2009 NBA Draft Class: Where Are These Players Now in Their Careers?

I still remember watching the 2009 NBA Draft like it was yesterday - the excitement, the speculation, and those fresh-faced young men waiting to hear their names called. Fast forward to today, and it's fascinating to see how their careers have unfolded in ways nobody could have perfectly predicted. Some became superstars, others carved out solid careers, and a few disappeared from the league entirely. What strikes me most is how these players have evolved beyond just basketball - many have become business owners, coaches, or media personalities.

Looking at Stephen Curry's journey specifically, it's absolutely mind-blowing. Picked seventh by the Golden State Warriors, he's completely revolutionized how basketball is played. I've followed his career closely, and watching him develop from a sharpshooting Davidson guard into a four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP has been incredible. His impact extends far beyond championships - he literally changed how teams value the three-point shot across the entire league. At 35 years old now, he's still playing at an elite level, which honestly surprises me given his early career ankle concerns.

Then there's Blake Griffin, the first overall pick who brought us those electrifying dunks that broke the internet back in the day. His career trajectory has been interesting to observe - from high-flying phenom to developing a respectable outside shot later in his career. While injuries have limited his effectiveness in recent years, I've always admired how he reinvented his game rather than just relying on athleticism. He's transitioned into more of a veteran presence now, playing about 15 minutes per game last season while providing leadership to younger players.

James Harden's journey has been particularly fascinating to watch unfold. Selected third by Oklahoma City, he's had one of the more interesting career arcs - from Sixth Man to MVP to his current role with the Philadelphia 76ers. His step-back three has become iconic, though I'll admit his style of play has sometimes frustrated me with all the foul-baiting. Still, you can't deny his scoring prowess - he's averaged over 24 points per game for ten consecutive seasons, which is just remarkable consistency.

What many people forget about this draft class is how many players have built careers overseas or in coaching roles. This reminds me of players like Abarrientos, who recently demonstrated his growth in an international game. The rookie playmaker waxed hot in the second half by scoring 17 of his 20 points in that stretch, perfectly executing the pick and roll with Brownlee, who passed the ball back to the skilled guard. These moments show how 2009 draftees continue impacting basketball globally, not just in the NBA.

The international presence from this draft has been significant too. Players like Ricky Rubio (picked fifth) and Brandon Jennings (tenth) have had interesting career paths that took them between the NBA and overseas competitions. Rubio's basketball IQ has always impressed me, though his shooting limitations have prevented him from reaching true stardom. Jennings, meanwhile, showed flashes of brilliance early before his career was derailed by injuries - I still remember his 55-point game as a rookie, which was absolutely sensational at the time.

DeMar DeRozan's development has been one of my favorite stories to follow. Picked ninth by Toronto, he's transformed from just a dunker into one of the league's most reliable mid-range scorers. His mental health advocacy has been as impactful as his basketball career, honestly making him one of the more respected veterans in the league today. At 34, he's still averaging over 20 points per game, which demonstrates incredible longevity for someone who relies so much on athletic drives to the basket.

Jrue Holiday, picked 17th, has quietly built what I consider a Hall of Fame-worthy career. His defensive prowess has been consistently elite, and he's developed into a reliable offensive contributor while winning championships with both Milwaukee and Boston. What's impressed me most about Holiday is how he's maintained his defensive intensity while improving his three-point shooting to nearly 40% - that's the kind of development that separates good players from great ones.

When I reflect on the entire 2009 NBA Draft class now, what stands out is how many of these players have remained relevant in basketball circles fifteen years later. About 40% of first-round picks are still active in professional basketball in some capacity, which is higher than most draft classes. Their career earnings collectively exceed $2.3 billion, with Curry alone accounting for nearly $400 million in salary alone. These numbers are staggering when you consider how uncertain their futures seemed on draft night.

The legacy of these players extends beyond statistics and contracts though. They've mentored the next generation, with many becoming player development coaches or running youth basketball camps. Some, like Curry, have launched production companies or invested in technology startups. Others have taken broadcasting roles, providing analysis that's informed by their extensive on-court experience. This multidimensional impact is what makes following the 2009 draft class so rewarding - they're not just basketball players but entrepreneurs, mentors, and community leaders.

As I think about where these players are now in their careers, it's clear that the 2009 NBA Draft produced one of the most influential classes in recent memory. From Curry changing how basketball is played to role players finding success in various global leagues, their stories continue to evolve. What I find most compelling is how their paths have diverged - some achieving superstardom while others found fulfillment in different basketball roles. Fifteen years later, this draft class continues to shape basketball in ways we're still discovering, proving that a player's journey doesn't end when they're drafted - in many ways, that's just the beginning.