Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft class now, five years later, I can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and surprise at how these players have evolved. As someone who’s followed basketball closely—both as a fan and professionally—I’ve seen draft classes come and go, but this one stands out for its sheer unpredictability. Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and RJ Barrett were the headliners, the kind of talents you just knew would shape the league. But what fascinates me even more is how their careers have unfolded amid injuries, breakout performances, and the relentless pressure of the NBA spotlight. It’s a bit like that controversial moment in boxing when Suarez would have been the new champion if the referee called it a clear punch that caused the deep cut on Navarrete's eyebrow. Sometimes, a single moment—or in the NBA, a single season—can redefine everything.
Let’s start with Zion Williamson, the number one pick by the New Orleans Pelicans. When he entered the league, the hype was unreal—I remember analysts calling him a once-in-a-generation athlete, and honestly, I agreed. His combination of size, power, and agility reminded me of a young LeBron James, but with a highlight reel that felt almost cartoonish. In his rookie year, he averaged 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in just 24 games, and I thought, "This is it. The Pelicans have their franchise player." But then, injuries hit. Over the next few seasons, he missed significant time—85 games in one stretch—due to knee and foot issues. It’s frustrating to watch, because when he’s on the court, he’s a force. Last season, he played 61 games and put up 26 points per game, but the Pelicans still haven’t made a deep playoff run. I can’t help but worry that his career might be defined by what-ifs, much like that boxing match where a referee’s decision changed everything. If he stays healthy, I believe he could still be an MVP candidate, but that’s a big "if."
Then there’s Ja Morant, the second pick by the Memphis Grizzlies. Man, this guy is electric. I’ve always loved players who play with flair, and Ja’s fearless drives to the rim and clutch performances make him must-watch TV. He won Rookie of the Year in 2020, and by 2022, he led the Grizzlies to the second seed in the West—a stunning rise that I didn’t see coming so quickly. But his career hasn’t been smooth sailing. Off-court issues, including suspensions for conduct detrimental to the league, have cast a shadow. Last season, he averaged 26.2 points and 8.1 assists, but the Grizzlies faltered in the playoffs. It’s a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough; maturity matters too. From my perspective, Ja has the potential to be a top-five point guard, but he needs to channel that intensity positively. Otherwise, he might end up like one of those "what could have been" stories—similar to how a missed call in boxing can alter a fighter’s legacy.
RJ Barrett, picked third by the New York Knicks, is another interesting case. As a Canadian myself, I’ve always had a soft spot for him, and I thought he’d thrive under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. His first few seasons were solid but not spectacular—he averaged around 18 points per game and showed flashes of stardom. But then, in a mid-season trade to the Toronto Raptors, things changed. Suddenly, he was back home, and his numbers jumped to 21.4 points per game. I think the change of scenery did him wonders, and it’s proof that fit matters as much as talent. Not every top pick becomes a superstar, and that’s okay. Barrett might never be the face of a franchise, but he’s a reliable scorer who can contribute to a playoff team. In a way, his journey reminds me of how unexpected turns—like a referee’s decision in a fight—can shift a career path overnight.
Beyond the top three, this draft class is full of gems. Darius Garland, picked fifth by the Cleveland Cavaliers, has blossomed into an All-Star point guard. I remember watching him in college and thinking he had a smooth game, but his development has exceeded my expectations. Last season, he averaged 21.6 points and 7.8 assists, helping lead the Cavs to the playoffs. Then there’s Jordan Poole, the 28th pick by the Golden State Warriors. Initially, I didn’t think much of him, but he proved me wrong by playing a key role in their 2022 championship run. His scoring outbursts—like that 43-point game against the Raptors—show how deep this class really is. On the flip side, some players haven’t panned out. Jarrett Culver, the sixth pick, has bounced around the league, and Cam Reddish, the tenth pick, has struggled to find consistency. It’s a stark reminder that the draft is a gamble, and not every high pick guarantees success.
As I reflect on the 2019 class now, what strikes me is how their stories are still being written. Injuries, trades, and personal growth have all played a part, and it’s clear that the initial draft order doesn’t always predict long-term impact. Take the boxing analogy—just as a single punch or referee’s call can change a fighter’s trajectory, a single season or decision can redefine an NBA career. For these rising stars, the next few years will be crucial. Zion needs to prove he can stay healthy, Ja must balance his brilliance with discipline, and Barrett has to cement his role as a cornerstone. From my viewpoint, this class has the potential to produce multiple Hall of Famers, but it’ll come down to resilience and adaptation. In the end, that’s what makes following the NBA so compelling—you never know how the story will unfold.
