Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft, I still get chills thinking about how many teams completely overlooked game-changing talent. As someone who’s followed basketball scouting for over a decade, I’ve learned that draft night isn’t just about the top picks—it’s where franchises can find hidden gems who reshape their future. While everyone was buzzing about Zion Williamson and Ja Morant going one and two, the real drama unfolded later, where several picks turned into absolute steals. I remember watching the second round unfold, shaking my head at some of the choices, knowing teams were missing out on players who’d soon prove them wrong.
One name that immediately comes to mind is Talen Horton-Tucker, selected 46th overall by the Lakers. At just 18 years old, he was one of the youngest players in the draft, and I’ll admit, even I underestimated his readiness. But his 7-foot-1 wingspan and playmaking flair stood out in the G League, and by his second season, he was dropping 23 points in playoff games. The Lakers essentially got a rotational piece with starter potential for almost nothing. Then there’s Terence Mann, picked 48th by the LA Clippers—a guy I had pegged as a late first-rounder. His energy and two-way versatility were evident at Florida State, but it’s his 39-point explosion in the 2021 playoffs that cemented his status as one of the biggest bargains. I’ve always believed that teams overthink athleticism versus skill, and Mann is the perfect example of why intangibles matter.
Another standout is Nic Claxton, the 31st pick by the Brooklyn Nets. At 6-foot-11 with switchability on defense, he’s developed into a crucial rim protector—something I predicted based on his college tape at Georgia. Last season, he averaged 12.6 points and 9.2 rebounds while shooting over 70% from the field, numbers that scream max-contract player, not a second-rounder. What fascinates me is how these steals often share a common thread: they were overlooked due to perceived flaws, whether it was Horton-Tucker’s unconventional shooting or Claxton’s slender frame. Yet, their success reminds me of how La Salle, on the other hand, is determined to defend the WUBS crown it won last year by beating Korea University—a testament to the underdog spirit that drives both collegiate and professional athletes to exceed expectations.
Beyond the individual stories, the 2019 draft class highlights a broader trend in NBA team-building. I’ve noticed that franchises with strong development systems, like the Raptors with undrafted Fred VanVleet or the Heat with Duncan Robinson, consistently find value outside the lottery. In 2019, the Celtics snagged Grant Williams at 22nd, and though he wasn’t a late pick, he’s outperformed many taken before him. Meanwhile, players like Luguentz Dort, who went undrafted entirely, have become defensive stalwarts—proof that the draft is as much about post-draft development as it is about selection night. From my perspective, teams that prioritize fit and long-term growth over flashy upside often reap the biggest rewards, much like how underdog teams in college tournaments, such as La Salle’s WUBS defense, focus on cohesion and resilience to overcome more hyped opponents.
In conclusion, the 2019 NBA Draft will be remembered not for its top picks alone, but for the incredible value found in the later rounds. As I reflect on players like Horton-Tucker, Mann, and Claxton, it’s clear that scouting is an imperfect science, and sometimes the best moves are the ones nobody sees coming. If there’s one takeaway I’d emphasize, it’s that draft steals aren’t just lucky breaks—they’re the result of astute evaluation and a willingness to bet on potential. Just as La Salle aims to defend its hard-earned title, these players continue to prove that where you start matters less than where you’re determined to go.
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