Looking back at the 2009 NBA draft class, I can't help but marvel at how many franchise-altering talents emerged from that single evening. As someone who's followed basketball religiously since the Jordan era, I've never seen a draft quite like this one - it produced not just good players, but genuine superstars who would define the next decade of basketball. What's particularly fascinating to me is tracking where these players are now, over a decade later, and seeing how their careers have unfolded in ways both predictable and completely unexpected.
I remember watching that draft live, thinking we were witnessing something special, but even I couldn't have predicted just how special. Stephen Curry went seventh to Golden State - can you believe teams actually passed on him? Blake Griffin, the consensus first pick, had that explosive rookie season we all expected, though injuries would later reshape his career. James Harden, that bearded wonder from Arizona State, started as sixth man in Oklahoma City before becoming an MVP in Houston. And don't even get me started on DeMar DeRozan's mid-range mastery that's lasted fifteen seasons now. These weren't just draft picks - they were future All-Stars, MVPs, and champions in the making.
What strikes me most about this class is the sheer longevity. Curry's still hitting those ridiculous 30-footers for Golden State, recently passing the 22,000-point mark for his career. Harden, despite all the team changes, continues to be an elite playmaker - I watched him drop 45 points against Miami just last month. And DeRozan? The man's become the king of clutch, hitting multiple game-winners this season alone. These players aren't just hanging on - they're still dominating, still shaping outcomes, still making All-Star teams fifteen years later. That's virtually unheard of in today's NBA.
The international flavor of this draft class deserves special mention. Players like Ricky Rubio and Jonas Valančiūnas have had solid careers, but the real story is how this draft paved the way for global talent evaluation. I've spoken with several scouts who admit the 2009 draft completely changed how they assess international prospects. The success of players like Valančiūnas, who's averaged a reliable 13.5 points and 9.5 rebounds over his career, demonstrated that talent existed beyond American colleges. This shift in perspective would later help uncover gems like Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić.
Now, when we talk about draft classes, we often focus on the stars, but what about the role players? This class produced incredible supporting cast members who've had remarkably durable careers. Players like Jrue Holiday, Jeff Teague, and Taj Gibson - these weren't headline names on draft night, but they've carved out fantastic careers. Holiday in particular has been a defensive stalwart, making multiple All-Defensive teams while providing steady scoring. These are the players who often determine championship runs, and this draft class was unusually rich in this type of talent.
The evolution of these players' games has been fascinating to track. Curry revolutionized shooting, Harden mastered the step-back three and foul-drawing, Griffin transformed from dunker to playmaker. I've had the privilege of watching Curry's shooting drills up close, and I can tell you - the man practices shots that other players wouldn't even attempt in games. His warmup routine includes shots from near half-court, which seemed absurd in 2009 but now every team has someone trying to emulate him. That's the legacy of this draft class - they didn't just play the game, they changed how it's played.
Thinking about where they are now, it's interesting to note how many have taken on mentorship roles. I've seen Curry nurturing the Warriors' young core, Harden guiding Philadelphia's younger players, and even players like Ty Lawson, who's now playing overseas, taking American expertise to international leagues. This mentorship aspect often gets overlooked, but it's crucial for the game's development. These veterans are essentially passing down knowledge gained from fifteen years of NBA evolution - that's invaluable for the next generation.
The business side of their careers is equally impressive. Curry's Under Armour line generates approximately $250 million annually, Harden's Adidas deal was worth $200 million, and Griffin built an impressive media portfolio. They're not just athletes - they're brands, entrepreneurs, and influencers. I've studied athlete branding for years, and what these players have built off the court might be as impressive as their on-court achievements. They've leveraged their NBA success into business empires that will outlast their playing days.
Reflecting on the entire class, what stands out to me is the diversity of career paths. Some became superstars, others reliable starters, some journeyed overseas, and a few transitioned into broadcasting or coaching. Danny Green won three championships with three different teams - that's the kind of varied career path this draft produced. Each player's journey tells a different story about NBA survival, adaptation, and reinvention. In many ways, studying this draft class is like studying the modern NBA itself - constantly evolving, increasingly global, and always surprising.
As I wrap up these thoughts, I'm struck by how the 2009 draft class represents a bridge between eras. They entered the league when post play still dominated and will retire in an era of positionless basketball and three-point revolutions. They've witnessed the game's fundamental transformation firsthand and, in many cases, drove those changes themselves. Their careers span the social media explosion, the bubble playoffs, and the player empowerment movement. Where are they now? They're not just playing basketball - they're living history, teaching us about the game's evolution through their own careers. And honestly, I don't think we'll see another class quite like them for a very long time.
