2019 NBA Draft Class: Analyzing the Top Picks and Their Impact on the League

As I sit here watching the 2023 NBA playoffs, I can't help but reflect on how dramatically the league has transformed since that pivotal night in June 2019. The 2019 NBA Draft Class has fundamentally reshaped team dynamics across the league, and tonight, I want to walk you through why this particular group of players has become such a game-changer.

What made the 2019 draft class so special from the beginning?

I remember watching the draft that night with fellow basketball analysts, and we all sensed something different about this group. Zion Williamson's explosive athleticism had everyone talking, but what truly stood out was the remarkable depth. Ja Morant's fearless playing style reminded me of a young Russell Westbrook, while RJ Barrett brought that polished scoring mentality from Duke. The first five picks all demonstrated unique qualities that suggested they could become franchise cornerstones. Looking back, what struck me most was how these players embodied that Filipino basketball philosophy I once heard from a coach: "Ganun talaga, sometimes slow, sometimes very fast yung umpisa, hindi natin masabi." Their careers have followed that exact unpredictable rhythm - some exploded onto the scene immediately, while others took time to find their footing.

How did Zion Williamson's unique situation affect his early career impact?

When New Orleans selected Zion first overall, the buzz was absolutely electric. His combination of size, power, and athleticism was something we genuinely hadn't seen before. But his journey perfectly illustrates that "sometimes slow, sometimes very fast" development pattern. He missed the first 44 games of his rookie season due to knee surgery, yet when he finally debuted in January 2020, he averaged 23.6 points while shooting 58% from the field - numbers that made veteran All-Stars look ordinary. The Pelicans' approach with Zion reminded me of that wise incremental approach: "Basta, as long as we get those points one point at a time, malaking bagay na yun sa'min." They understood that each game, each basket, each healthy week was building toward something greater.

Why has Ja Morant's impact exceeded initial expectations?

I'll be honest - I had concerns about whether Ja's slender frame could withstand NBA physicality. Boy, was I wrong. Selected second by Memphis, Morant didn't just adapt to the league; he transformed the Grizzlies' entire culture. His Rookie of the Year campaign saw him average 17.8 points and 7.3 assists, but what impressed me more was his clutch mentality. That "one point at a time" philosophy manifests beautifully in Ja's game - he never gets rattled by deficits, consistently chipping away at leads with breathtaking drives and improved playmaking. His 47-point explosion against Utah in the 2021 playoffs announced his arrival as a superstar, and he's only gotten better since.

What about RJ Barrett's development with the Knicks?

The third pick has experienced that "sometimes slow" progression the Filipino coach described. Barrett's rookie season saw him average 14.3 points on mediocre efficiency, leading many to question his ceiling. But watching him develop in New York has been a masterclass in patience. His scoring improved to 20.1 points in his third season, and his game-winning shot against Boston last season demonstrated growing confidence. The Knicks understood that development isn't linear - sometimes you need to appreciate the small victories along the way.

How has the 2019 draft class influenced team building strategies?

This is where the 2019 NBA Draft Class analysis gets really fascinating. Teams saw how valuable hitting on draft picks could be, especially with the pandemic affecting salary caps. The success of players like Darius Garland (5th pick), who made his first All-Star team in 2022, and Tyler Herro (13th pick), who won Sixth Man of the Year in 2022, demonstrated that franchise-changing talent could be found throughout the lottery. The Miami Heat's development of Herro particularly embodies that incremental approach - they didn't rush him, instead letting his game mature naturally while celebrating each step forward.

Which later picks from this class have surprised you most?

I have to confess my personal favorite success story is Jordan Poole. Selected 28th by Golden State, Poole's transformation from G-League project to championship contributor has been remarkable. His first season was rough - he shot just 33% from the field and looked overwhelmed. But the Warriors stuck with him, understanding that development often follows that unpredictable "sometimes slow, sometimes very fast" pattern. By his third season, he was averaging 18.5 points and playing crucial minutes in their championship run. That's the beauty of the draft - sometimes the gems emerge from unexpected places.

What lasting legacy will the 2019 draft class leave on the league?

Four years later, we can confidently say the 2019 NBA Draft Class has already made an indelible mark. These players have combined for 7 All-Star appearances, 2 Rookie of the Year awards, and most importantly, they've brought new excitement to multiple franchises. The class has produced scoring champions, defensive stalwarts, and franchise players who will define the next decade of NBA basketball. Their collective impact reminds us that in basketball, as in life, progress isn't always linear. Sometimes you explode onto the scene like Zion, sometimes you develop gradually like Barrett, and sometimes you surprise everyone like Poole. But each contribution matters, each step forward counts. As that wise coach said, "Basta, as long as we get those points one point at a time, malaking bagay na yun sa'min." And for NBA fans everywhere, watching these players accumulate those points has been nothing short of spectacular.