2019 NBA re-draft: The way it should have been

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Actual position: No. 2
Career earnings: $110,350,760
Career stats: 22.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 7.4 apg, 46.9 FG%, 31.6 3P%

Ja Morant appeared to be head and shoulders above the rest of his draft class at one point. However, that has dissipated a touch and could be in even more of a precarious position if the actual No. 1 pick of the 2019 draft wasn’t such a disappointment. Morant went from getting MVP votes back-to-back seasons a couple of years ago to playing in 59 combined games over the past two campaigns, for reasons in and out of his control. Regardless, when he’s out there, Morant is an explosive point guard with elite finishing ability near the rim, as well as slashing chops for days. He just needs to continue improving on his outside shooting. 

Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 5
Career earnings: $99,814,234
Career stats: 18.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 6.7 apg, 45.3 FG%, 38.8 3P%

An All-Star-level floor general, Darius Garland has helped turn the Cleveland Cavaliers into a regular-season juggernaut with his slippery and crafty scoring, as well as his vision and flashy playmaking. He has had his own issues with injuries, though. Even so, Garland is one of the better guards in the East and has outplayed his actual draft position of No. 5 overall.

Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 1
Career earnings: $115,002,057
Career stats: 24.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 4.3 apg, 58.9 FG%, 32.7 3P%

Former Duke standout Zion Williamson is such a talent that, even despite being a pretty big disappointment since going first overall in 2019, he still goes Top 3 in our re-draft. That’s despite Williamson appearing in just 52.4 percent of his potential games over the past three campaigns. When out there, Williamson has flashed his All-NBA potential fairly often with his explosive jumping ability at his NFL offensive lineman size, it’s just a matter of how seldom he’s been available for New Orleans in recent years.

Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 13
Career earnings: $73,188,836
Career stats: 19.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.0 apg, 44.8 FG%, 38.2 3P%

Former Kentucky Wildcat Tyler Herro may have his flaws as a player, namely with his defense and his around-the-rim finishing, but overall, he was a fantastic pick by the Miami Heat at 13th overall in 2019. Herro is an outstanding shooter from three and the midrange, blossoming into an All-Star level scorer with Miami. Herro has done great to become more than just the spot-up shooting specialist many expected him to be when he was drafted, too. He’s also an adept playmaker and rebounder for his position. Can he be your team’s top option if you are trying to build a title contender? Probably not. Even then, Herro’s a confident bucket-getter who can drop 20-plus a night, and is someone who warrants a little more respect than he gets online.

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Actual position: No. 28
Career earnings: $67,698,022
Career stats: 16.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.8 apg, 42.2 FG%, 34.5 3P%

A Herro-like player with his limited defending but very confident, and effective, scoring, Jordan Poole helped win a championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2021-22. Overall, Pool has vastly outplayed his expectations as a former No. 28 overall pick, even if his shot selection does leave a lot to be desired a times. Poole has a very creative way of getting buckets, which often pans out. When it doesn’t, the end result may not look great, but regardless, his team will live with that, because when Poole gets going, he becomes extremely hard for foes to slow down. After a couple of down years following the ‘22 title run in Golden State, Poole just put up arguably his best career season, averaging over 20 points and four assists per game while shooting nearly 38 percent from the floor.

Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 3
Career earnings: $85,274,846
Career stats: 18.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 44.1 FG%, 34.6 3P%

Some of the pre-draft weaknesses that would get brought up about RJ Barrett wound up becoming true. That’s not to say he hasn’t been a very good player since arriving in the NBA, but his poor finishing near the rim and his inconsistent outside shooting have prevented him from making the turn from good to great. Still, Barrett hasn’t been a bust by any means, and he’s made a lot of money in his career, so there’s no way he can be labeled a disappointment. He’s just been surpassed by some players in his draft class.

William Purnell/Getty Images

Actual position: Undrafted
Career earnings: $50,511,805
Career stats: 12.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 40.8 FG%, 36.0 3P%

One of the most impressive undrafted success stories in the NBA over recent years, Lu Dort didn’t get selected in the 2019 draft but has gone on to earn over $50 million in his career in large part due to his All-Defensive-Team level defending and his energy. Dort’s ascension has also been thanks to his improved offensive game. Dort has gone from shooting sub-30 percent in his rookie campaign to knocking down over 40 percent of his threes over the last two seasons. He is a great example of how playing with energy and caring on defense can get you a long way in the NBA… at least if you’re an otherworldly athlete to begin with.

