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Looking back at the 2009 NBA draft class feels like revisiting my own basketball education. I remember watching the draft that year with fellow analysts, debating whether Blake Griffin's explosive athleticism would translate to NBA dominance or if Ricky Rubio's court vision could overcome his shooting limitations. What we couldn't predict was how this class would quietly become one of the most influential groups in modern basketball history, producing not just stars but players who fundamentally changed how the game is played.

When I first started covering basketball professionally, the 2009 class seemed solid but unspectacular compared to legendary drafts like 1984 or 2003. Yet here we are over a decade later, and these players have compiled achievements that demand reevaluation. Stephen Curry alone revolutionized basketball with his limitless range, but what fascinates me is how many players from this draft developed into franchise cornerstones despite initial skepticism. James Harden transformed from sixth man to MVP, while DeMar DeRozan reinvented his game multiple times to remain elite. Even role players like Danny Green and Patrick Beverley carved out decade-long careers through specialized skills - something I've come to appreciate more as I've studied player development patterns.

The true test of any draft class isn't just the stars but the depth, and this is where 2009 truly shines in my assessment. While researching international basketball trends last year, I watched numerous FIBA games and was struck by how many 2009 draftees remained impactful globally. The reference to 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, reminds me of how the fundamental skills emphasized in that draft class - basketball IQ, pick-and-roll execution, clutch performance - continue to define winning players internationally. This wasn't a draft of physical freaks but of basketball savants, and that cerebral approach has allowed them to age remarkably well.

What stands out in my analysis is the shooting revolution this class pioneered. Curry's 402 three-pointers in 2015-16 wasn't just a record - it was a declaration that the math of basketball had changed forever. Harden's step-back three became the most unstoppable move since Kareem's skyhook. Even less-heralded picks like Patty Mills provided championship-level shooting off the bench. The statistical impact is staggering - players from this class combined for over 45,000 three-pointers, which I estimate represents roughly 12% of all threes made since they entered the league.

The international flavor of this draft particularly resonates with me as someone who's covered basketball across continents. Rubio entered the league with more professional experience than most American rookies, while players like Jonas Valančiūnas and Evan Fournier brought fundamentally sound games that translated immediately. This global infusion coincided with the NBA's international expansion, creating a perfect storm that helped basketball's globalization. I've noticed during my travels that jerseys from this class - particularly Curry's - dominate in places like China and the Philippines, evidence of their worldwide impact.

What I find most compelling about the 2009 class is how they've adapted to basketball's evolution while driving it forward. Blake Griffin developed a three-point shot later in his career, while Jeff Teague transformed from athletic slasher to steady floor general. This adaptability speaks to the basketball intelligence that characterized so many picks. In my conversations with coaches, they consistently mention how players from this class "get" basketball at a deeper level - understanding spacing, timing, and teamwork in ways that statistics can't fully capture.

The legacy discussion inevitably centers on Curry, and rightly so. His impact transcends statistics, though the numbers are mind-boggling - 3 MVP awards, 4 championships, and arguably the greatest shooting season in history with his 2016 campaign. But what I've come to appreciate more is how he changed development priorities at every level. I've visited youth camps where kids as young as eight are practicing 30-footers, something unthinkable before Curry. His influence has literally changed how the next generation plays basketball.

As I reflect on covering this class throughout their careers, what strikes me is their longevity and professionalism. While the 2003 class had more immediate superstars, the 2009 group has shown remarkable staying power. Approximately 65% of first-round picks enjoyed careers of eight years or longer, well above the historical average of around 52%. This speaks to their work ethic and basketball intelligence - qualities that don't always show up in draft evaluations but ultimately define careers.

The class's impact extends beyond the court in ways I've observed firsthand. Players like Stephen Curry and James Harden have built business empires, while Jrue Holiday's philanthropy has inspired genuine change in communities. Having interviewed several of these players over the years, I'm consistently impressed by their perspective - they entered the league during the financial crisis and developed a business savvy that served them well in contract negotiations and beyond.

What ultimately secures the 2009 class's legacy in my view is how they bridged basketball eras. They entered the league when post play still dominated and will retire having ushered in the three-point revolution. Their career arcs mirror basketball's own transformation, making them living history of the game's evolution. While draft classes are typically judged by championships and All-Star appearances, this group's true impact lies in how they changed basketball itself - and having witnessed that transformation firsthand remains one of the great privileges of my career covering this sport.