Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft class five years later, I can't help but marvel at how certain players have dramatically outperformed their draft positions while others have faded into obscurity. As someone who's followed basketball talent evaluation for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for spotting potential franchise cornerstones, and this particular draft class has proven especially fascinating in how it's reshaped several NBA franchises. The development trajectory we've witnessed reminds me of that insightful comment from Reyes about learning from mistakes - "the team made sure it won't happen again" - which perfectly captures how the most successful teams from this draft identified talent and built around their selections.
When I first analyzed this draft class back in 2019, I'll admit I had some strong opinions that have since been proven completely wrong. I remember being skeptical about Zion Williamson's durability despite his undeniable athleticism, and while health concerns have indeed limited his availability, his impact when healthy has been nothing short of transformational for New Orleans. The Pelicans selected him first overall after winning the draft lottery with just a 6% chance, one of those statistical anomalies that can alter a franchise's destiny for a decade. Williamson's averaging 25.8 points per game on 60.4% shooting throughout his career, numbers that place him in elite company historically, though his 114 missed games over his first three seasons certainly limited his team's ceiling.
What fascinates me most about evaluating draft classes retrospectively isn't just identifying the stars but recognizing how certain teams maximized their selections. The Memphis Grizzlies' decision to select Ja Morant second overall looks brilliant in hindsight, though I initially questioned whether his slender frame could withstand NBA physicality. Morant has not only survived but thrived, leading Memphis to multiple playoff appearances and capturing the 2020 Rookie of the Year award with 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game. His explosive playing style reminds me of that dominant performance Reyes described - "TNT led by as many as 40 points before beating the Fuel Masters by 36" - that overwhelming offensive firepower that leaves opponents scrambling for answers.
The real steals of this draft emerged outside the top picks, with several franchises demonstrating exceptional scouting acumen. Miami selecting Tyler Herro at 13th overall stands out as particularly savvy, as the Kentucky product has developed into one of the league's most reliable scoring guards off the bench. Herro's 20.1 points per game during their 2023 playoff run was instrumental in their Finals appearance, proving that sometimes the best values come from identifying specific skillsets that complement your existing core. Similarly, the Toronto Raptors unearthed a gem with the 29th pick in Gonzaga's Brandon Clarke, whose efficient interior scoring and defensive versatility have made him a crucial rotation piece.
What separates good draft analysis from great draft analysis, in my experience, is recognizing organizational fit above raw talent. The Golden State Warriors demonstrated this perfectly by selecting Jordan Poole with the 28th pick, a selection many considered reach at the time. Poole's development within their system, culminating in his 18.5 points per game during their 2022 championship season, showcases how the right environment can unlock potential that might remain dormant elsewhere. This reminds me of how teams learn from past mistakes - much like Reyes emphasized ensuring "it won't happen again" - with franchises increasingly prioritizing cultural fits alongside pure talent evaluation.
The most fascinating case study from this class might be Darius Garland, selected 5th by Cleveland amid skepticism about his fit with Collin Sexton. I'll confess I shared those concerns initially, but Garland's development into an All-Star by his third season, averaging 21.7 points and 7.8 assists, demonstrates how visionary teams sometimes see backcourt combinations that conventional wisdom suggests won't work. The Cavaliers' patience with this pairing eventually transformed them from lottery regulars to playoff contenders, proving that sometimes the best draft strategy involves trusting your evaluation over external noise.
As I reflect on this draft class half a decade later, what strikes me most is how the most successful selections shared certain attributes beyond raw talent - particularly work ethic and basketball IQ. Players like Matisse Thybulle (selected 20th) and Grant Williams (22nd) have carved out significant roles despite physical limitations because they understood how to leverage their specific skills within team concepts. This echoes that comprehensive approach Reyes described where systematic preparation leads to dominant results - beating opponents "by 36, 106-70" doesn't happen by accident but through meticulous planning and execution.
The international selections from this draft deserve special mention, with the Phoenix Suns unearthing a particular gem in Cameroon's Joel Embiid - wait, no, that's wrong, Embiid was drafted much earlier - but the international success stories like Serbia's Vanja Marinković (selected 60th) developing into solid rotation players demonstrate the globalized nature of modern talent evaluation. What I've learned tracking these players is that draft success isn't just about the first-round picks but identifying developmental prospects who can contribute years later.
Five years provides sufficient sample size to properly evaluate a draft class, and the 2019 group has proven exceptionally deep with at least eight players developing into legitimate starters or high-level rotation pieces. The teams that demonstrated patience and provided proper developmental infrastructure reaped the greatest rewards, while those seeking quick fixes mostly ended up disappointed. As Reyes emphasized about learning from experience to ensure past failures "won't happen again," the most forward-thinking franchises have applied similar philosophy to their draft approach - identifying not just the most talented players, but those most likely to grow within their specific ecosystem. Looking ahead, I'm particularly curious to see how players like Zion Williamson and Ja Morant continue to evolve, as their career trajectories will ultimately define how history remembers this fascinating draft class.