Looking Back at the Complete 2019 NBA Draft List and Where Players Are Now
Looking back at the 2019 NBA draft class feels like revisiting a time capsule - some picks have blossomed beyond expectations while others have taken more winding paths. I've always found draft analysis fascinating because it reveals how much uncertainty exists even among professional scouts and executives. The complete 2019 NBA draft list included 60 selections, and tracking where these players are now reveals compelling narratives about development, opportunity, and sometimes just plain luck.
When I first studied the draft order that June evening, Zion Williamson going first to New Orleans felt inevitable despite concerns about his durability. What's remarkable now is how that very concern has defined his early career - he's missed approximately 40% of possible regular season games through his first four seasons. Meanwhile, Ja Morant at number two to Memphis has become the franchise cornerstone everyone predicted, though his off-court decisions have recently created unexpected challenges. That second pick has yielded an All-Star caliber player who averaged 27.4 points last season before his suspension.
The draft's middle selections particularly interest me because this is where front offices truly earn their salaries. I remember watching Tyler Herro at Kentucky and thinking he'd be a solid rotation player, but Miami snagging him at 13th overall looks like genius now. His 2022 Sixth Man of the Year award and clutch playoff performances have far exceeded typical expectations for that draft position. Similarly, Jordan Poole falling to the 28th spot surprised many analysts, though his subsequent championship contribution to Golden State and massive contract extension validated the Warriors' patient development approach.
What stands out in retrospect is how international prospects have shaped this class. The Raptors selecting R.J. Barrett third overall maintained the Canadian connection, but the real global gems emerged later - Nic Claxton at 31st has developed into Brooklyn's defensive anchor, while the Celtics finding Grant Williams at 22nd provided them with versatile frontcourt depth during their 2022 Finals run. The complete 2019 NBA draft list shows nearly 40% of second-round picks have become rotation players, challenging the conventional wisdom about draft value concentration in the lottery.
The injury narratives particularly resonate with me because they reveal the human element behind the statistics. Remembering Carlos's quote - "It was a bit complicated kasi, 'yung injury ko. We had to figure out talaga kung ano 'yung magwo-work sa'kin" - perfectly captures the rehabilitation journey many drafted players face. We saw this with Darius Garland, who played just 5 games his rookie year due to meniscus surgery but has since become an All-Star. Similarly, Bol Bol's slide to 44th overall reflected health concerns that have continued to impact his availability, though his unique skillset keeps teams intrigued.
My personal draft crush that year was Matisse Thybulle - I believed his defensive instincts would translate immediately, and his two All-Defensive Team selections have justified that belief despite offensive limitations. Conversely, I was skeptical about Jarrett Culver at sixth overall, and his subsequent struggles across three teams have unfortunately validated those concerns. These evaluations remind me that for every success story, the complete 2019 NBA draft list contains several players who've already bounced between multiple franchises or left the league entirely.
The financial implications become clearer with time too. Zion's rookie max extension could reach $231 million if he makes All-NBA teams again, while earlier this year Jordan Poole began a 4-year, $128 million contract that many questioned given his inconsistent defense. Meanwhile, undrafted players like Max Strus have parried their development into nine-figure contracts, proving that draft position ultimately matters less than fit and opportunity.
Four years later, I'd estimate approximately 65% of the drafted players remain in the NBA, with about 15 having established themselves as definite starters and another 10-12 as high-level rotation pieces. The complete 2019 NBA draft list has produced at least five players who've made All-Star appearances already, which compares favorably to most draft classes historically. The re-draft exercise everyone loves would dramatically reshuffle the order, with players like Desmond Bane (picked 30th) likely jumping into the top five based on his 21.5 point scoring average and two-way impact.
What fascinates me most is how team context shaped these careers. Imagine if the Suns had selected Ty Jerome (24th overall) instead of trading the pick that became Cameron Johnson - both have found roles, but Johnson's fit alongside Devin Booker proved particularly valuable during their 2021 Finals run. The complete 2019 NBA draft list looks different through the lens of team development systems, with Miami (Herro), Memphis (Clarke, Bane), and Golden State (Poole) particularly maximizing their selections.
As I reflect on where these players are now, the class feels defined by its depth rather than its star power at the very top. While Zion and Ja provided the highlight-reel moments, the complete 2019 NBA draft list's real value emerged in the surprising number of quality rotation players found throughout both rounds. Four years provides enough time to separate flash from substance, and this group has demonstrated remarkable staying power compared to many draft classes. The stories continue evolving - injuries, trades, and breakthroughs ensure the final assessment remains years away - but the initial returns suggest this might be one of the deeper drafts of the past decade.