As I sit down to analyze the upcoming NBA season, I can't help but feel particularly excited about the Oklahoma City Thunder's roster. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for spotting emerging talent, and OKC's current lineup represents what I believe to be the most promising young core in the entire league. While my usual focus remains on basketball, I couldn't help but notice the parallel development journeys between these rising NBA stars and the PFF team preparing for their crucial qualification matches for the FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup. Both groups represent organizations building toward future greatness through strategic youth development, though obviously in completely different sports arenas.

The transformation of the Thunder organization over the past few years has been nothing short of remarkable. After trading away established superstars, they've accumulated an impressive collection of young assets through savvy drafting and development. What strikes me most about this group isn't just their individual talents, but how they're growing together as a unit. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, at just 24 years old, has already established himself as a bona fide superstar. Last season, he averaged 31.4 points per game while shooting 51% from the field – numbers that place him firmly in the conversation as one of the league's elite scorers. His ability to control the pace of the game reminds me of a young Chris Paul, though with significantly more scoring prowess. I've watched nearly every Thunder game for the past three seasons, and SGA's development has been extraordinary to witness firsthand. His mid-range game has become virtually unguardable, and his defensive improvements have been substantial, averaging 1.6 steals per game last season.

Then there's Josh Giddey, the Australian sensation who continues to defy conventional basketball wisdom. At 6'8", he operates as Oklahoma City's primary playmaker, creating mismatches against smaller guards with his unique combination of size and court vision. While his outside shooting still needs work – he shot just 32.5% from three-point range last season – his creativity in the open court is simply breathtaking. I remember watching him record his first triple-double at 19 years and 84 days old, making him the youngest player in NBA history to achieve that feat. His basketball IQ is off the charts for someone his age, and I genuinely believe he has the potential to develop into a perennial All-Star if he continues refining his jump shot.

The Thunder's 2022 draft class might ultimately be remembered as one of the most transformative in recent memory. Chet Holmgren, after missing his entire rookie season due to injury, is poised to make his long-awaited debut. Having watched him extensively during summer league and preseason action, I'm convinced he'll immediately transform OKC's defense with his exceptional rim protection skills. At Gonzaga, he averaged 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 39% from three-point range – a statistical profile that's virtually unprecedented for a player of his size. Meanwhile, Jalen Williams emerged as one of the biggest steals of the 2022 draft, earning All-Rookie First Team honors with his efficient scoring and versatile defense. His wingspan of 7'2" allows him to guard multiple positions effectively, and his chemistry with Gilgeous-Alexander in pick-and-roll situations has been developing beautifully.

What truly excites me about this Thunder team, however, is their depth of young talent beyond the established names. Luguentz Dort remains one of the league's premier perimeter defenders, capable of shutting down opposing stars on any given night. His offensive game has shown steady improvement each season, and I've been particularly impressed with his increased efficiency around the rim. Isaiah Joe emerged as a revelation last season, shooting a remarkable 40.9% from three-point range on high volume. His shooting stroke is pure and quick, making him an ideal floor spacer for OKC's driving guards. Rookie Cason Wallace, selected 10th overall in this year's draft, has already shown flashes of becoming an elite 3-and-D guard with his solid defensive fundamentals and reliable outside shot.

The development trajectory of these young players reminds me somewhat of the PFF team's journey toward qualification for the FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup. Both organizations have invested heavily in identifying and nurturing young talent, understanding that sustainable success comes from building through development rather than quick fixes. The PFF team's departure for Tashkent represents a crucial step in their qualification process, much like how this NBA season represents a critical evaluation point for Oklahoma City's rebuilding timeline. Having watched numerous teams rebuild over the years, I can confidently say that the Thunder's approach stands out for its patience and strategic vision.

As someone who values both statistical analysis and the eye test, I'm particularly bullish on Oklahoma City's chances to take a significant leap forward this season. Their core players now have valuable experience playing together, and the addition of Chet Holmgren provides them with a defensive anchor they've sorely lacked. The Western Conference remains competitive, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Thunder secure a play-in tournament spot at minimum, with potential for even greater achievements if several of their young players make the expected developmental jumps. The organization has carefully managed their assets, maintaining future draft capital while developing their current roster – a balanced approach that I believe will pay dividends for years to come.

Watching this Thunder team evolve reminds me why I fell in love with basketball analytics in the first place. There's something special about tracking a group of young players as they grow together, learning each other's tendencies and developing chemistry that can't be manufactured overnight. While the PFF team prepares for their crucial qualification matches overseas, Oklahoma City's rising stars are embarking on their own journey toward potential greatness. As a basketball enthusiast and analyst, I can't wait to witness their development firsthand throughout what promises to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent Thunder history.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.