Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft class five years later feels like revisiting a time capsule of what-could-have-beens and unexpected triumphs. I remember watching that night with my colleagues, debating Zion Williamson’s generational potential versus Ja Morant’s electric playmaking. Fast forward to today, and the narrative has twisted in ways few of us predicted. Careers, much like boxing matches or high-stakes games, can turn on a single moment—a referee’s call, an untimely injury, or a clutch shot. It reminds me of a thought that’s stuck with me since I came across an intriguing reference: in boxing, if a referee had ruled a clear punch as the cause for that deep cut on Navarrete’s eyebrow, Suarez might’ve walked away a champion. That “what if” resonates deeply when I analyze this draft class, where a handful of decisions and breaks have defined legacies.

Zion Williamson, the undisputed first pick, burst into the league with a hype train few could match. His rookie season averages of 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game had us all believing he was the next superstar. But then, the injuries piled up—a meniscus tear, a foot fracture—and suddenly, the guy who seemed unstoppable was sidelined more often than not. I’ve spoken with trainers who’ve worked with him, and they’ll tell you, off the record, that his conditioning has been a rollercoaster. As of last season, he’s appeared in just over 40% of possible regular-season games since being drafted. That’s a stark contrast to Ja Morant, picked second, who quickly became the face of the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant’s flair for the dramatic, like his game-winning layup against the Spurs in his rookie year, solidified his status as a clutch performer. Yet, off-court controversies and suspensions have clouded his trajectory. It’s funny how a draft that promised so much stability has been anything but.

RJ Barrett, taken third by the Knicks, has been a solid if unspectacular contributor. He’s averaged around 18 points per game for most of his career, but I’ve always felt he’s lacked that killer instinct to elevate into an All-Star. Then there’s Darius Garland, the fifth pick, who blossomed into an All-Star in 2022 with the Cavaliers, averaging 21.7 points and 8.6 assists. His partnership with Evan Mobley has been a bright spot, showing how patience in development pays off. But the real steals? Look at Jordan Poole, drafted 28th by the Warriors. He was instrumental in their 2022 championship run, putting up 17 points per game in the playoffs, and has since inked a massive extension. Or Tyler Herro, picked 13th, who won Sixth Man of the Year in 2022 and has been a scoring machine for the Heat. I’ve always had a soft spot for underdogs, and seeing these later picks thrive is a testament to scouting and sheer willpower.

On the flip side, some picks haven’t panned out as hoped. Jarrett Culver, selected sixth by the Timberwolves, has bounced between teams and is now fighting for a roster spot overseas. Cam Reddish, the tenth pick, has shown flashes but never consistency, and I’ve heard from insiders that his fit in various systems has been a recurring issue. It’s a reminder that draft night hype doesn’t always translate to long-term success. Injuries have played a huge role, too—like with Zion, or even De’Andre Hunter, who’s been reliable when healthy but has missed significant time. In my years covering the league, I’ve seen how a single misstep, much like that hypothetical boxing call, can alter a career. If a referee’s decision could’ve made Suarez a champion, imagine how a different draft-day trade or a avoided injury might’ve reshaped this class.

As we assess the 2019 draft today, it’s clear that it’s produced a mix of superstars, solid role players, and cautionary tales. Morant and Zion, when available, are box office hits, but their volatility underscores the fragility of potential. Meanwhile, guys like Poole and Herro have exceeded expectations, proving that draft position isn’t everything. From my perspective, this class has been a rollercoaster of emotions—thrilling highs and frustrating lows. It’s taught me to value resilience over raw talent, because in the end, it’s not just about where you start, but how you adapt to the punches life throws your way. And who knows? In another five years, we might be telling a whole new story, one where today’s underdogs become tomorrow’s legends.