Looking back at the 2019 NBA draft, I remember the buzz around Zion Williamson and Ja Morant—two names that dominated headlines even before they stepped onto an NBA court. Four years later, this draft class has not only lived up to the hype but fundamentally reshaped the league in ways I didn’t fully anticipate. As someone who’s followed basketball for decades, I’ve seen draft classes come and go, but this one stands out for its mix of immediate impact players and slow-burn talents who took their time to find their footing. It’s a reminder that development isn’t always linear—sometimes it’s a rollercoaster, just like that quote from a coach I once heard: “Ganun talaga, sometimes slow, sometimes very fast yung umpisa, hindi natin masabi. Basta, as long as we get those points one point at a time, malaking bagay na yun sa’min.” That philosophy perfectly captures the journey of many 2019 draftees.
Let’s start with the headliners. Zion Williamson, the first overall pick, exploded onto the scene with the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in his rookie year. But injuries sidelined him for chunks of the following seasons, and it’s been a stop-start narrative that tested everyone’s patience. Still, when he’s healthy, he’s a force of nature—I’ve never seen a player his size move with that kind of agility, and his 61% field goal percentage in the 2020-21 season was just insane. Then there’s Ja Morant, picked second by the Memphis Grizzlies. He won Rookie of the Year and quickly became the face of a franchise that went from lottery team to playoff contender. His flashy style and fearlessness remind me of a young Derrick Rose, and he’s already notched two All-Star selections. But what I find most intriguing is how he’s elevated those around him—just look at the Grizzlies’ win total jumping from 34 in his rookie year to 56 in 2022. That’s not just talent; it’s leadership.
Beyond the top picks, this draft class is stacked with players who took longer to blossom. Take Jordan Poole, selected 28th by the Golden State Warriors. He struggled early, shooting below 30% from three in his first season, but he stuck with it and became a key piece in their 2022 championship run, putting up 18.5 points per game that year. Or Matisse Thybulle, known more for his defense initially, who’s slowly expanded his offensive game. I’ve always believed that the best drafts aren’t just about the stars but the depth, and 2019 delivered in spades—players like Tyler Herro (13th pick) and Darius Garland (5th pick) have become franchise cornerstones. Herro’s 20.7 points per game in the 2021-22 season helped the Miami Heat reach the Eastern Conference Finals, while Garland’s playmaking earned him an All-Star nod in 2022. It’s that mix of instant impact and gradual growth that makes this class so special.
From a league-wide perspective, the 2019 draft accelerated the shift toward positionless basketball. Players like RJ Barrett (3rd pick) and De’Andre Hunter (4th pick) embody this versatility, able to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively. I’ve noticed how teams now prioritize wings who can shoot and defend, and this class supplied exactly that. But it’s not all roses—some picks haven’t panned out as hoped, like Jarrett Culver (6th pick), who’s bounced between teams. That’s the gamble of the draft; you win some, you lose some. Personally, I think the success rate here is above average, with roughly 65% of first-round picks still rotation players today, a stat that might not be perfect but highlights their staying power.
As we wrap up, it’s clear the 2019 class has left an indelible mark on the NBA. They’ve brought excitement, depth, and a new dynamic to the game, proving that building a contender often hinges on hitting on draft picks. I’ll always have a soft spot for this group because they show that progress isn’t always straightforward—it’s a journey of highs and lows, much like that coach’s wisdom about taking it one point at a time. Whether it’s Zion’s dominance or Poole’s rise from the depths, they’ve given us moments to remember, and I’m excited to see how they continue to shape the league in the years ahead.
