a pivotal role in the team’s decision to draft Stephen Curry. This strategic move occurred despite significant reservations surrounding Curry’s physical attributes and on-court capabilities at the time.
Concerns voiced by some at the time of the draft reportedly focused on several key areas. Curry’s size was a point of contention, with questions raised about his ability to withstand the physical demands of the NBA. Additionally, his playmaking abilities were scrutinized, and there were notable worries about the durability of his ankles.
Despite these perceived drawbacks, Nelson is credited with championing Curry. His advocacy was instrumental in overcoming the doubts and convincing the organization to select the point guard. The decision ultimately proved to be a franchise-altering one for the Golden State Warriors.
The specific timeline and the exact nature of the internal discussions surrounding Curry’s draft process were not detailed. However, Nelson’s influence is widely recognized as a decisive factor in the team acquiring a player who would go on to redefine the game of basketball and lead the Warriors to multiple championships.
Story summarized from the original created by Evan Webeck on nypost.com, see more information here.