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

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2019 NBA Draft like it was yesterday. Sitting in my living room with my laptop open to three different live blogs, the air was thick with speculation. Would Zion Williamson really go first? How far would Ja Morant climb? It felt like a draft class that could redefine the league's landscape. Fast forward to today, and looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft Class: Where Are They Now? reveals a story of meteoric rises, heartbreaking setbacks, and everything in between. It’s a narrative that perfectly encapsulates the unpredictable tempo of professional basketball.

The hype train left the station the moment Zion dunked his way through college basketball. He wasn't just a prospect; he was a cultural phenomenon. The New Orleans Pelicans, holding the first pick, faced what seemed like the easiest decision in draft history. Behind him, Ja Morant’s electric play at Murray State had scouts drooling, and RJ Barrett was the polished scorer from a blue-blood program. The top three seemed set in stone. I recall thinking this was one of those rare drafts where the top picks were almost guaranteed stars. The excitement wasn't just about talent; it was about the potential for these young men to become the new faces of the NBA. The Memphis Grizzlies, in particular, were betting their entire rebuild on Ja’s slender shoulders, a gamble that looked risky at the time but would soon pay off in spectacular fashion.

Then reality set in. Zion's career, thus far, has been a masterclass in "what if." His rookie season was delayed by a meniscus tear. He exploded in his second year, averaging a ridiculous 27 points per game on historic efficiency, making me and many others believe the wait was over. But the injuries kept coming. A foot fracture cost him the entire 2021-22 season. It’s been a brutal cycle of anticipation and disappointment. On the other end of the spectrum, Ja Morant didn't just meet expectations; he shattered them. He won Rookie of the Year, led the Grizzlies to the playoffs, and became an All-Star and an All-NBA player, all by his third season. His game is pure, unadulterated electricity. But even his path hasn't been smooth, with off-court incidents leading to suspensions that have temporarily stalled his team's momentum. This wild variance in career trajectories reminds me of a quote I once heard from a veteran coach, which perfectly captures the essence of a player's journey: "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." It’s a truth that applies not just to a single game, but to an entire career. Some, like Ja, started fast. Others, like Zion, have been forced into a slower, more frustrating pace.

Beyond the very top, the 2019 class has proven to be incredibly deep, unearthing gems that have become cornerstones for their franchises. Darius Garland, picked fifth, has blossomed into an All-Star in Cleveland, forming one of the most exciting young backcourts in the league with Donovan Mitchell. Jordan Poole, the 28th pick, was a key contributor to the Golden State Warriors' 2022 championship, proving that value can be found anywhere if you have the right development system. I have a personal soft spot for Brandon Clarke, the 21st pick. He's not a flashy scorer, but his energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility make him the ultimate glue guy for Memphis. Meanwhile, Tyler Herro, selected 13th, won Sixth Man of the Year and has become a walking bucket for Miami, though his playoff performances have been a bit of a rollercoaster. The success stories are numerous, but so are the cautionary tales. Jarrett Culver (6th pick) and Cam Reddish (10th pick) have already bounced around multiple teams, struggling to find a consistent role despite their obvious physical tools.

So, where does this leave us five years in? Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft Class: Where Are They Now? forces a reevaluation. It's no longer just the "Zion draft." It's Ja Morant's draft, and Darius Garland's, and even the draft that produced a clutch shooter like Herro. The class's legacy is one of profound depth and resilience. While Zion's health remains the biggest unanswered question, the overall impact is undeniable. This group has already produced multiple All-Stars, a champion, and several players on max contracts. From my perspective, it has to be considered one of the stronger drafts of the past decade, potentially rivaling the famed 2018 class. The journey for these players is far from over. Careers, much like a game, can have slow starts and sudden bursts of speed. The key, as that old coach wisely said, is to keep accumulating those points, one possession at a time. For the class of 2019, the scoreboard is already looking very impressive, and I, for one, can't wait to see how the rest of the game plays out.