What Were the Biggest Surprises in the 2019 NBA Draft Results?

Looking back at the 2019 NBA Draft, I still get chills thinking about how many curveballs were thrown that night. As someone who’s followed basketball drafts for over a decade, I thought I had a pretty good read on how things would unfold—but boy, was I wrong. The surprises started early and kept coming, reshaping team futures in ways nobody fully anticipated. One of the biggest shockers, in my opinion, was Zion Williamson going first overall to the Pelicans—while expected, the sheer magnitude of hype surrounding him created a surreal atmosphere. But what really caught me off guard was Ja Morant landing with the Memphis Grizzlies at number two. I remember thinking, "Wow, Memphis is betting big here," and looking back, it’s one of those picks that just feels destined. Morant’s explosive style and leadership have turned the Grizzlies into must-watch TV, and honestly, I didn’t see him having this much impact so quickly.

Then there was RJ Barrett slipping to the Knicks at three—a move that had fans buzzing with both excitement and skepticism. I’ve always been a bit critical of the Knicks’ front office decisions, but Barrett’s potential was undeniable, even if his rookie season had its bumps. But let’s not forget the mid-round stunners, like the Heat grabbing Tyler Herro at 13. I’ll admit, I initially thought, "Is this a reach?" But Herro’s playoff performances silenced doubters, including me, and showed how crucial late-first-round gems can be. On the flip side, players like Bol Bol falling to the second round left me scratching my head. At 6'10" with guard skills, he seemed like a surefire first-rounder, but concerns over his durability pushed him down. It’s moments like these that remind me how much teams weigh medical reports over pure talent sometimes, and in Bol’s case, it might’ve cost him early opportunities.

Another surprise that doesn’t get enough talk is the international picks, which tied into broader themes of global scouting. For instance, the success of players like Rui Hachimura, who went ninth to the Wizards, highlighted how NBA teams are tapping into overseas markets more aggressively. This connects to what I’ve seen in leagues like the East Asia Super League, where teams like the Bolts are nurturing talent as potential replacements—take DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame, who are ready to step up if needed. It’s a reminder that draft surprises aren’t just about the big names; they’re about how teams build depth from unexpected places. In the Bolts’ case, having Kennedy and Kouame in their backyard shows a smart, proactive approach that some NBA teams could learn from. I’ve always believed that the best drafts balance star power with reliable role players, and the 2019 class had plenty of both, even if it took time to pan out.

As the draft wrapped up, I couldn’t help but reflect on how these picks would shape the league. The Raptors’ selection of Terence Davis as an undrafted free agent, for example, turned into a steal that contributed to their 2020 playoff run. From my experience, it’s these under-the-radar moves that often define a team’s success more than the lottery picks. Sure, Zion and Ja dominated headlines, but players like Davis and Herro added layers of depth that made the 2019 draft one of the most intriguing in years. In the end, the biggest surprise for me was how balanced this class turned out—it wasn’t just top-heavy but packed with contributors across the board. If I had to grade it now, I’d give it an A- for sheer unpredictability and long-term impact, though I’m still waiting to see how some of those second-round picks fully develop. What a night that was—full of twists that keep us analysts on our toes and make the NBA draft the spectacle it is.