A Complete Guide to the Top Picks in the 2019 NBA Draft
Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft, I still get that familiar thrill thinking about how franchises were reshaped that night. Having followed draft classes for over a decade, I can confidently say this group had a special kind of electricity—a mix of surefire stars and intriguing projects that had scouts buzzing for months. The top picks weren’t just names on a board; they represented hope for struggling teams and potential seismic shifts in the league’s balance of power. I remember sitting with my notes, watching the broadcast, and feeling that Zion Williamson’s selection by the New Orleans Pelicans at number one was one of those no-brainer moments, the kind that only comes around every few years. His athleticism at that size was simply off the charts, and you just knew he’d be a highlight reel from day one.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ decision to take Ja Morant second overall was, in my opinion, the steal of the top three. I’d watched a lot of his tape from Murray State, and his court vision and fearlessness attacking the rim screamed future All-Star. He wasn’t just a scorer; he was a creator, the type of player who makes everyone around him better. It’s that kind of pick that can define a front office’s legacy. Then came the New York Knicks at number three, selecting RJ Barrett. While some analysts were split, I always felt his scoring pedigree and physique were tailor-made for the NBA grind. He had a polished offensive game for a teenager, and you could see the Knicks were betting on his upside to be a cornerstone. These three players formed a tantalizing trio at the top, each bringing a unique and explosive skill set to the league.
Beyond the top three, the draft’s depth began to reveal itself. The Atlanta Hawks snagging De'Andre Hunter at four and the Cleveland Cavaliers taking Darius Garland at five were picks focused on high-floor players who could contribute immediately. Garland, in particular, fascinated me. His rookie season was hampered by injury, but his shooting stroke was so pure that you knew if he could stay healthy, he’d become a nightmare for defenses. I recall thinking how the success of these picks often hinges on fit and patience. A player like Jarrett Culver, taken sixth by the Minnesota Timberwolves, had all the physical tools but needed the right system to thrive, a reminder that talent alone isn't always enough.
The later lottery picks further underscored the draft's unpredictable nature. The Chicago Bulls' selection of Coby White at seven added a dynamic scorer, while the Washington Wizards choosing Rui Hachimura at nine brought international flair and a versatile forward. Having seen Hachimura play before the draft, I was a firm believer in his potential. His footwork and mid-range game were advanced, and he possessed a quiet confidence that I find often separates good prospects from great pros. It’s these mid-lottery selections where the real draft wins are often found, where the pressure of the top three subsides and teams can focus on specific needs and long-term development.
As we moved into the later first round, gems like Tyler Herro (Miami Heat, 13th) and Brandon Clarke (Memphis Grizzlies, 21st) were selected. Herro’s confidence and shooting were immediately evident, and I remember arguing with colleagues that his perceived defensive shortcomings were overblown; he had that "it" factor you can't teach. Clarke, on the other hand, was one of the most efficient rookies I’d seen in years, a testament to the Grizzlies' scouting department identifying a player whose college production would translate seamlessly. This part of the draft is always a whirlwind, a mix of projected falls and surprising reaches, but it’s where championship rosters are often supplemented.
Now, you might be wondering what an NBA Draft has to do with a team like the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League. Well, it’s all about the philosophy of roster construction and having ready-made replacements. The draft is the primary mechanism for NBA teams to infuse young talent and plan for the future, much like how the Bolts already have two potential replacements in their own backyard if someone like Mitchell is forced to sit out. With DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame ready and available, the Bolts are employing a similar principle: always have a pipeline of talent. Kennedy brings veteran experience and versatility, while Kouame offers youthful energy and rim protection. It’s a smart, proactive approach to team building that any NBA executive would appreciate. You don't want to be caught scrambling when adversity hits; you want your own "draft picks" already integrated into your system, waiting for their moment.
Reflecting on the 2019 class now, with the benefit of a few seasons of hindsight, it’s clear this was a transformative group. Zion, when healthy, is a force of nature. Ja Morant is a superstar and a league MVP candidate. Players like Garland and Herro have become foundational pieces for their franchises. The success rate in the top ten was remarkably high, which isn't always the case. In my view, the teams that did best were those that not only picked the best player available but also had a clear developmental plan for them. The draft is just the beginning; it’s the coaching, the culture, and the patience that ultimately unlock a player’s potential. The 2019 NBA Draft provided the raw material, and it’s been a privilege to watch these artists carve out their legacies.