2019 NBA Draft Class: There was a great deal of excitement surrounding the 2019 NBA Draft class as organisations and fans alike were looking forward to seeing the next wave of basketball talent emerge. The class of 2019—which included standout players like Ja Morant and Zion Williamson—brought a unique combination of talent, athleticism, and promise that would influence the NBA for many years to come.
To get a thorough understanding of the 2019 NBA draft class development and impact on the league, let’s examine the tiers that highlight their various paths and contributions.
The 2019 NBA Draft Class is Ranked by Tiers
Check out the ranking of 2019 NBA draft class tiers below:
Tier 1
Ja Morant, Zion Williamson
The explosive guard Ja Morant has led the Memphis Grizzlies through five thrilling seasons with ease. Morant’s effect goes beyond numbers, despite his remarkable stat line of 22.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game in 253 regular-season games. His two All-Star selections, Rookie of the Year honours, and Most Improved Player accolades attest to his continuous greatness, confirming his place as a pivotal player in the Grizzlies’ comeback.
Zion Williamson, a formidable player throughout his four seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, is on the other side of Tier 1. In 140 regular-season games, Williamson averaged an impressive 25.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. His agility and flexibility have been a vital component of the Pelicans’ success. He has been selected for two All-Star teams and is still developing into a spectacular player who captivates audiences with his all-around abilities and impressive dunks.
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Tier 2
Darius Garland, RJ Barrett, Tyler Herro
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ offensive coordinator, Darius Garland, has dazzled spectators with his brilliant playmaking over the past five seasons. With averages of 18.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.6 rebounds across 270 regular-season games, Garland has established himself as a key member of the Cavaliers, helping them navigate the difficulties presented by the Eastern Conference. He was just selected as an All-Star.
RJ Barrett has been the Knicks’ consistent scorer for the last five seasons. In 297 regular-season games, Barrett has averaged 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. His recent acquisition by the Toronto Raptors bodes well for his promising future, as it presents fresh chances and challenges.
Throughout his five seasons with the Miami Heat, guard Tyler Herro has emerged as a revelation. With 256 regular-season games under his belt and averages of 18.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, Herro’s Sixth Man of the Year award says it all about his influence as a substitute player. His penchant for big games puts him in a prime position to be an invaluable member of the Heat’s championship-winning squad.
Tier 3
Jordan Poole, Keldon Johnson, De’Andre Hunter
Jordan Poole set out on a journey that took him across the country and five seasons with the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards, leaving his imprint. Poole has demonstrated his scoring ability in 296 regular-season games, averaging 15.9 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds. His greatest accomplishment was in 2022 when he was instrumental in helping the Warriors win an NBA championship. Poole’s interesting career has taken on a new chapter with his recent transfer to Washington.
Over his five seasons with the Spurs, Keldon Johnson has been a key player in the centre of San Antonio. In 254 regular-season games, Johnson averaged 16.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. His flexibility and two-way influence have been essential to the Spurs’ competitiveness. Johnson remains a dependable player on both sides of the court as a cornerstone in the Spurs’ lineup.
De’Andre Hunter has been a reliable player for the Atlanta Hawks for the past five seasons. Hunter has played a key role for the Hawks in the regular season, averaging 13.9 points and 4.1 rebounds in 231 games. He is a versatile wing player. Hunter continues to be a crucial component in the Hawks’ quest for long-term success as they negotiate the difficulties presented by the Eastern Conference.
Tier 4
Cameron Johnson, Coby White, Rui Hachimura, PJ Washington, Brandon Clarke
Over the course of five seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Coby White has crafted his basketball story in the Windy City. White has averaged 15.2 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds over the course of 274 regular-season games. His playmaking and scoring prowess have been crucial to the Bulls’ comeback. Chicago continues to view White as a crucial component in their pursuit of long-term success as they look to the future.
The dynamic forward Rui Hachimura spent five seasons with the Washington Wizards before becoming a vital member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Hachimura’s influence goes beyond stats, as seen by his 263 regular-season game averages of 13.8 points and 6.0 rebounds. His ability to be effective on both sides of the court gives the Lakers’ lineup more variety and reinforces his position as an important player.
With the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns over the course of five seasons, shooting forward Cameron Johnson has made a lasting impression. Before being traded to the Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant, Johnson’s three-point shooting ability was a great asset for the team. He averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 264 regular-season games. Johnson’s floor-spacing talent is still a key to Brooklyn’s success as they rebuild in the Eastern Conference.
PJ Washington has been a dependable player for the Charlotte Hornets for the last five seasons. The Hornets have benefited greatly from Washington’s two-way efforts, as he averaged 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 273 regular-season games. Due to his ability to affect play on both sides of the court, he is positioned to be an important part of Charlotte’s future postseason push.
The versatile forward Brandon Clarke played five seasons for the Memphis Grizzlies. Throughout 255 regular-season games, Clarke’s quickness and defensive ability have been crucial for the Grizzlies, with averages of 10.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. Clarke’s efforts in the paint and on defence continue to be critical to Memphis’ hopes as they assemble a competitive team.
