Nba Live

Looking back at the 2009 NBA draft class always gives me this peculiar mix of nostalgia and analytical curiosity. I remember watching the draft live, notebook in hand like the basketball nerd I was, tracking every pick while trying to predict which franchises had just secured their future cornerstones. Fifteen years later, what fascinates me most isn't just where these players ended up, but how their careers unfolded in ways that defied both our wildest expectations and deepest disappointments. The class produced undeniable superstars like Stephen Curry and James Harden, but its true legacy lies in the incredible depth of role players and international talents that have shaped basketball across multiple continents.

When we talk about the 2009 draft, our minds immediately jump to Curry revolutionizing basketball with his limitless range or Blake Griffin dunking his way into highlight reels. But having covered basketball across different leagues for over a decade, I've come to appreciate how this class's impact extends far beyond NBA arenas. Just last month, I was watching a PBA game between Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia, and there was RR Abarrientos - not a household name for casual NBA fans, but absolutely electric in that game. What struck me was seeing elements of that 2009 draft philosophy still playing out: the value of skilled guards who might not have prototypical size but possess incredible basketball IQ and fearlessness. 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. Watching that sequence felt like witnessing the global diaspora of that draft class's influence - the emphasis on guard creativity and pick-and-roll mastery that defined so many 2009 selections.

What many people forget about the 2009 draft is how heavily criticized it was at the time. I recall prominent analysts calling it one of the weakest classes in recent memory, particularly after Blake Griffin's rookie season was lost to injury. The skepticism seemed justified when players like Hasheem Thabeet (picked second overall) failed to develop, while Johnny Flynn (sixth) saw his career derailed by injuries. Yet here we are in 2024, and this class has produced two MVPs, seven All-Stars, and countless solid rotation players who've enjoyed decade-plus careers. The lesson I've taken from following these careers is that draft evaluation requires both immediate assessment and incredible patience - something I wish more franchises would embrace rather than rushing to judgment on young players.

The international flavor of this class deserves special mention. Players like Ricky Rubio (fifth pick) and Brandon Jennings (tenth) brought European flair to the league, while later picks like Patrick Mills (55th) carved out remarkable careers. What's fascinating is seeing how these players have circled back to influence basketball globally in their post-NBA careers. Just last year, I was speaking with an Australian basketball executive who noted how Mills' leadership with the Boomers directly reflected his experience coming through that specific draft environment. The 2009 class wasn't just about finding NBA talent - it was about identifying basketball players who could contribute to the game's growth worldwide.

What I find particularly compelling about tracking these players today is the diversity of their post-playing careers. Ty Lawson, who lasted until the 18th pick, has become a star in China, averaging around 29 points per game in his last CBA season. DeMar DeRozan (ninth pick) has evolved into one of the league's most respected veterans and mental health advocates. Meanwhile, players like Jeff Teague (19th) and Danny Green (46th) have transitioned seamlessly into media roles. This variety speaks to the multifaceted nature of the class - these weren't just athletes, but individuals with the versatility to succeed in multiple basketball-related domains.

The statistical legacy of this class is nothing short of remarkable. Through the 2022-23 season, the 2009 draft class had combined for approximately 47 All-Star appearances, 12 All-NBA selections, and three scoring titles. More impressively, about 14 players from that draft were still on NBA rosters last season - an incredible longevity rate for a 15-year-old class. When I crunch these numbers, what stands out isn't just the top-heavy talent but the remarkable staying power throughout the draft. Players taken in the second round like Patty Mills and Danny Green have championship rings and have outlasted many higher-picked contemporaries.

As I reflect on covering this class from their draft night to today, what strikes me most is how their careers mirror the evolution of modern basketball. Curry's shooting transformed offensive spacing, while players like Taj Gibson (26th pick) exemplified the value of reliable, defensive-minded bigs who could switch onto perimeter players. The class produced both the revolutionary and the traditional, the superstar and the specialist. In many ways, studying their career arcs has taught me more about team building than any front office seminar ever could. The franchises that succeeded with these players weren't necessarily those who drafted the highest, but those who understood how to develop and utilize specific skill sets.

Now, seeing players from this class transition into coaching, broadcasting, and overseas roles, I'm reminded that an NBA draft class's true impact can't be measured in rookie contracts alone. It's measured in decades of influence across the basketball ecosystem. The 2009 class might have been questioned initially, but it ultimately provided the NBA with approximately 28% of its All-Stars between 2014-2019 and continues to shape how basketball is played and perceived globally. As Abarrientos and other next-generation players demonstrate, the lessons from that draft year continue to ripple through basketball worldwide, proving that some legacies take more than a decade to fully appreciate.