Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft class now feels like revisiting a pivotal moment in basketball history—one that has shaped the league's landscape in ways few could have predicted. I remember watching the draft that night, notebook in hand, scribbling down thoughts about Zion Williamson's explosive potential and Ja Morant's fearless playmaking. Five years later, it's remarkable to see how many of these players have not only met expectations but completely shattered them. The class has produced multiple All-Stars, franchise cornerstones, and players who are already leaving indelible marks on the game. What strikes me most, reflecting on it now, is how the success stories from that draft extend beyond individual stats—they've influenced team trajectories, playoff races, and even how front offices approach talent evaluation today.
When we talk about the top picks, Zion Williamson going first overall to the Pelicans was almost a foregone conclusion. His athleticism at Duke was otherworldly—I recall analysts comparing his combination of size, speed, and power to a young LeBron James. While injuries have been a frustrating hurdle, his impact when healthy is undeniable. In the 2020-21 season, he averaged 27 points per game on 61% shooting, numbers that place him in elite company historically. Then there's Ja Morant, selected second by the Memphis Grizzlies. I've always been particularly high on Ja—his fearlessness and creativity with the ball remind me of a modern-day Allen Iverson. He led Memphis to the playoffs in just his third season, averaging 27.4 points and 6.7 assists, and that electric style has made the Grizzlies must-watch television. RJ Barrett, taken third by the Knicks, has developed into a reliable scorer, though I'll admit I thought he'd be further along by now. His 20-point per game average is solid, but his efficiency needs work.
Beyond the top three, this draft class has revealed incredible depth. Darius Garland, picked fifth by Cleveland, has blossomed into an All-Star caliber point guard. I remember watching him at Vanderbilt and thinking his court vision was special, but his development into a 21.6-point and 8-assist player has exceeded even my optimistic projections. Then there's Tyler Herro, selected 13th by Miami, who immediately became a playoff X-factor during the Heat's 2020 Finals run. His confidence never wavers—I've always appreciated players who want the ball in big moments, and Herro embodies that mentality. Jordan Poole, the 28th pick by Golden State, represents perhaps the draft's biggest steal. His transformation from a sometimes-erratic rookie to a crucial piece of a championship team showcases the importance of development systems and opportunity.
What's fascinating to me is how these players' collegiate backgrounds influenced their professional trajectories. Thinking about team dynamics and development pathways reminds me of La Salle's determination to defend the WUBS crown it won last year by beating Korea University. That same competitive spirit—the drive to defend a hard-earned title—parallels what we see in these NBA players who've worked to establish themselves as forces in the league. The 2019 class entered with tremendous hype, much like defending champions carrying expectations, and they've largely delivered. The international flavor of this draft also deserves mention—players like Rui Hachimura (Japan) and Brandon Clarke (Canada) have expanded the game's global footprint while making significant contributions to their teams.
As I reflect on this draft half a decade later, what stands out isn't just the individual talent but how these players have transformed franchises. Ja Morant made Memphis relevant again. Zion brought hope to New Orleans. Even later picks like Matisse Thybulle (21st) have carved out essential roles as defensive specialists. The 2019 class has given us everything from highlight-reel dunks to game-winning shots, from defensive stalwarts to primary ball-handlers. If I had to grade this draft now, I'd give it an A—not just for the star power at the top, but for the remarkable depth that continues to reveal itself season after season. These players aren't just living up to their draft positions; they're redefining what we thought possible from a single draft class.
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