Tier 5
Matisse Thybulle, Daniel Gafford, Grant Williams, Cam Reddish, Nassir Little, Terance Mann, Jaxson Hayes, Chuma Okeke
Early in his career, Cam Reddish showed promise as a member of the Hawks. Reddish’s scoring variety and defensive savvy were demonstrated for other teams including the Knicks, Blazers, and now the Los Angeles Lakers after five NBA seasons. He averaged 10.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 265 regular-season games.
The defensive anchor for the Portland Trail Blazers, Matisse Thybulle, has made a name for himself over the course of five seasons. As seen by his 280 regular-season game averages of 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals, Thybulle’s impact extends well beyond traditional statistics. His tenacious defence and ability to stifle opponents’ attempts made him a valuable weapon for the 76ers in their title run before he was traded to Portland.
The Boston Celtics pivot Grant Williams has shown his versatility over the course of five seasons. In 259 regular-season games, Williams averaged 7.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He proved to be an essential player for the Celtics on both ends of the floor. For the current season, Williams remains a dependable member of the Dallas Mavericks squad.
Before being dealt to the Suns over the summer, Nassir Little was a rising talent with the Portland Trail Blazers. Little has been an important member of the Trail Blazers in the past due to his agility and flexibility on the wing, averaging 8.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 246 regular-season games. Phoenix’s future success is still heavily dependent on Little’s progress as they try to assemble a competitive lineup.
Over the course of five seasons, Daniel Gafford, the Washington Wizards’ rim-protecting force, has left his mark. Gafford’s ability to block shots and grab rebounds has been crucial for the Wizards, as seen by his averages of 7.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 242 regular-season games. Washington’s defensive identity continues to be heavily reliant on Gafford’s presence in the paint as they look for postseason participation.
For the past five seasons, Terance Mann, a versatile player for the Los Angeles Clippers, has been a dependable presence. Mann has been an integral part of the Clippers’ lineup for 268 regular-season games, averaging 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Mann’s versatility and capacity to influence games in a variety of ways continue to be a significant asset as Los Angeles pursues championship dreams.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ high-flying centre Jaxson Hayes has shown his athleticism throughout the course of five seasons, starting with the Pelicans. Hayes averaged 10.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 265 regular-season games. His teams have benefited greatly from his ability to score in the paint and protect the hoop.
Chuma Okeke, an emerging star for the Orlando Magic, showed his two-way ability throughout a five-season span. Okeke averaged 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 257 regular-season games. For the Magic, his adaptability on both sides of the floor has been essential. Orlando’s recovery attempts are still improving thanks to Okeke’s development.
Tier 6
Jarrett Culver, Talen Horton-Tucker, Goga Bitadze, Bol Bol, Sekou Doumbouya, Romeo Langford, Darius Bazley, Bruno Fernando, Jalen McDaniels
Jarrett Culver has been the floor manager for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies for five seasons. Culver averaged 5.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 246 regular-season games. His career was marked by both times of promise and development spurts. Considering everything, he has never performed to the standards set for him.
Romeo Langford was a young player for the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs who showed promise throughout five seasons. Langford has averaged 6.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 225 regular-season games. His progress is still apparent on graphs, despite the fact that he is now playing without a squad.
Goga Bitadze, the imposing presence in the paint for the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic, has improved over the course of five seasons. Bitadze adds depth to the Magic’s frontcourt with his ability to rebound and block shots. He averaged 6.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 235 regular-season games. Orlando’s attempts to compete in the paint still depend heavily on Bitadze.
The enigmatic Bol Bol, a forward/centre, has captured the interest of many clubs over the course of five seasons. In 218 regular-season games, Bol has averaged 9.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. He is an important player for the Magic, Suns, and Nuggets because of his unique skill set and length. Despite having high expectations, Bol never fulfilled them.
Talen Horton-Tucker, a young player on the Utah Jazz, has created waves over the course of five seasons, starting with the Lakers. Horton-Tucker has averaged 8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 268 regular-season games. His playmaking and scoring have been crucial to the Jazz. Utah’s success with Horton-Tucker remains a significant story element as they navigate the challenges of the Western Conference.
The versatile forward Darius Bazley, who was signed by the Oklahoma City Thunder, has undergone metamorphosis over the course of five seasons. Bazley averaged 8.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 268 regular-season games. His skill set and quickness helped the Thunder’s young core. As of now, he is not on any NBA teams.
Over the course of four seasons, Sekou Doumbouya, a strong prospect selected by the Detroit Pistons, demonstrated his potential. Doumbouya’s progress initially matched the Pistons’ dedication to developing young talent, as seen by his averages of 6.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 230 regular-season games. He is now not in the league, despite playing for the Nets and Lakers.
For more than five seasons, Bruno Fernando, an Atlanta Hawks frontcourt player, has had a positive impact. With 204 regular-season games under his belt, Fernando averaged 4.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks. His rim protection and intensity give the Hawks lineup more depth. Fernando continues to be a significant commodity in the paint as Atlanta fights for the title.
A dynamic forward for the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets, Jalen McDaniels has been making waves for the past five seasons. McDaniels’ length and skill set add to the Raptors’ frontcourt depth as he averages 7.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 242 regular-season games. McDaniels’ contribution to Toronto’s rotation is still crucial as they attempt to rebuild in the Eastern Conference.
This is the 2019 NBA draft class ranked by tiers. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
