I still remember the first time I saw an NBA player’s mansion on TV—the marble floors, the fleet of luxury cars, the private basketball court. Like many fans, I assumed these athletes were set for life. But over the years, I’ve followed enough financial disasters in the sports world to know better. The shocking stories of broke NBA stars and how they lost millions aren’t just cautionary tales—they’re almost predictable, and frankly, it breaks my heart every time.

Let’s talk numbers. According to a 2009 study by Sports Illustrated, about 60% of former NBA players face financial distress within five years of retirement. That’s staggering when you consider the average career earnings. Take Antoine Walker, for example—he made over $108 million during his time in the league, yet filed for bankruptcy in 2010. Or Allen Iverson, who reportedly burned through $200 million. I’ve always admired Iverson’s grit on the court, but off it? The man had a entourage of 50 people on payroll and a diamond-studded lifestyle that even his massive Reebok deal couldn’t sustain. It’s not just about reckless spending, though—it’s a perfect storm of bad investments, trusting the wrong people, and sometimes, plain bad luck.

I’ve noticed a pattern here, and it’s not unique to the U.S. In fact, it reminds me of a situation in volleyball I came across recently. Alas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito explained Laput’s expected absence from national team duties, citing personal and financial adjustments as part of the reason. It struck me how even in different sports and countries, athletes face similar pressures. The spotlight, the sudden wealth, the expectation to support extended families—it’s a global issue. In the NBA, we’ve seen players like Latrell Sprewell, who turned down a $21 million contract extension, famously saying, “I’ve got a family to feed,” only to lose his yacht and mansion later. It’s almost tragic how pride and poor advice can derail a career’s financial legacy.

What really gets under my skin, though, is how the system sets these young men up for failure. Many come from backgrounds where financial literacy isn’t a priority. They get drafted at 19, suddenly handed millions, and everyone wants a piece—family, friends, so-called advisors. I spoke to a financial planner who works with athletes, and he told me that nearly 40% of his clients have been victims of fraud or embezzlement. That’s not just a statistic—it’s lives being ruined. Derrick Coleman, the first overall pick in 1990, earned $87 million but ended up with tax debts and lawsuits. He once said he trusted the wrong people, and I believe that’s the core of it. We fans see the glamour, but behind the scenes, it’s a minefield.

Then there’s the culture of excess. I’ll admit, I love watching the bling and the parties—it’s part of the entertainment. But when it leads to stories like that of Scottie Pippen, who made over $120 million yet struggled after bad deals and divorces, you have to wonder. He invested in a private jet that cost him millions in maintenance, and a failed business venture left him suing financial advisors. It’s easy to judge, but I think society shares some blame. We celebrate the flashy lifestyles, then shake our heads when it falls apart. The shocking stories of broke NBA stars and how they lost millions should make us reflect on what we value in sports heroes.

Some players do turn it around, and that gives me hope. Take Chris Webber, who lost tens of millions through bad investments and legal issues but rebuilt through broadcasting and business. Or Junior Bridgeman, who parlayed his NBA earnings into a fast-food empire worth over 600 million dollars. It shows that with the right guidance, it’s possible to avoid the trap. But for every success, there’s a Darius Miles, who blew through $62 million and ended up auctioning his NBA Eastern Conference championship ring. I remember watching him play—so much potential, both on and off the court, wasted.

In the end, writing about this isn’t just about the drama. It’s a call for change—better education, stronger support systems. As a fan, I want these athletes to thrive long after their playing days are over. Because when you look past the headlines, the shocking stories of broke NBA stars and how they lost millions are really about human frailty, and that’s something we can all learn from. Let’s hope the next generation does.

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.