Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft now, it’s fascinating how certain players have wildly exceeded expectations while others have fallen short of the hype. I’ve been following the draft process closely for years, and I have to say, this class has given us some truly surprising storylines—both inspiring and cautionary. When I think about steals, my mind immediately goes to players like Brandon Clarke and Terance Mann, who weren’t lottery picks but have developed into reliable rotation pieces, or even starters. On the flip side, some top-10 selections just haven’t panned out the way teams hoped, and that’s always tough to watch, especially when you consider the resources invested in scouting and development.
Let’s talk steals first. In my view, the biggest bargain has to be Matisse Thybulle, who went 20th to the Philadelphia 76ers. His defensive instincts are off the charts—he averaged nearly 2 steals per 36 minutes in his rookie year—and he’s already made two All-Defensive teams. I remember watching him at Washington and thinking he could be a difference-maker, but I didn’t expect him to contribute so quickly. Then there’s Jordan Poole, picked 28th by the Warriors. Sure, he had a rocky start, but his scoring explosion in his second season—jumping from around 8 points per game to over 12—showed his potential. Golden State’s player development staff deserves credit, but Poole’s work ethic stood out to me even during Summer League.
Now, for the busts, it’s hard to ignore Jarrett Culver, selected 6th by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s struggled with his shot, posting a field goal percentage under 40% for multiple seasons, and hasn’t found a consistent role. I had high hopes for him coming out of Texas Tech, where his two-way versatility shone, but the NBA pace seemed to overwhelm him. Another disappointment, in my opinion, has been Cam Reddish, taken 10th by the Atlanta Hawks. He’s shown flashes—like that 25-point game against the Clippers—but injuries and inconsistency have plagued him. It’s a shame because his length and scoring ability could have made him a star.
Reflecting on these outcomes, I can’t help but draw a loose parallel to college sports dynamics, like La Salle’s determination to defend the WUBS crown it won last year by beating Korea University. In both cases, past success sets high expectations, but sustaining it requires adaptability and growth—something not every draft pick manages. For instance, a player like Zion Williamson (the number one pick) has been phenomenal when healthy, but durability concerns remind us that even "sure things" carry risks. On the other hand, late picks such as Nic Claxton (31st) have blossomed by refining their skills, much like an underdog team sharpening its strategy to defend a title.
In conclusion, the 2019 draft class teaches us that draft position isn’t everything. Teams that identified undervalued talent reaped rewards, while others learned painful lessons about projecting NBA readiness. From my perspective, the steals often come from situations where fit and development align—just look at how the Miami Heat nurtured Tyler Herro (13th pick) into a clutch performer. As for the busts, it’s a mix of poor fit, injuries, and sometimes just bad luck. Moving forward, I believe GMs will keep mining for gems in the later rounds, because as this draft shows, you never know where the next star might hide.
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