Looking Back at the 2019 NBA Draft Class: Where Are They Now?

Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft Class now feels like revisiting a time capsule of what-could-have-beens and surprising breakthroughs. I remember sitting through that draft night, watching Zion Williamson’s explosive athleticism dominate headlines, and wondering how many of these young stars would actually live up to the hype. Five years later, the landscape has shifted dramatically—some have soared, others have stumbled, and a few have completely fallen off the radar. It’s fascinating how much can change in such a short span, and as someone who’s followed basketball for over a decade, I can’t help but reflect on how unpredictable player development truly is.

Zion Williamson, the undisputed first pick, burst onto the scene with jaw-dropping averages of 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in his rookie year. But injuries have plagued his career—he’s missed over 150 games already, and I’ve often wondered if his explosive style was sustainable long-term. Still, when he’s on the court, he’s a force of nature, and I’ve always believed that with better conditioning, he could reclaim his superstar trajectory. Then there’s Ja Morant, picked second by the Memphis Grizzlies. His rise has been nothing short of spectacular, earning two All-Star selections by age 24 and leading the Grizzlies to playoff relevance. But off-court controversies, like his 25-game suspension in 2023 for brandishing a firearm on social media, have cast a shadow. In my view, his electrifying playmaking makes him one of the most entertaining guards in the league, yet he needs to mature off the court to secure his legacy.

RJ Barrett, taken third by the Knicks, has been a solid contributor, though not quite the franchise savior some hoped for. Averaging around 18 points per game, he’s shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency—something I’ve noticed in many young wings who enter the league with high expectations. De’Andre Hunter, the fourth pick, has carved out a reliable role with the Hawks as a 3-and-D specialist, but injuries have limited his impact. Meanwhile, Darius Garland, selected fifth, blossomed into an All-Star in 2022, proving that patience with prospects can pay off. His chemistry with Donovan Cleveland has made the Cavaliers a fun team to watch, and I’ve always appreciated how his playmaking elevates everyone around him.

Beyond the top five, the draft class is dotted with gems and busts. Jordan Poole, picked 28th by the Warriors, emerged as a key piece in their 2022 championship run, averaging 17 points that season. But his move to the Wizards in 2023 highlighted his streaky shooting—he’s a player I’ve defended for his confidence, yet his decision-making can be frustrating. On the other hand, Matisse Thybulle, drafted 20th, has become a defensive stalwart, though his offensive limitations keep him from being a star. And then there’s Bol Bol, a second-round pick who’s bounced between teams, showing glimpses of unicorn potential but struggling to find a stable role. It’s a reminder that draft position isn’t everything—development, fit, and luck play huge parts.

Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of how unpredictable sports can be, much like that controversial boxing moment where Suarez would have been the new champion if the referee called it a clear punch that caused the deep cut on Navarrete’s eyebrow. In the NBA, a single draft pick can alter a franchise’s future, but so much depends on external factors—coaching, injuries, and even officiating in key games. For instance, Zion’s knee issues or Ja’s suspensions are like those missed calls in boxing; they change narratives in ways we can’t always predict. As a fan, I’ve learned to appreciate the journey over the destination, because careers are rarely linear.

In conclusion, the 2019 NBA Draft Class is a mixed bag of triumphs and lessons. Zion and Ja have superstar talent but face hurdles, while players like Garland and Poole have exceeded expectations. From my perspective, this class underscores the importance of resilience—both for players and the teams that draft them. As we look ahead, I’m excited to see how these stories unfold, because in basketball, as in life, the most compelling chapters are often written when we least expect them.