How the 2019 NBA Draft Class Is Shaping the Future of Basketball

I remember watching the 2019 NBA draft with mixed feelings - some picks felt like obvious choices while others left me scratching my head. Looking back now, what strikes me most about that class isn't just the individual talents, but how collectively they're reshaping basketball itself. These players arrived at a fascinating transition point in the league, where traditional positions were blurring and the game's pace was transforming in ways that reminded me of that Filipino basketball wisdom I once heard: "Sometimes slow, sometimes very fast the beginning, we can't really tell. As long as we get those points one point at a time, that's already huge for us."

That philosophy perfectly captures what makes this draft class special. They've mastered the art of adapting to basketball's changing rhythms. Take Ja Morant, the second overall pick who's become must-watch television with his breathtaking athleticism. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him shift from what appears to be a casual possession into an explosive drive that leaves defenders grasping at air. His game embodies that unpredictable tempo - sometimes he'll methodically run the offense, other times he'll explode into transition like he's been shot from a cannon. What's remarkable is how he's maintained his explosive style while developing smarter decision-making, cutting down those reckless drives that used to make coaches nervous.

Zion Williamson represents another fascinating case study in controlled explosion. When healthy, he plays with this unique combination of raw power and surprising finesse that I haven't seen since prime Charles Barkley. His rookie season numbers were staggering - 22.5 points per game on 58% shooting, numbers that would make veterans blush. Yet what impresses me more than the stats is how he's learned to pick his spots, understanding that sometimes the smartest play isn't the most spectacular one. That maturity in managing his explosive physical gifts while maintaining efficiency reminds me that basketball greatness isn't just about highlight reels - it's about consistently adding points "one at a time" through smart choices.

The international contingent from this class has been particularly eye-opening for me. RJ Barrett brought that Canadian grit to New York, steadily improving each season until his breakout year where he averaged over 20 points for the first time. But the real revelation has been Jordan Poole, selected 28th overall - proof that draft position means little compared to development environment and personal drive. Watching his transformation from a raw prospect into a crucial championship contributor taught me that sometimes the slowest starts produce the most satisfying breakthroughs. His 18.5 points per game in the 2022 championship run came from that gradual accumulation of skills and confidence, exactly what that Filipino wisdom describes.

What fascinates me about analyzing this draft class is recognizing how their collective impact goes beyond individual statistics. They've accelerated basketball's evolution toward positionless lineups and versatile skill sets. Players like Darius Garland, selected fifth, have redefined what we expect from point guards - he's not just a facilitator but a legitimate three-level scorer who commands defensive attention from everywhere on the court. His development from a promising rookie averaging 12.3 points to an All-Star caliber player putting up 21.7 points per game demonstrates that gradual improvement philosophy in action.

The defensive specialists from this class deserve more credit than they typically receive. Matisse Thybulle, picked 20th, has turned defensive disruption into an art form. I've watched him completely derail opposing offenses with his anticipation and length, averaging nearly 2 steals per game despite limited minutes. His impact reminds me that basketball isn't just about scoring - preventing points "one possession at a time" can be equally valuable to a team's success.

As I reflect on this draft class four seasons later, what stands out isn't just their individual achievements but how they've collectively pushed basketball forward. They entered the league during a period of rapid transformation and have become the catalysts for even more change. The game feels faster yet more strategic, more explosive yet more efficient - all contradictions that this class has managed to embody simultaneously. They've proven that basketball success comes in many tempos, that sometimes the flashy play isn't the right play, and that consistent gradual improvement often outweighs sporadic brilliance. The future they're shaping values versatility, basketball IQ, and the understanding that every possession matters, whether it's a methodical half-court set or a lightning-fast transition opportunity. This 2019 group has given us a glimpse of basketball's future, and honestly, it looks thrilling.