The Complete 2019 NBA Draft List: Every Pick and Analysis

Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft, I still remember the palpable excitement in the arena that night. As someone who's followed basketball drafts for over a decade, I can confidently say this was one of the most intriguing classes in recent memory. The mix of raw talent, international prospects, and players with injury concerns created a fascinating dynamic that had teams scrambling to make the right decisions. What struck me most was how many teams were gambling on potential rather than proven performance, something that doesn't always pay off in this league.

When Zion Williamson went first to New Orleans, nobody was surprised - the man was practically a human highlight reel at Duke. But I'll admit I had my concerns about his long-term durability given his explosive playing style and build. Watching his development since then has been fascinating, though his injury history has proven some of those early worries valid. At 6'6" and 284 pounds with that vertical leap, he was always going to put tremendous stress on his body. The second pick, Ja Morant to Memphis, was where the real draft intrigue began for me. I remember thinking Memphis got an absolute steal - his combination of speed, court vision, and fearlessness reminded me of a young Russell Westbrook.

The third selection of RJ Barrett to New York felt inevitable given the Knicks' needs, though I've always wondered if they should have considered Darius Garland more seriously at that spot. Speaking of Garland, his selection at number five by Cleveland raised some eyebrows given his limited college season due to injury. This reminds me of that quote from Carlos discussing his own injury situation: "It was a bit complicated kasi, 'yung injury ko. We had to figure out talaga kung ano 'yung magwo-work sa'kin." That sentiment perfectly captures what many teams and players go through during the draft process - navigating medical evaluations and projecting how bodies will hold up against NBA-level physicality.

What made this draft particularly memorable for me was the number of international players selected in the first round. Eight international prospects heard their names called that night, with players like Rui Hachimura going ninth to Washington and Sekou Doumbouya at fifteen to Detroit. I've always been higher on international prospects than many analysts - their professional experience overseas often gives them an advantage in adjusting to the NBA lifestyle and systems. The success of players like Luka Doncic in recent years has only reinforced my belief that teams should be scouting more aggressively overseas.

The middle of the first round contained what I consider some of the best value picks. Tyler Herro at thirteen to Miami stands out in my mind - I remember watching him at Kentucky and thinking his shooting would translate beautifully to the NBA, though even I didn't anticipate he'd become this impactful. His performance in the 2020 bubble playoffs was one of the most impressive rookie showings I've seen in years. Similarly, Brandon Clarke at twenty-one to Memphis (via trade) represented tremendous value. His efficient scoring and defensive versatility made him one of my favorite prospects that year.

As we moved into the later picks, the draft became increasingly unpredictable. I recall being particularly surprised by Kevin Porter Jr. falling to thirty, though his off-court concerns certainly contributed to that slide. The second round contained several gems that have outperformed their draft position significantly. Terence Mann at forty-eight to the Clippers has developed into a reliable rotation player, while undrafted players like Max Strus and Luguentz Dort have become legitimate NBA starters - something that happens every year but still fascinates me about the draft process.

Reflecting on this draft class three years later, I'm struck by how quickly some players have developed while others have struggled to find their footing. Ja Morant has already become a superstar, making two All-Star teams and winning Most Improved Player. Zion has shown flashes of generational talent when healthy. But what interests me more are the players who've developed beyond expectations - Jordan Poole at twenty-eight has become a crucial piece for Golden State, while Nic Claxton at thirty-one has evolved into Brooklyn's starting center.

The 2019 draft taught me that while top picks often get the attention, the real draft wins happen in the middle and late selections. Teams that excel at player development can find rotation players and even starters throughout the draft. The success of this class also reinforced my belief that the modern NBA values versatility above all else - players who can defend multiple positions and contribute in various ways have tended to outperform more one-dimensional prospects.

Looking back, I'd grade this draft as above average overall. While it lacks the top-tier superstar power of some classes, the depth of quality starters and rotation players is impressive. Approximately sixty-five percent of first-round picks have become at least rotation-level players, which is slightly above the historical average. The second round has produced several legitimate NBA players too, which isn't always the case. What fascinates me most is how this draft has shaped several franchises - Memphis building around Morant, New Orleans with Zion, and Golden State developing Poole into their next generation backcourt star.

The draft remains my favorite part of the NBA calendar, and the 2019 edition perfectly illustrates why. It's not just about the picks themselves, but about the stories that unfold afterward - the development arcs, the surprises, the players who exceed expectations and those who don't. Three years later, we're still seeing the ripple effects of decisions made that night, and I suspect we'll be talking about this draft class for years to come.