How Does the 2019 NBA Draft Class Compare to Previous Years' Top Picks?

When I first started analyzing NBA draft classes back in 2015, I never imagined I'd be comparing what many are calling the most promising group since 2003. The 2019 NBA draft class has been nothing short of fascinating to watch develop, and I've spent countless hours comparing these young talents to previous years' top picks. What strikes me most about this particular class is how quickly its members have established themselves as legitimate franchise cornerstones. Zion Williamson's explosive debut season, Ja Morant's breathtaking athleticism, and RJ Barrett's steady development all point toward something special brewing here.

Looking back at previous draft classes, I've noticed patterns that help contextualize what we're witnessing. The 2018 class brought us Luka Dončić and Trae Young, both phenomenal players who immediately transformed their franchises. Yet what makes the 2019 group stand out in my analysis is the remarkable depth beyond the top three picks. Players like Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, and Matisse Thybulle have already become crucial pieces for playoff-contending teams, which is somewhat unusual for players only in their third professional season. I recall watching Garland's transformation particularly closely – his jump from averaging 12.3 points per game as a rookie to 21.7 in his second season demonstrated the kind of rapid development that separates good draft classes from great ones.

The comparison to the legendary 2003 class featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony might seem premature, but the early returns suggest we're looking at potentially historic talent distribution. What's interesting is how the 2019 class compares to more recent groups too. The 2017 draft, for instance, produced several stars but lacked the same level of immediate impact across multiple positions. I've maintained detailed spreadsheets tracking player efficiency ratings and win shares, and the numbers consistently show the 2019 cohort outperforming expectations at this stage of their careers. Zion's PER of 25.6 in his sophomore season, for example, places him in rarefied air historically.

Now, you might wonder how any of this connects to boxing or controversial referee decisions. Well, it reminds me of that infamous boxing match where Suarez would have been the new champion if the referee called it a clear punch that caused the deep cut on Navarrete's eyebrow. Similarly, in evaluating draft classes, there are often what-ifs and missed calls that can completely alter our perceptions. What if Zion had stayed healthy throughout his first two seasons? What if the Grizzlies had selected Barrett instead of Morant? These alternative scenarios haunt front offices and analysts alike, much like that disputed boxing decision undoubtedly haunted Suarez's career trajectory.

The international flavor of the 2019 NBA draft class particularly excites me, having followed European basketball extensively over the past decade. Players like Rui Hachimura from Japan and Sekou Doumbouya from France added global dimensions that we hadn't seen since the 2016 class headlined by Ben Simmons and Domantas Sabonis. The league's continuing globalization means we're seeing more complete players entering the draft at younger ages, better prepared for the physical and mental demands of professional basketball. I've noticed this especially in players like Hachimura, whose footwork and basketball IQ reflect his diverse training background.

When examining longevity and career trajectories, the 2014 draft class provides an interesting comparison point. While that group produced stars like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić, their development arcs were considerably slower than what we're witnessing with the 2019 draftees. The accelerated development of today's young players speaks volumes about improved training methods, advanced analytics, and the proliferation of year-round basketball programs. Morant leading the Grizzlies to the playoffs in just his second season exemplifies this new normal for elite prospects.

My personal theory, developed through observing seven consecutive draft classes now, is that the 2019 group might ultimately challenge the 2009 class featuring Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Blake Griffin for the title of second-best class of the 21st century. The sheer number of potential All-Stars from 2019 – I count at least eight players with legitimate All-Star potential – creates a density of talent that we rarely encounter. Williamson's dominance in the paint, Morant's aerial artistry, Garland's shooting touch, and Barrett's two-way versatility suggest multiple future All-NBA team members emerging from this single class.

As we approach the three-year mark since these players were drafted, the comparison conversations are becoming increasingly substantive. The 2013 draft, widely considered one of the weakest in recent memory, produced only two All-Stars in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Rudy Gobert, though both developed into MVP-caliber players. The 2019 class already has multiple players trending toward All-Star selections, with Williamson and Morant virtually guaranteed multiple appearances barring health issues. What fascinates me most is how these comparisons evolve over time – players we initially underestimate sometimes become the most impactful, much like how that boxing decision could have rewritten history if the referee had made a different call.

Watching these young careers unfold reminds me why I fell in love with basketball analytics in the first place. There's something magical about tracking potential as it transforms into production, about witnessing raw talent refine itself through NBA competition. The 2019 NBA draft class comparison to previous years isn't just an academic exercise – it's a living, breathing narrative that continues to develop with each passing game. And if my projections prove accurate, we'll be talking about this group for decades to come, much like we still discuss the legendary 1984 and 1996 draft classes today.