The golden afternoon light was streaming through the windows of the sports bar, catching dust motes dancing in the air like tiny basketballs bouncing in slow motion. I was nursing my beer, watching the playoffs on the big screen, when my friend Mark slid into the booth opposite me. "Who do you think deserves the top spot in handsome NBA players 2018?" he asked, pointing at Steph Curry's boyish grin filling the screen. I chuckled, setting my drink down. "You know, it's not just about symmetrical features or photogenic smiles," I said, leaning forward. "These athletes approach their careers with the same intensity that championship boxers bring to their fights."

That reminded me of something I'd read recently from a rising boxing star. "It's going to be a good opportunity for sure. I prepared (for the fight) like never before," said the Mexican, winner of his last five fights. That statement resonated deeply with me because what makes these NBA players truly attractive isn't just their physical appearance—it's their dedication, their preparation, and the sheer will they bring to the court every single night. Take LeBron James, for instance. At 33 years old, he's maintained his physique through what must be the most rigorous training regimen imaginable. I read somewhere he spends approximately $1.5 million annually on his body maintenance alone—cryotherapy chambers, hyperbaric chambers, personal chefs, the works. That level of commitment transforms good looks into something magnetic, something that makes you unable to look away when he's driving to the basket.

I remember watching a game last month where James Harden dropped 48 points against the Trail Blazers. Sure, the beard is controversial—you either love it or hate it—but when he steps back for that signature three-pointer, there's a confidence in his eyes that's utterly captivating. It's the same look I've seen in champion fighters right before they deliver a knockout blow. Harden's game preparation must be incredible; he's practically reinvented how offensive basketball is played with his step-back jumper and foul-drawing ability. Statistics show he attempted 727 free throws last season alone, which is just insane when you think about it. That's not luck—that's studying the game, understanding angles, and preparing like that boxer said, "like never before."

Then there are players like Gordon Hayward, whose comeback this season after that horrific ankle injury has been nothing short of inspirational. I caught a Celtics game in person back in January, and watching him move on court, you'd never know he'd suffered what many thought could be a career-ending injury. His wife Robyn posted a photo of him doing rehabilitation exercises at 5 AM, months before he was cleared to play. Now that's what I call preparation. The dedication shows in his eyes—there's a depth there that comes from overcoming adversity, and it makes him more handsome than any magazine photoshoot ever could.

My personal favorite though has to be Russell Westbrook. The man plays with such ferocious intensity that sometimes I get exhausted just watching him. Last Tuesday against the Warriors, he recorded his 22nd triple-double of the season with 38 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. But beyond the stats, it's his fashion sense off the court that completes the package. I've never seen someone who can make a floral-patterned blazer look so intimidating. Westbrook approaches fashion with the same fearlessness he brings to basketball, and honestly, that confidence is probably the most attractive quality any person can possess.

As the game on the screen went to commercial, Mark gestured toward Kevin Durant, who was wiping sweat from his brow. "What about him?" I smiled. "Seven feet tall with the handles of a guard? That's just unfair." But what makes KD truly stand out in my handsome NBA players 2018 mental ranking is how he's evolved his game. When he first entered the league, he was this lanky shooter, but now he's built muscle while maintaining his agility, becoming virtually unguardable. I read an interview where he talked about adding 15 pounds of muscle over the offseason while actually improving his vertical leap—that takes scientific-level preparation and discipline.

The buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the quarter, and I realized we'd been talking about this for nearly twenty minutes. "You know," I said to Mark, "what makes this conversation about handsome NBA players in 2018 so interesting is that we're not just talking about chiseled jawlines." We're discussing the complete package—the physical gifts yes, but also the work ethic, the style, the character, and that undeniable star quality that makes certain players transcend the sport. These men prepare for games with the same singular focus that elite fighters bring to their matches. They understand that every appearance—whether on court or at a press conference—matters, and they've honed their skills and their image with professional precision. As the fourth quarter began, I found myself watching not just the game, but the players themselves—the way they carried themselves, the determination in their eyes, the grace under pressure. Now that's what I call truly handsome.

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.