I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2019 NBA draft class like it was yesterday. That year felt special from the start, with Zion Williamson's explosive college performances creating unprecedented hype. When the New Orleans Pelicans selected him first overall, everyone expected greatness. But what truly fascinates me about that rookie class isn't just the immediate impact—it's how their careers have diverged in the five years since Ja Morant claimed the Rookie of the Year honors.
Looking back at the 2018-2019 season, Morant's statistics were genuinely impressive for a rookie—17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field. Those numbers weren't just empty stats on a losing team either; he helped elevate the Memphis Grizzlies immediately. What struck me most about his game was his fearlessness attacking the rim despite his slender frame. I've always believed that mental toughness separates good rookies from great ones, and Morant displayed that quality from day one. The voting reflected this too—he received 99 first-place votes out of 100 possible, nearly achieving unanimity in what many considered a two-man race with Zion.
The fascinating part about tracking these players' careers is witnessing how their paths evolve differently. Morant, despite his incredible talent and becoming an All-Star by his third season, has faced significant challenges off the court. His multiple suspensions totaling 33 games have undoubtedly impacted both his development and the Grizzlies' trajectory. From my perspective as someone who's followed numerous rookie classes, what makes Morant's situation particularly intriguing is the contrast between his on-court brilliance and off-court decisions. I can't help but feel that we're witnessing a career at a crossroads—immense talent that needs direction.
Meanwhile, Williamson's career has followed its own unique pattern of spectacular highs and frustrating lows. When he's healthy—and that's been the primary challenge—he's averaged 25.8 points on 60% shooting, numbers that justify the pre-draft excitement. But he's missed over 40% of possible regular season games due to various injuries. I've always maintained that availability is its own skill, and Williamson's situation highlights why durability matters as much as pure talent in evaluating long-term success.
What's particularly interesting to me is comparing their situations to other notable players from that draft class. Darius Garland, selected fifth, has developed into an All-Star himself, while players like Tyler Herro and Jordan Poole have become crucial contributors to their teams. The 2019 class demonstrates how rookie success doesn't always predict long-term trajectories—some players develop later, while others peak early.
This pattern of development and playoff experience reminds me somewhat of the dynamic we see in other leagues, including the Philippine Basketball Association scenario where Rain or Shine has faced TNT in the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. Just as the Elasto Painters defeated TNT 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Philippine Cup but lost to the Tropang Giga 4-1 in the semifinals of the last Governors' Cup, NBA players experience their own cycles of success and setback. These playoff experiences, whether winning or losing, shape players in ways regular season games simply cannot.
Five years into their careers, the 2019 rookie class presents a fascinating case study in player development. Morant's situation specifically illustrates how off-court factors can significantly impact on-court potential. From my viewpoint, what makes his story particularly compelling is that his basketball abilities have only improved when he's played—his scoring increased to 26.2 points per game in the 2022-2023 season before the suspensions began. I've always believed that the greatest athletes are those who can maintain consistency both in performance and availability, and this is where Morant's career currently faces its biggest test.
Reflecting on where these players are now compared to their rookie seasons, I'm struck by how unpredictable professional sports careers can be. The player who wins Rookie of the Year doesn't always become the best player from their class long-term, though Morant certainly has the talent to reclaim that position if he can maintain stability in his career. The 2019 class has given us incredible highlights and dramatic storylines, but what I find most compelling is that their stories are still being written. As someone who's followed the NBA for decades, I've learned that careers aren't defined by single seasons or awards, but by how players respond to both success and adversity over time. The 2019 rookies, particularly Morant, are currently in the midst of writing those longer narratives, and I for one am fascinated to see how their stories continue to unfold in the coming seasons.