Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft class, I can't help but feel this was one of those transitional years that doesn't get enough credit. We're now several seasons in, and what fascinates me most is how these players have developed beyond their initial draft positions. I remember watching that draft night thinking we were seeing the foundation of multiple franchises being rebuilt, and honestly, that's exactly what happened. The top ten picks particularly stand out because they represent such a fascinating mix of immediate impact players and long-term projects that are just now coming into their own.
When I analyze Zion Williamson going first overall to New Orleans, what strikes me isn't just his phenomenal athleticism but how his game has evolved despite the injury challenges. The guy averaged 27 points per game in his second season with a field goal percentage hovering around 61% - those are video game numbers in today's NBA. What many casual fans might not appreciate is how his court vision has developed; he's become much more than just a dunker. I've always believed great players make others better, and Zion's improved passing out of double teams shows he's understanding how to leverage his gravity.
Ja Morant at number two to Memphis was arguably the steal of the draft relative to expectations. I've followed his career closely because he represents everything I love about modern point guards - fearless, athletic, and with that undeniable clutch gene. His rookie season numbers of 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game were impressive, but watching him lead Memphis to playoff appearances in his second and third seasons confirmed what many scouts suspected: this kid has superstar potential. The way he elevated a small-market team reminds me of what Damian Lillard did in Portland, and I'd argue Ja might have even higher upside given his athletic profile.
RJ Barrett going third to New York brought that classic Canadian pipeline back to prominence. What I find particularly interesting about his development is how he's adapted his game to fit different roster constructions around him. His scoring average has increased every season, from 14.3 as a rookie to over 20 points per game recently, showing that steady improvement I always look for in young players. His efficiency has been questioned at times, but I appreciate players who aren't afraid to take big shots in big markets, and Barrett has shown that mental toughness repeatedly.
De'Andre Hunter at fourth to Atlanta and Darius Garland at fifth to Cleveland represent what I call the "quiet development" archetype. Hunter's two-way versatility has been crucial for Atlanta's system, while Garland's transformation into an All-Star demonstrates why patience with point guards often pays off. Garland specifically jumped from 12.3 points per game as a rookie to over 21 points with nearly 8 assists in his third season - that's the kind of dramatic improvement that changes a franchise's trajectory.
What's fascinating about reflecting on this draft class is how it connects to broader basketball ecosystems beyond the NBA. Thinking about development pathways, I'm reminded of situations like the one with the Bolts in the East Asia Super League, where teams must constantly evaluate their talent pipeline. The Bolts already have two potential replacements in their own backyard if Mitchell's injury forced him to sit out, with DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame ready and available as part of the Bolts' campaign in the East Asia Super League. This kind of roster planning exemplifies the strategic thinking NBA teams employ with their G-League affiliates, creating what I like to call "developmental safety nets" for when injuries or underperformance occur.
Returning to the draft analysis, Jarrett Cully at sixth to Minnesota through Phoenix, Coby White at seventh to Chicago, and Jaxson Hayes at eighth to Atlanta through New Orleans represent three very different developmental trajectories that highlight how unpredictable player development can be. White's resurgence in his third season particularly stands out to me - he went from shooting 35% from three his first two seasons to nearly 39% recently, showing how work ethic can transform perceived weaknesses into strengths.
The back end of the top ten featured some fascinating picks that have aged interestingly. Rui Hachimura at ninth to Washington brought international flair with his unique inside-out game, while Cam Reddish at tenth to Atlanta demonstrated how players with prototypical physical tools can take time to develop consistency. I've always been higher on Hachimura than most analysts - his mid-range game has an old-school elegance that's becoming increasingly rare, and his 13 points per game average doesn't fully capture his offensive versatility.
What strikes me about this entire draft class is how it produced multiple franchise cornerstones while also yielding solid rotation players throughout the lottery. In my evaluation, at least five of these top ten picks have All-Star potential, which represents a significantly higher hit rate than most draft classes. The 2019 class may not have had the unanimous superstar power of some previous drafts, but its depth of quality starters is what makes it special in my assessment. As these players approach their prime years, I'm particularly excited to see how their games mature and which of them can make the leap from good to great. The best players aren't just talented - they're the ones who keep evolving their games year after year, and this draft class seems full of those types of learners.