Looking Back at the 2019 NBA Draft Class: Where Are They Now?

I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2019 NBA Draft like it was yesterday. The air was thick with anticipation, analysts were making bold predictions, and social media was buzzing with debates about who would become the next superstar. Looking back at that draft class now, five years later, it’s fascinating to see how these young talents have evolved – some becoming household names, others still finding their footing, and a few who’ve already faded into obscurity. What strikes me most is how unpredictable player development can be, much like that quote I once heard from a coach: "Ganun talaga, sometimes slow, sometimes very fast yung umpisa, hindi natin masabi." The beginning of these careers has indeed been a mixed bag of slow burns and explosive starts.

When Zion Williamson went first overall to New Orleans, everyone expected immediate greatness. And honestly, when he’s healthy, he delivers – averaging 25.8 points per game in his second season was nothing short of spectacular. But his journey has been exactly what that coach described: sometimes painfully slow due to injuries, sometimes explosively fast when he’s on the court. I’ve watched him dominate games in stretches that make you believe he could be the league’s next megastar, only to see him sidelined again. It’s that "one point at a time" mentality that his team has needed – each game he plays, each basket he scores, truly is "malaking bagay" for the Pelicans’ future. Meanwhile, Ja Morant, the second pick, exploded onto the scene with a Rookie of the Year campaign and has already become the face of the Memphis Grizzlies. His athleticism is just unreal – I’ve never seen a guard who attacks the rim with such fearlessness since maybe prime Derrick Rose.

Then there’s RJ Barrett, who went third to New York. His development has been more gradual, what you might call the "slow" part of that progression. He’s improved each year, becoming more efficient and now finding his place in Toronto after the trade. What I appreciate about Barrett is his steady approach – he’s not flashy, but he gets his work done, embodying that idea of collecting points "one point at a time" rather than chasing highlight plays. On the other hand, Darius Garland, picked fifth by Cleveland, took a couple of seasons to find his stride but has since become an All-Star caliber point guard. I remember watching his rookie season where he struggled with efficiency, shooting just 40% from the field, but his transformation has been remarkable – he’s now one of the most creative playmakers in the East.

The real surprises of this draft class came later. Jordan Poole, selected 28th by Golden State, had what I’d call a "very fast yung umpisa" when he exploded during the Warriors' 2022 championship run. One minute he was a relative unknown, the next he was dropping 30-point playoff games. His journey exemplifies how development isn’t always linear – sometimes players just need the right system and opportunity to flourish. Then there’s Tyler Herro, picked 13th by Miami, who immediately made an impact as a scoring sparkplug off the bench. I’ve always been higher on Herro than most analysts – his confidence and shot-making ability are special, even if his defense needs work.

What’s interesting to me is how team situation has shaped these players’ trajectories. Take Coby White, who went seventh to Chicago – he’s had to adjust his role multiple times, starting, coming off the bench, and now finally finding stability as a key contributor. His three-point shooting has improved dramatically from 35% his rookie year to over 38% recently. Meanwhile, Matisse Thybulle, drafted 20th by Philadelphia, has carved out a niche as a defensive specialist despite offensive limitations. This reminds me that success isn’t always about stuffing stat sheets – sometimes being elite at one thing, like Thybulle’s 2.3 steals per 36 minutes, can secure your place in the league.

Looking at the international prospects from that class, I’m particularly impressed with Rui Hachimura’s journey. The ninth pick struggled with consistency in Washington but has found a perfect role with the Lakers, providing scoring and size off the bench. His mid-range game is beautiful when he’s confident – I’ve always thought he had All-Star potential if he could put it all together. Then there’s Goga Bitadze, picked 18th by Indiana, who has bounced around as a backup center – proof that not every first-round pick becomes a star, but many still carve out respectable careers.

As I reflect on where the 2019 NBA Draft class stands today, what stands out is the diversity of paths these players have taken. Some, like Morant and Garland, have become franchise cornerstones. Others, like Williamson, have shown superstar potential but battled consistency due to health. And several, like Poole and Herro, have proven that draft position doesn’t dictate impact. The journey for these players truly reflects that wisdom – "hindi natin masabi" how their careers will unfold. Some started fast, others slow, but what matters is they’re all still adding to their stories, getting those points "one point at a time." Five years in, this draft class has already given us memorable moments, breakout stars, and valuable role players. If the first five years are any indication, the next five should be even more fascinating to watch as these players enter their primes and continue writing their NBA legacies.