The NBA Draft Class of 2019: A Strange Evolution

The NBA Draft Class of 2019 was one of the most highly anticipated drafts in recent history. Featuring players like Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and RJ Barrett, this draft was heralded for its immense talent and potential. Five years later, however, the narrative surrounding these players has evolved in unexpected ways. Injuries, off-court issues, and underwhelming performances have cast doubt on whether this class can live up to its initial hype. In this article, we’ll explore how the careers of some of the top prospects from the 2019 NBA Draft have unfolded, and why this class is aging in such a peculiar way.

The Hype and Immediate Impact

When Zion Williamson entered the league as the first overall pick in 2019, comparisons to LeBron James were rampant. Zion’s unique combination of size, speed, strength, and leaping ability made him one of the most hyped prospects since LeBron. Early on, Zion lived up to the hype, displaying incredible talent when healthy. He quickly became a dominant force on the court, but injuries have severely limited his availability. In his first four seasons, Zion only played in 37% of his games, frustrating fans and the Pelicans organization alike.

Zion’s injuries, while a significant concern, aren’t the only issue. His off-court behavior, weight issues, and inconsistency have also raised questions about whether he can maintain a long and successful career. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, like a standout game against LeBron James where he scored 40 points, Zion’s career trajectory seems shaky. His inability to stay healthy has already cost him financially, with significant endorsement deals slipping away.

Ja Morant, selected second overall, experienced a meteoric rise in his first few seasons. Known for his electrifying style of play and impressive stats, Morant quickly became one of the league’s most exciting young stars. In his second season, he was already drawing comparisons to other high-flying guards like Derrick Rose. However, much like Zion, Ja’s career has hit several roadblocks.

Morant’s on-court success has been overshadowed by off-court issues, most notably repeated gun incidents and suspensions. His once-untouchable status as the face of the Memphis Grizzlies has diminished, with the league and media increasingly critical of his behavior. Despite these challenges, Morant remains one of the most productive players from the 2019 draft. His scoring, assists, and win percentage are all impressive, and many analysts believe he will have a strong comeback season. But the shadow of his off-court problems continues to loom large.

The Middle of the Pack: Garland and Hero

Darius Garland, the fifth overall pick, had his breakout season in 2022, where he demonstrated his ability to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers offense. Garland’s exceptional passing and shooting skills positioned him as one of the top young guards in the league. However, his productivity has stalled since the Cavaliers acquired Donovan Mitchell in 2022. The addition of another ball-dominant guard has reduced Garland’s role, leading to a dip in his stats. His points, assists, and usage rate have all declined, raising concerns about his long-term fit with the team. Despite these struggles, Garland remains a talented player, and many believe a change of scenery could help him regain his All-Star form.

Tyler Herro, drafted by the Miami Heat, had an explosive rookie season, helping the team reach the NBA Finals in the 2020 “bubble.” His shooting and scoring abilities made him a key contributor, and he was quickly compared to other Kentucky alumni like Devin Booker. However, Herro’s career has been marked by inconsistency. Injuries and constant trade rumors have impacted his performance, and while he won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2022, he has struggled to stay healthy. Herro missed significant portions of the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and his absence was felt as the Heat made deep playoff runs without him. Despite these setbacks, Herro remains a critical part of Miami’s future, though his long-term role with the team is still uncertain.

The Forgotten Stars: Reddish and Hunter

While players like Zion and Ja Morant grabbed headlines, others from the 2019 draft have quietly struggled to make their mark. Cam Reddish, once a highly-touted prospect out of Duke, has failed to find a consistent role in the NBA. Reddish’s defensive potential and shooting ability were supposed to make him a valuable two-way player, but he has yet to live up to those expectations. After bouncing around several teams, Reddish is now fighting for a roster spot and a chance to prove he belongs in the league.

De’Andre Hunter, selected fourth overall by the Atlanta Hawks, has also had an up-and-down career. Hunter showed promise early on as a versatile defender and capable scorer, but injuries have limited his availability. Despite flashes of potential, Hunter has not developed into the star many expected him to be. With the Hawks’ roster undergoing changes, it remains to be seen if Hunter will be a key part of their future plans.

The Rise and Fall of Jordan Poole

One of the most surprising stories from the 2019 draft is Jordan Poole. Drafted late in the first round by the Golden State Warriors, Poole was initially viewed as a project player. However, by 2022, he had blossomed into a key contributor for the Warriors, helping them win the NBA championship. Poole’s scoring ability and confidence made him a fan favorite, and he was even being hailed as the Warriors’ next big star.

Unfortunately, Poole’s career took a sharp turn after an altercation with teammate Draymond Green. The incident, where Green reportedly punched Poole during practice, seemed to have a lasting impact on Poole’s performance. Since that event, Poole has struggled to regain his form, and his once-bright future now appears uncertain. Whether he can bounce back from this setback remains to be seen, but his story serves as a cautionary tale about how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA.

Conclusion: The Strange Case of the 2019 Draft Class

The 2019 NBA Draft was supposed to usher in a new era of superstar talent, but five years later, the results are mixed. While players like Zion Williamson and Ja Morant have shown flashes of brilliance, their careers have been marred by injuries and off-court issues. Others, like Darius Garland and Tyler Herro, have struggled to maintain their early momentum due to team dynamics and injuries.