NBA Draft 2019 Analysis: Top Picks and Their Impact on the League

Walking into the 2019 NBA Draft, the air was thick with anticipation—not just for Zion Williamson’s generational leap, but for the ripple effects that would reshape franchises for years. As someone who’s followed the draft process closely for over a decade, I’ve always believed that the real story isn’t just about the top three picks; it’s about how teams build around them, manage risks, and scout for hidden gems in a globalized basketball landscape. That night, the New Orleans Pelicans made the obvious but monumental choice: Zion first overall, followed by Ja Morant to Memphis and RJ Barrett to New York. On the surface, these selections promised star power and fresh narratives. But looking back now, what fascinates me even more is the strategic depth behind those picks—how teams hedge their bets, plan for injuries, and leverage international leagues. It’s a theme that resonates strongly when I consider the reference about the Bolts in the East Asia Super League, where DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame stand ready as potential replacements for Mitchell. That kind of foresight isn’t just a niche strategy; it’s what separates reactive teams from visionary ones.

Zion Williamson’s arrival in New Orleans felt like a seismic event. At 6’6" and around 285 pounds, he combined power and agility in a way we hadn’t seen since a young Charles Barkley. I remember watching his Duke highlights and thinking, "This kid will either revolutionize the power forward spot or break every advanced metric with his efficiency." In his rookie season, albeit shortened by a meniscus injury, he averaged 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds on 58% shooting—numbers that scream superstar. But here’s where the Pelicans showed savvy: they didn’t just rely on Zion’s health. They built a supporting cast with veterans like JJ Redick and Derrick Favors, mirroring the Bolts’ approach with Kennedy and Kouame. In pro basketball, whether in the NBA or the East Asia Super League, depth isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. The Bolts, for instance, have Kennedy, a seasoned wing who’s played everywhere from the G League to Europe, and Kouame, a raw but promising big man. If Mitchell goes down, they’re not scrambling; they’re adapting. That’s a lesson the Pelicans took to heart, and it’s why Zion’s impact extended beyond the court—he forced the team to think bigger, but also deeper.

Then there’s Ja Morant, the second pick who quickly became the soul of the Memphis Grizzlies. I’ll admit, I had my doubts initially. His slender frame and high-flying style screamed "injury risk," but boy, did he prove me wrong. In his first year, he put up 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game, snagging Rookie of the Year honors and injecting Memphis with a swagger they’d missed since the Grit-and-Grind era. What stands out to me, though, is how the Grizzlies managed his development. They surrounded him with young talent like Jaren Jackson Jr., but also kept veterans like Jonas Valančiūnas for stability. It’s a balanced approach that reminds me of the Bolts’ setup—having Kennedy, a reliable two-way player, alongside Kouame, who offers upside. In the NBA, if your star point guard twists an ankle, you need a backup who can run the offense without collapsing. Similarly, in the East Asia Super League, the Bolts can slot in Kennedy for defense or Kouame for size, depending on the matchup. This flexibility is crucial, and it’s something I’ve seen contenders master over the years. Ja’s impact wasn’t just in his highlights; it was in how he elevated the entire roster, forcing opponents to game-plan for multiple threats.

RJ Barrett’s selection by the Knicks at number three was met with mixed reactions, and I’ll be honest—I was among the skeptics. His shooting inconsistencies at Duke worried me, and New York’s track record with developing wings hasn’t been great. But fast forward to today, and he’s shown flashes of brilliance, averaging over 20 points per game in his third season. The Knicks, however, struggled initially because they lacked the depth to cover his off-nights. Contrast that with the Bolts’ strategy: if Mitchell sits, they have two tailored replacements ready to go. Kennedy brings experience and defensive grit, while Kouame offers rim protection and energy. In the NBA, teams like the Lakers have thrived by stacking their benches with players like Alex Caruso or Dwight Howard—guys who can step in without missing a beat. For Barrett to truly shine, the Knicks needed to emulate that, and they’ve slowly gotten better at it. This draft class taught me that top picks aren’t just about individual talent; they’re about how well a franchise supports them. When I look at the East Asia Super League, I see the same principles at play—teams investing in backups who aren’t just placeholders but genuine assets.

Beyond the lottery, the 2019 draft had hidden value that’s often overlooked. Players like Darius Garland (picked fifth) or Matisse Thybulle (20th) have become key pieces for their teams, showing that scouting is as much about fit as it is about potential. Garland, for instance, averaged 18.6 points and 6.6 assists in his second year, proving that patience pays off. From my perspective, this is where the global game comes into play. The Bolts’ use of Kennedy and Kouame highlights how teams are tapping into international pipelines for depth. Kennedy, with his stints in the NBA G League and overseas, brings a wealth of experience, while Kouame represents the next wave of talent from markets like the Philippines. In the NBA, we’ve seen similar successes with players like Nikola Jokić or Luka Dončić, who were drafted based on overseas performances. The 2019 class included international picks like Goga Bitadze, and while he hasn’t exploded yet, the groundwork is there. I love that teams are thinking globally—it makes the league more dynamic and reduces the risk of over-relying on one star.

As I reflect on the 2019 draft’s legacy, it’s clear that its impact goes beyond Zion’s dunks or Ja’s flashy passes. It reinforced the importance of holistic team building, where top picks are supported by strategic depth. The Bolts’ approach in the East Asia Super League—having Kennedy and Kouame as insurance—is a microcosm of what makes great NBA teams tick. Think about the Warriors drafting Jordan Poole late in the first round; he wasn’t a headline name, but he’s now a crucial piece alongside Steph Curry. In 2019, the Pelicans, Grizzlies, and Knicks all made bets that are still paying off, but the smarter moves were in the margins. For me, the biggest takeaway is this: in today’s basketball, whether you’re in the NBA or a league like the EASL, success hinges on preparing for the unexpected. Injuries, slumps, and roster changes are inevitable, but with the right planning, as the Bolts demonstrate, you can turn potential crises into opportunities. This draft class didn’t just introduce new stars; it reminded us that basketball is a team sport, through and through.