2025-11-15 14:01
by
nlpkak
Looking back at the 2019 NBA draft class, I've got to say this group has genuinely surprised me with how quickly they've developed into franchise cornerstones. When I first watched Zion Williamson slam his way through college defenses, I knew we were seeing something special, but I never anticipated how many other players from this class would become so impactful so quickly. What's fascinating is how this draft produced not just stars, but players who've fundamentally changed their teams' trajectories. I've been covering basketball for over a decade now, and I can confidently say this might be one of the most transformative draft classes we've seen since the legendary 2003 group that brought us LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
Let's start with the obvious – Zion Williamson going first to New Orleans was about as predictable as draft picks get, but what's been remarkable is watching him transform the Pelicans when healthy. I remember watching his debut season and thinking we were witnessing a physical specimen unlike anything we'd seen since a young Charles Barkley. His combination of power and agility at 284 pounds just defies conventional basketball logic. Through his first three seasons, he was averaging 25.7 points on 60% shooting from the field, numbers that place him in truly elite company historically. The Pelicans' offensive rating jumps by nearly 12 points when he's on the court versus when he sits – that's the definition of impact.
Then there's Ja Morant, who I'll admit I had some reservations about coming out of Murray State. I wondered if his slight frame and unconventional playing style would translate against NBA athletes, but boy was I wrong about that one. The kid plays with a fearlessness that's just contagious, and he's single-handedly made the Grizzlies must-watch television. His Rookie of the Year campaign was just the beginning – last season he averaged 27.4 points and 6.7 assists while leading Memphis to the second seed in the brutal Western Conference. What impresses me most isn't just the highlight-reel dunks, but his improved decision-making and leadership. I've spoken with several coaches who've game-planned against him, and they all say the same thing – his speed forces you to completely rethink your defensive schemes.
RJ Barrett's development has been particularly interesting to track from my perspective. The third pick has steadily improved each season with the Knicks, and while his efficiency numbers might not jump off the page, his importance to that franchise's resurgence cannot be overstated. I watched him drop 46 points against Miami last season and saw a player growing into his potential before our eyes. His scoring average has climbed from 14.3 as a rookie to over 20 points per game, and his ability to attack the rim has become a crucial weapon for New York's offense.
Darius Garland represents what I love about player development in today's NBA. He played just five games in college due to injury, and many questioned whether Cleveland made the right choice taking him fifth. Fast forward three years, and he's an All-Star running one of the league's most surprising turnaround stories. His partnership with Donovan Mitchell has created one of the most dynamic backcourts in basketball, and watching them play together is just beautiful basketball. Garland's improvement from his rookie season – where he shot just 40% from the field – to last year's 46% while averaging over 21 points shows the value of patience and proper development.
Speaking of development, it reminds me of how teams across different leagues handle player progression. I was recently looking at the East Asia Super League and noticed how the Bolts are managing their roster with potential replacements like DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame ready to step up when needed. It's a reminder that having depth and development systems matters at every level of basketball, not just the NBA. Teams that invest in proper player development, whether in the NBA or international leagues, tend to find gems later in drafts or develop role players into significant contributors.
Back to the 2019 class – Tyler Herro's emergence as a Sixth Man of the Year and now a starter has been fascinating to watch. I'll be honest, I thought Miami reached when they took him at 13, but his shooting touch and confidence have made him indispensable to the Heat's system. His 20.7 points per game last season came on some incredibly efficient shooting splits – 44% from the field and nearly 40% from three. In today's spacing-oriented NBA, having a shooter with his movement and creativity is worth its weight in gold.
Jordan Poole's story might be my favorite from this entire class. The 28th pick looked overwhelmed during his rookie season, but the Warriors' development staff worked miracles with him. His transformation into a legitimate scoring threat played a huge role in Golden State's championship run last season. I've watched him develop his handle and become comfortable creating his own shot in ways I never anticipated. His 18.5 points per game last season don't even tell the full story – it's his gravity and spacing that open things up for his teammates.
Matisse Thybulle represents the defensive specialists that every contender needs. While his offensive game remains limited, his defensive impact is tremendous. I've charted possessions where offenses completely avoid his side of the court, and that kind of defensive respect is rare for young players. His 1.7 steals per game last season only begin to capture his disruptive presence.
Brandon Clarke has become the perfect modern big – mobile, efficient, and versatile defensively. His 64% true shooting percentage last season was among the league's best, and he's developed wonderful chemistry with Ja Morant in pick-and-roll situations. Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson's improvement in San Antonio has been a bright spot for the rebuilding Spurs, averaging 17 points last season while showing improved playmaking.
What strikes me about this class is how many players beyond the lottery have developed into meaningful contributors. Terance Mann, selected 48th, has become a key rotation piece for the Clippers, while undrafted Max Strus has carved out a significant role in Miami. This depth of talent throughout the draft speaks to how well teams are identifying and developing players today.
As I reflect on this group four years into their careers, what stands out is how they've already collected accolades – Rookie of the Year winners, All-Stars, a Most Improved Player, and key contributors on championship teams. The 2019 class hasn't just lived up to expectations – they've exceeded them in ways I rarely see. They've reshaped franchises, changed how teams approach roster construction, and given us some of the most exciting basketball in recent memory. If they continue developing at this rate, we might look back at this class as one that defined the next era of NBA basketball.
