Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft class now, five years later, I can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and surprise at how these players have evolved. As someone who’s followed the league closely for over a decade, I’ve seen draft classes come and go, but this one had a certain buzz from the start—a blend of raw talent and untapped potential that promised to reshape franchises. I remember watching Zion Williamson’s explosive college highlights and thinking, "This guy is going to change the game." Fast forward to today, and while some picks have soared, others have faced setbacks that remind me of how unpredictable careers can be, much like that controversial moment in boxing where Suarez would have been the new champion if the referee called it a clear punch that caused the deep cut on Navarrete's eyebrow. It’s a stark reminder that in sports, a single decision—or in this case, a draft pick—can alter a trajectory forever.

Let’s start with the top picks, because that’s where the spotlight always shines brightest. Zion Williamson, the number one selection by the New Orleans Pelicans, burst onto the scene with a rookie season that had everyone talking—I mean, averaging 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting over 58% from the field? That’s historic stuff. But injuries have been a recurring theme, limiting him to just 29 games last season, and it’s frustrating to see such a generational talent struggle to stay on the court. From my perspective, his career so far feels like a "what if" scenario; if he can stay healthy, he could dominate the league for years, but right now, it’s a waiting game. Then there’s Ja Morant, picked second by the Memphis Grizzlies—oh, how he’s electrified the league! I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve rewatched his game-winning plays; his athleticism and leadership have turned the Grizzlies into contenders, with stats like 27.4 points and 6.7 assists per game last season. But off-court issues have cast a shadow, and it’s a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough—you need discipline, too.

Moving down the draft board, RJ Barrett, taken third by the New York Knicks, has been a solid contributor, though not quite the superstar some hoped for. He’s put up decent numbers, around 20 points per game, but his efficiency has been a point of debate—I’ve always felt he could benefit from a more consistent three-point shot. On the other hand, Darius Garland, selected fifth by the Cleveland Cavaliers, has quietly become one of the league’s top point guards. I recall watching him in his rookie year and thinking he had a smoothness to his game that you don’t see often; now, he’s averaging over 21 points and 8 assists, helping lead the Cavs to playoff relevance. It’s players like him who make me appreciate the depth of this class beyond the headlines.

But not every story is a fairy tale. Take Jarrett Culver, the sixth pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves—he’s bounced around teams and struggled to find his footing, which is a shame because I remember analysts raving about his two-way potential back in 2019. Similarly, Cam Reddish, picked tenth by the Atlanta Hawks, has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn’t put it all together yet. In my view, these cases highlight how the draft is as much about fit and opportunity as it is about skill. It’s like that boxing analogy I mentioned earlier: sometimes, a bad call or a missed chance can define a career. For every success, there’s a player who might have thrived under different circumstances.

Now, let’s talk about the steals—the guys picked outside the lottery who’ve outperformed expectations. Tyler Herro, taken 13th by the Miami Heat, is a prime example; he won Sixth Man of the Year in 2022 and has been a clutch performer in the playoffs. I’ve always been a fan of his confidence—he’s not afraid to take the big shot, and it shows in his stats, like averaging 20.1 points per game last season. Then there’s Jordan Poole, selected 28th by the Golden State Warriors; after a rocky start, he blossomed into a key piece of their 2022 championship run, putting up over 18 points per game. From my experience covering the league, these late-round gems often have the biggest chip on their shoulder, and it fuels their rise.

As we wrap this up, I can’t help but reflect on how the 2019 class has mirrored the unpredictability of sports as a whole. Some stars, like Zion and Ja, have faced hurdles that test their resilience, while others, like Herro and Poole, have seized opportunities to shine. In the end, it’s a mix of talent, luck, and the right environment that determines where these rising stars stand today. Just like in that boxing match where a referee’s decision could have changed everything, the NBA draft is full of moments that shape legacies. Personally, I’m excited to see how this group evolves over the next few years—will Zion stay healthy? Can Ja lead the Grizzlies to a title? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the 2019 draft class has left an indelible mark on the league, and I, for one, am here for the ride.