Who Were the Biggest Winners and Surprises of the 2019 NBA Draft?

Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft, I still get chills thinking about how dramatically it reshaped the league’s landscape. As someone who’s followed basketball drafts for over a decade, I can confidently say this class had one of the most intriguing mixes of surefire stars and puzzling gambles. The biggest winner, without a doubt, was the New Orleans Pelicans. Landing Zion Williamson first overall was a franchise-altering moment—the kind of pick you dream about. I remember watching his Duke highlights on loop, convinced he was the most explosive prospect since LeBron. And the numbers back that up: in his rookie year, Zion averaged 22.5 points per game on a ridiculous 58.3% shooting. That’s not just good; it’s historic for a debut season. But what made the Pelicans’ haul truly special was snagging Jaxson Hayes eighth and Nickeil Alexander-Walker later. They didn’t just get a superstar; they built a foundation.

Then there’s the Memphis Grizzlies, who absolutely nailed their second overall pick with Ja Morant. I’ll admit, I had my doubts about his slender frame holding up in the NBA, but boy, was I wrong. Ja brought a fearless, high-flying style that electrified Memphis from day one. By his second season, he was dropping 19.1 points and 7.4 assists per game, leading the Grizzlies to the playoffs and winning Rookie of the Year. It’s picks like these that remind me why the draft is so thrilling—when a player exceeds even the loftiest expectations. But Memphis didn’t stop there; they found a gem in Brandon Clarke at 21st, who quickly became one of the most efficient rookies I’ve seen, shooting over 60% from the field. That’s scouting excellence right there.

Of course, no draft is complete without its surprises, and 2019 had plenty. Take the Miami Heat selecting Tyler Herro at 13th. Many analysts, including myself, pegged him as a streaky shooter who might struggle defensively. But Herro silenced critics with a phenomenal playoff run, averaging 16.0 points in the 2020 bubble and helping Miami reach the Finals. His confidence is off the charts—I’ve rarely seen a rookie embrace the spotlight like he did. On the flip side, there were head-scratchers, like the Phoenix Suns taking Cameron Johnson 11th after many mock drafts had him in the late first round. At the time, I thought it was a reach, but Johnson’s developed into a reliable 3-and-D wing, shooting around 39% from deep. It goes to show that front offices sometimes see what we don’t.

But let’s not forget the international angle, which ties into something I’ve observed in global leagues like the East Asia Super League. While the 2019 draft focused heavily on U.S. college stars, the depth of talent overseas is staggering. For instance, the reference to the Bolts having replacements like DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame ready in the EASL highlights how teams worldwide cultivate backups seamlessly. In the NBA, we saw this with players like Jordan Poole, who wasn’t a household name at Michigan but blossomed into a key piece for the Warriors. Or Matisse Thybulle, whose defensive prowess at Washington translated instantly to the Sixers. These surprises often come from organizations that prioritize fit over flash, much like how the Bolts manage their roster with Kennedy and Kouame—unsung heroes waiting for their moment.

Reflecting on all this, I’m struck by how the 2019 draft balanced certainty and chaos. Zion and Ja were the headliners, but the real magic was in the late picks and unexpected rises. As a fan, I lean toward valuing those underdog stories—Herro’s rise, Clarke’s efficiency—because they define a draft’s legacy. And in today’s game, where injuries can derail seasons, having depth like the Bolts do with Kennedy and Kouame is a lesson for NBA teams: draft for today, but always plan for tomorrow. In the end, the winners weren’t just the teams who picked first; they were the ones who saw potential where others saw risk. And honestly, that’s what makes the NBA Draft my favorite event every year—it’s a mix of science, intuition, and a little bit of luck.