The NBA Draft is one of the most pivotal events in the league, determining the future of franchises for years to come. A draft is a chance to reshape teams, build dynasties, or set back a franchise for decades. The 2009 and 2020 NBA drafts are two that stand out in recent history, with both featuring some incredibly talented players, but also some players who, given a different situation or a different draft order, might have turned out to be game-changers for different teams. The 2009 draft, which featured future superstars like Stephen Curry, Blake Griffin, and James Harden, and the 2020 draft, which introduced players like LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and Tyrese Haliburton, are often looked back on as pivotal turning points for certain franchises. But what if the drafts had shaken out differently? What if players had been selected by different teams? How would the trajectories of the league and individual franchises have changed if the selections were reversed, or if certain players had landed in different spots?
The 2009 NBA Draft was initially seen as one that might not be as deep in talent as some of its predecessors. However, with players like Blake Griffin, the first overall pick, and a slew of emerging talents like Curry and Harden, it quickly became clear that this was a draft with more than its fair share of future stars.
Blake Griffin, drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers with the first pick, was expected to be a cornerstone for a franchise that had been struggling for years. While Griffin would go on to have a solid career, the Clippers’ long-term success would ultimately be tied to another player entirely. What if, however, the Clippers had taken Stephen Curry, a player who had fallen to the seventh pick despite his obvious talents? Curry was known for his incredible shooting ability, but questions about his size and his ability to translate to the NBA level kept him from being considered a top-tier prospect. But if he had landed in Los Angeles, playing alongside emerging talents like Eric Gordon and DeAndre Jordan, would the Clippers have built a championship-contending team sooner? The answer is yes. Curry’s combination of leadership, shooting, and his ability to elevate those around him would have been exactly what the Clippers needed. And with a supporting cast that included players like Griffin and Jordan, the Clippers could have potentially developed into one of the most potent offensive teams in the league, perhaps even challenging the Lakers for dominance in Los Angeles much sooner than they did.
However, that would have left the Golden State Warriors in a difficult position, having drafted Blake Griffin. While Griffin’s explosive athleticism and physicality would have made him a strong fit for the Warriors’ high-paced offense, his lack of a three-point shooting game would have been a significant obstacle. The Warriors’ “small ball” revolution, centered around shooting and spacing, likely would have never taken off in quite the same way, especially with a non-shooting big man like Griffin. Would the Warriors have still been able to develop the dynasty that came with Curry, Thompson, and Green, or would they have been a middling team, focused more on athleticism and physicality instead of shooting and movement? Perhaps they would have been good but never the dynasty they became.
Moving on to the 2020 NBA Draft, the outcome of this draft is also fascinating to consider. With players like LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and Tyrese Haliburton, the 2020 class had a mix of flashy talents and solid role players. Edwards, selected first overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, was expected to bring scoring and athleticism to a franchise that had long struggled to find its identity. However, his time in Minnesota has been somewhat inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance but also struggles to find consistency.
Had the Timberwolves selected LaMelo Ball instead, the franchise’s trajectory could have been drastically different. LaMelo’s unique playmaking ability, combined with his flair and creativity on the court, could have brought an exciting brand of basketball to Minnesota. Pairing LaMelo with Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell might have created a dynamic offense with one of the best passing point guards in recent memory. LaMelo’s ability to make players around him better and his vision would have likely elevated Towns’ and Russell’s games, pushing the Timberwolves closer to playoff contention. The Timberwolves’ culture and their position in the league might have shifted entirely, with LaMelo’s star power helping them establish themselves as a team with a bright future.
If Edwards had been drafted by the Charlotte Hornets, a team in need of a dynamic scoring wing, his raw athleticism and scoring ability could have complemented a developing squad that included Ball, Miles Bridges, and P.J. Washington. Edwards’ development in a system that encouraged fast breaks and an uptempo pace, in addition to playing alongside LaMelo Ball, could have been the perfect environment for him to thrive. The Hornets would have had one of the most exciting young duos in the league, possibly accelerating their journey toward becoming a playoff team much sooner than they are now.
On the flip side, if the Chicago Bulls, who selected Patrick Williams with the fourth pick, had decided to go in a different direction and taken Tyrese Haliburton instead, their outlook could have dramatically shifted. Haliburton, known for his poise, basketball IQ, and elite playmaking, could have been a steadying presence alongside Zach LaVine, complementing LaVine’s scoring and athleticism with his own skill set. With a backcourt featuring Haliburton and LaVine, the Bulls might have become more competitive immediately, especially with the defense and leadership Haliburton provides. His efficiency and ability to contribute in various areas could have sped up the Bulls’ rebuild, making them a more complete team much faster.
Additionally, with a different draft order, teams like the Phoenix Suns could have found themselves in an even better position. The Suns selected Deandre Ayton with the first overall pick in 2018, and while Ayton is an important player, what if they had selected Luka Dončić or Trae Young in that draft? The entire direction of the Suns’ future would have changed. With Dončić in Phoenix, the team would have become an instant contender, with a potential MVP candidate leading the way. A pairing of Dončić with players like Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges could have resulted in a playoff-ready team far earlier than they did in reality. Instead of building around Ayton, they might have focused on creating a high-powered offense to rival the best teams in the West.
It’s fascinating to think about how small shifts in these NBA Drafts could have impacted not only individual players’ careers but the entire landscape of the league. What if the Warriors had drafted someone like Hasheem Thabeet instead of Curry? Would we have seen the same Golden State dynasty, or would the team have languished in mediocrity? What if the Timberwolves had chosen LaMelo Ball over Edwards in 2020? Could they have become a powerhouse in the West sooner? And what if the Bulls had taken Haliburton instead of Williams? Would they have become contenders in the East?
These hypothetical scenarios demonstrate how delicate the balance of success can be in the NBA. A single draft decision can alter the trajectory of a franchise, for better or for worse. The 2009 and 2020 drafts are prime examples of how a single change could have had a huge ripple effect across the league. Teams that were once mired in mediocrity could have found themselves on top, while others might have missed their opportunities for greatness. The 2009 and 2020 drafts represent two turning points in the NBA’s modern history, and imagining how differently things could have gone only serves to remind us of how unpredictable and exciting the draft process can be.
