2019 NBA Draft Class: Where Are These Rising Stars Now?

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2019 NBA Draft like it was yesterday. Zion Williamson’s explosive athleticism had everyone convinced he was the next generational talent, Ja Morant’s fearless playing style screamed franchise cornerstone, and RJ Barrett seemed destined for stardom in New York. Four years later, it’s fascinating—and a little surreal—to look back and track their journeys. The narrative of the 2019 NBA Draft Class: Where Are These Rising Stars Now? isn’t just about stats or standings; it’s about growth, setbacks, and the unpredictable tempo of professional sports.

When you draft a player, you’re betting on potential. But potential unfolds at its own pace. I was talking to a scout friend of mine recently, and he mentioned something that stuck with me, echoing a sentiment I’ve heard from players themselves: "Ganun talaga, sometimes slow, sometimes very fast yung umpisa, hindi natin masabi. Basta, as long as we get those points one point at a time, malaking bagey na yun sa'min." That rough translation—"It's like that, the start is sometimes slow, sometimes very fast, we can't really tell. As long as we get those points one point at a time, that's already a big deal for us"—perfectly captures the reality for these young men. Their careers aren't linear. They're a series of bursts and plateaus.

Take Zion Williamson, the number one pick. His start was explosively fast—averaging 22.5 points per game as a rookie and looking every bit the superstar. But then came the long, slow grind of injuries. He missed the entire 2021-22 season. That’s 82 games spent rehabbing, not dominating. This past season, he played in 29 games before another setback. The Pelicans, and all of us watching, are left wondering when, or if, we’ll see a fully healthy Zion for a full campaign. It’s a stark reminder that physical gifts alone aren't enough; availability is its own skill. On the other hand, you have Ja Morant, the second pick. His trajectory was a rapid ascent to superstardom. He won Rookie of the Year, made two All-Star teams, and led the Memphis Grizzlies to the playoffs, becoming the face of a franchise. His electric play, like that 47-point playoff outburst against the Warriors, made him must-see TV. But his story recently took a sharp, troubling turn with off-court issues leading to a 25-game suspension. His incredible speed on the court was, in a way, mirrored by the speed of his off-court controversies, showing how quickly a narrative can change.

Then there are the players whose development has been a steadier, more consistent climb. RJ Barrett, the third pick, has quietly become a cornerstone for the Knicks, averaging over 19 points a game and signing a $107 million extension. He’s not the flashiest star, but he’s reliable, getting those points one bucket at a time. Darius Garland, picked fifth, made an All-Star team in his third year, proving to be the perfect backcourt partner for Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland. And who could forget Jordan Poole? The 28th pick was a key contributor to the Warriors' 2022 championship, scoring 18.5 points per game in the regular season and having iconic playoff moments before his recent move to Washington, where he’s now the undisputed focal point.

When I reflect on this class, my personal view is that its true strength lies in this incredible depth. Beyond the top three, you have talents like Tyler Herro, the Sixth Man of the Year, and Matisse Thybulle, a two-time All-Defensive team member. Even a player like Brandon Clarke, picked 21st, has become an indispensable, energy-giving big for a contending Grizzlies team. This class wasn't a one-or-two-star show; it flooded the league with starting-caliber talent. The question of the 2019 NBA Draft Class: Where Are These Rising Stars Now? has so many compelling answers because their paths have diverged so dramatically. Some are already max players, others are fighting for their next contract, and a few are trying to reclaim their place in the league altogether.

So, where does that leave us four years in? This class is a testament to patience. Zion’s health, Ja’s maturity, and the continued growth of players like Barrett and Garland will define the next decade of the NBA. They’ve given us breathtaking highlights and sobering lessons. That quote about the game's unpredictable pace rings truer than ever. You can't rush a career. Every point, every game, every season is a building block. As fans, we often want the finished product immediately, but the real story is in the grind. The 2019 draft gifted the league a wave of incredible talent, and watching them navigate their unique journeys, through the fast starts and the slow rebuilds, remains one of the most captivating stories in basketball today.