What Happened to NBA Draft 2019?

The 2019 NBA Draft, held on June 20, 2019, was anticipated to be a transformative event, largely due to the generational hype surrounding Duke forward Zion Williamson, who was selected first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans. The draft class also featured other promising talents like Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) and RJ Barrett (New York Knicks) in the top three, setting the stage for a new era of NBA stars.

Zion Williamson's career has been a testament to immense talent often overshadowed by persistent injury struggles. After being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020 and earning two All-Star selections in 2021 and 2023, his availability became a significant concern. He signed a five-year rookie extension worth up to $231 million in July 2022, but his inability to consistently stay on the court has led to caution from the Pelicans. Despite a productive 2025-26 season where he played 62 games and averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, New Orleans is reportedly unlikely to offer him another contract extension in the 2026 offseason, preferring to see another full healthy campaign.

Ja Morant's trajectory has been equally dramatic, marked by dazzling on-court performances and significant off-court controversies and injuries. He quickly became a two-time All-Star and the face of the Memphis Grizzlies, but a series of suspensions for displaying firearms and persistent injuries, including shoulder and elbow ailments requiring surgery, severely limited his playing time. Playing only 79 games over three seasons (2023-24 to 2025-26), his relationship with the Grizzlies fractured. This culminated in a blockbuster trade in June 2026, sending Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, signaling a new chapter for both Morant and the Grizzlies franchise.

RJ Barrett, initially drafted by the Knicks, found a new home and renewed success after being traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2024. He has since thrived in Toronto, putting together a productive 2025-26 campaign where he averaged 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 57 regular-season games. Barrett's strong performance extended into the 2026 playoffs, where he tied for the team's leading scorer with 24.1 points per game during a seven-game series. He has publicly expressed his desire to remain with the Raptors, and a contract extension is a strong possibility in the 2026 offseason.

Darius Garland, the fifth overall pick, also experienced a significant change of scenery. After earning two All-Star selections with the Cleveland Cavaliers (including in 2024-25), he battled a persistent turf toe injury that hampered his performance and availability. In February 2026, Garland was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. He played 19 games for the Clippers in the latter part of the 2025-26 season, showing flashes of his All-Star form, and is now entering his first full season with the team in 2026-27, with high expectations to prove his value.

Overall, the 2019 NBA Draft class has produced a mix of high-impact players, but their careers have been anything but straightforward. The class has seen its share of injuries, trades, and evolving roles, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of NBA careers even for highly touted prospects. As of August 2026, the careers of its top talents continue to be closely watched, with their long-term legacies still being written.