I still remember watching the 2009 NBA Draft unfold on television, feeling that particular buzz of anticipation that comes with witnessing potential future legends take their first professional steps. Looking back fifteen years later, this class has proven to be one of the most fascinating in recent memory, a group defined not just by its superstar headliners but by its remarkable depth and global impact. The journey of these players reads like a basketball anthology, with careers spanning from MVP accolades to championship glory, and even unexpected detours into international leagues where they continue to leave their mark. Just the other day, I was watching a PBA highlight reel and saw a perfect example of this lasting influence in a clip featuring RR Abarrientos. In a crucial game, Abarrientos, who waxed hot in the second half by scoring 17 of his 20 points in that stretch, perfectly followed that instruction, running a pick and roll with Brownlee, who passed the ball back to the rookie playmaker. It was a moment that underscored how the fundamental skills and basketball IQ nurtured in the NBA environment can flourish and adapt anywhere in the world, creating stars on different stages.

Of course, any discussion of the 2009 class has to start with the guy who redefined what an NBA point guard could be: Stephen Curry. Picked seventh by the Golden State Warriors, a selection some pundits at the time questioned due to concerns about his size and defense, Curry didn't just meet expectations; he shattered them. I’ve been lucky enough to cover his career from the beginning, and his evolution has been breathtaking. He’s not just a shooter; he’s the gravitational center of an entire offensive system. With four NBA championships, two MVP awards (the first ever unanimous selection), and the title of the greatest three-point shooter in history, his legacy is secure. I'd argue he's a top-10 player of all time, and his impact on how the game is played at every level, from youth leagues to the pros, is immeasurable. Kids everywhere are pulling up from 30 feet now, and that's the Curry effect.

Then you have the other pillar of this draft, James Harden, taken third by the Oklahoma City Thunder. His career trajectory is a masterclass in reinvention. He started as the Sixth Man of the Year on a contending team, then exploded into an MVP and scoring champion in Houston, where his step-back three and foul-drawing artistry became the stuff of legend. I’ll admit, his style of play wasn't always the most aesthetically pleasing to purists, but you couldn't deny its devastating effectiveness. His 2018 MVP season, where he averaged a cool 36.1 points per game, was one of the most dominant offensive displays I've ever witnessed. Now, in the later stages of his career, he's transformed again into a premier floor general, leading the league in assists and finally chasing that elusive championship as the engine of the LA Clippers.

But what truly separates the 2009 draft is its incredible depth beyond the top. Blake Griffin, the first overall pick, brought "Lob City" to Los Angeles and was must-see TV with his explosive athleticism, even if his prime was unfortunately cut short by injuries. DeMar DeRozan, picked ninth, has been a model of consistency and mid-range mastery, quietly building a Hall of Fame-caliber resume. And then there's Jrue Holiday, selected 17th, who has become the ultimate "glue guy" and one of the most respected two-way players in the league, a champion whose value goes far beyond the box score. These players formed the sturdy, All-Star backbone of the class.

The international reach of this group is another layer of its story. Players like Ricky Rubio and the aforementioned Abarrientos showcase how an NBA pedigree can translate globally. Seeing Abarrientos, the son of a PBA legend, run that pick-and-roll to perfection in the Philippine league is a testament to the global basketball ecosystem. It reminds me that a player's journey isn't confined to the 30 NBA teams. Success is measured differently around the world, and contributing to championship teams in leagues like the PBA or EuroLeague is a massive accomplishment in its own right. These players become ambassadors, raising the level of play in their home countries and inspiring the next generation.

Of course, not every story had a fairytale ending. There were the "what-ifs" that linger. Hasheem Thabeet, the second overall pick, never found his footing, a stark reminder that draft position is no guarantee of success. Brandon Jennings' 55-point game as a rookie promised superstardom that was ultimately derailed by injuries. And then there's the tragic case of Tyreke Evans, the Rookie of the Year, whose career was interrupted by a league suspension. These narratives add a dose of sobering reality to the draft's legacy, highlighting the immense pressure and unpredictable challenges these young men face.

Fifteen years on, the 2009 NBA Draft class feels like a complete volume. It gave us a revolutionary superstar in Curry, a prolific scorer and playmaker in Harden, and a deep roster of All-Stars and high-level role players who have defined an era of basketball. Their collective journey, from the draft green room to the various peaks and valleys of their professional lives, is a rich tapestry. They've won MVPs, hit game-winners in the Finals, become cultural icons, and yes, some have even become leaders and stars in far-flung leagues, continuing to play the game they love. As a fan and an observer, it's been a privilege to watch it all unfold. This class didn't just enter the league; they left an indelible mark on it, and their stories are far from over.

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.