NBA Draft 2019 Prospects: Top Picks and Their Current Career Progress
Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft class, I can't help but feel a mix of admiration and slight disappointment. As someone who's followed basketball prospects for over a decade, I remember the excitement surrounding that year's talent pool. Zion Williamson's explosive athleticism had scouts buzzing, Ja Morant's court vision seemed otherworldly, and RJ Barrett's polished scoring ability appeared NBA-ready from day one. Four years later, it's fascinating to see how these top picks have evolved—some becoming franchise cornerstones while others are still searching for their footing in the league.
What strikes me most about evaluating draft prospects is how unpredictable player development can be. Take Zion Williamson, the unanimous first overall pick. When healthy, he's been absolutely dominant—averaging 25.8 points per game on ridiculous 60.5% shooting during the 2020-21 season. But his injury history concerns me deeply. Having watched numerous players with similar physical play styles struggle with longevity, I worry whether Zion can maintain his explosive game without frequent health setbacks. Still, when he's on the court, there are few players I'd rather watch—his combination of power and agility is something we haven't seen since prime Charles Barkley.
Ja Morant, selected second by Memphis, has exceeded even my optimistic projections. I recall questioning whether his slender frame could withstand NBA physicality, but he's proven remarkably durable aside from recent suspension issues. His career averages of 22.4 points and 7.4 assists don't fully capture his transformational impact on the Grizzlies franchise. What impresses me most is his clutch gene—I've lost count of how many game-winners he's already hit in his young career. The Grizzlies were 16-33 before his arrival and have become consistent playoff contenders since, which speaks volumes about his leadership.
RJ Barrett's journey interests me because it mirrors what I've seen with many high-profile prospects from major college programs. The third pick has shown steady improvement each season, increasing his scoring average from 14.3 to 20.0 points per game between his rookie and third seasons. However, his efficiency has been concerning—he's yet to crack 45% shooting from the field. Having studied player development patterns, I believe Barrett's eventual ceiling will depend heavily on whether he can improve his decision-making and shot selection, aspects that often separate good players from great ones.
The draft's later gems have been particularly fascinating to track. Darius Garland at fifth overall has developed into an All-Star, something I admittedly didn't foresee during his limited rookie season at Vanderbilt. His transformation into Cleveland's offensive engine demonstrates how crucial situation and development resources are for young players. Meanwhile, Jordan Poole, picked 28th, represents the draft's unpredictable nature—from G-League assignments to championship contributor in just three seasons.
This brings me to an interesting parallel I've observed in international basketball circuits. While monitoring the East Asia Super League recently, I noticed how teams like the Bolts handle player development differently. They maintain ready replacements like DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame within their system, ensuring continuity when key players face injuries. This approach reminds me of how smart NBA franchises manage their rosters—always planning for contingencies while developing multiple options at each position. The Bolts' strategy of having Kennedy and Kouame prepared demonstrates professional roster management that NBA teams would do well to study, especially regarding injury mitigation and depth utilization.
Reflecting on the 2019 class as a whole, I'd rate it as above average but not exceptional. We've seen two genuine franchise players emerge in Zion and Ja, several solid starters in Barrett, Garland, and Tyler Herro, plus valuable rotation pieces like Matisse Thybulle and Brandon Clarke. However, the lack of depth beyond the first round concerns me—only a handful of second-round picks have established themselves as reliable NBA players. In my evaluation system, I'd give this draft class a B+ grade, with the caveat that several players still have time to elevate their standing.
The development trajectories we're witnessing reinforce my long-held belief that the first three years typically reveal a player's foundational capabilities, while years four through seven determine their ultimate ceiling. With most 2019 draftees now entering their second contracts, we're about to discover who can make that crucial leap from promising talent to consistent impact player. Personally, I'm betting on Garland and Herro to outperform their draft positions long-term, while I remain cautiously optimistic about Williamson's ability to overcome his fitness challenges.
What continues to surprise me is how quickly the narrative around draft classes can shift. Remember when some analysts questioned whether Ja Morant's game would translate? Or when concerns about Zion's weight dominated discussions? Now both have proven their superstar potential when available. This volatility in player evaluation reminds me why I find draft analysis so compelling—it's equal parts science and art, data and intuition. The 2019 class has provided plenty of lessons about patience in development and the importance of organizational fit, insights I'll carry forward when assessing future drafts.
Ultimately, the 2019 NBA Draft has yielded several franchise-altering talents while reinforcing timeless truths about player evaluation. Physical tools matter, but work ethic and basketball IQ often determine longevity. Situation can be as important as talent. And perhaps most importantly, we should avoid drawing definitive conclusions about players before they've had adequate time to develop. As the careers of these 2019 draftees continue unfolding, I'll be watching with the understanding that their stories are far from complete—the most exciting chapters may still lie ahead.