David Richard-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 11
Career earnings: $66,772,847
Career stats: 12.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 45.3 FG%, 39.2 3P%

Some believed Cam Johnson was drafted too high in 2019 by the Phoenix Suns because he would be already 23 by the time he’d get to the NBA. But Phoenix’s gamble on Johnson proved to be a savvy one, as the now-29-year-old has proven to be a very solid NBA player because of his shooting, especially at his size, 6-foot-8. Johnson developed into more than a spot-up shooter, too, as the former UNC standout can knock down pull-up jumpers from the midrange, and take up a lot of attention from opposing defenses. He’ll likely never be an All-Star but for a former 11th-overall pick, Johnson has enjoyed quite the solid career.

Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Actual position: Undrafted
Career earnings: $33,066,425
Career stats: 11.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 48.7 FG%, 37.3 3P%

Another very solid success story from 2019, Naz Reid went from going undrafted to signing a $42 million contract in 2023, with another pretty big deal on the way next time he hits free agency. Reid has a wing-like game in a big man’s body, as the former LSU Tiger can really shoot the ball from the outside, or drive it in when opposing defenses close out on him too hard. Around the basket, Reid is a bouncy finisher. He does struggle to make much of an impact as a defender or rebounder but overall, Reid is a positive impact player, one who could receive a solid payday on his next contract, as he’s got the kind of game the modern NBA teams covet out of their big men.

Nell Redmond-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 7
Career earnings: $47,242,626
Career stats: 15.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.8 apg, 43.3 FG%, 36.9 3P%

The way Coby White has ascended over recent seasons, it wouldn’t be surprising that if next time we do a re-draft for 2019, he moves up a spot or two on this list. Regardless, White has been in excellent form over recent seasons, averaging 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists on 45 percent shooting from the floor since 2023-24, displaying great speed in transition, quickness in the halfcourt and bombastic shooting ability from beyond the arc. White is a good example of why teams like drafting players young, because although it took him a bit of time to find his footing in the NBA, once he did, he hit the ground running.

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 4
Career earnings: $73,887,356
Career stats: 14.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.5 apg, 45.2 FG%, 37.3 3P%

A solid two-way wing who can do some off-the-dribble scoring, shoot the ball from the outside or drive, as well as play defense at a good level, De’Andre Hunter hasn’t quite lived up to his pre-draft billing as a former Top 5 pick, but he’s been far from a disappointment, as his outside shooting is excellent and he gives good effort on the defensive end. Hunter also appears to be on an upward trajectory, as he just put up a career high in points (17.0) and three-point accuracy (40.5 percent) last season.

Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 29
Career earnings: $49,017,384
Career stats: 15.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.2 apg, 46.7 FG%, 35.2 3P%

On the other hand, Keldon Johnson has outplayed his former draft slot. As a hybrid forward, he has enjoyed a solid NBA career so far, one that saw him peak in 2022-23 when he averaged 22.0 points per game. Johnson, a solid scoring slasher with some outside shooting ability, even represented his country in the Olympics, winning a gold medal with Team USA at the Tokyo Games. Not bad for the former 29th pick in the 2019 draft. 

Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 38
Career earnings: $31,925,753
Career stats: 9.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.1 apg, 70.9 FG%

Another player from the 2019 draft class who has exceeded expectations, Daniel Gafford is a bouncy big man who sets strong screens, rolls to the basket hard and finishes explosively around the basket. Gafford is shooting an immaculate 72 percent from the floor over the past three seasons white also providing at least some rim protection on the other end of the floor. He’s limited with his range as a scorer, and he can’t offer much in the way of switch defending, but overall, he can make a helpful impact thanks to his high-flying finishing in the paint.

Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 12
Career earnings: $50,226,821
Career stats: 13.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 44.8 FG%, 35.8 3P%

Coincidentally enough, a teammate of Gafford’s over the past season and change, PJ Washington, goes in the next spot of our re-draft. Washington has performed right around to expectations as a former No. 12 pick. Washington is a mobile power forward who can space the floor from three, do some driving, and finish around the basket. Washington is also a solid defender with some switching prowess, and shot-blocking chops, who can cause some havoc on the less glamorous end of the floor. A solid player, he may not be a star but he’s a solid starter. 

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Actual position: No. 31
Career earnings: $50,730,729
Career stats: 10.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.7 apg, 63.6 FG%

A former second-round pick who has earned over $50 million in his career, Nicolas Claxton is a defensive specialist with great lateral quickness, making him a very effective switch defender for a frontcourt player. He’s also got very good bounce, so he’s able to finish at a high level near the rim. Claxton is good pick-and-roll player who has reliable hands around the rim, possessing an explosive dunk package. He may not be able to space the floor from three but overall, the former Georgia Bulldog is a positive-impact NBA player.

Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Actual position: No. 9
Career earnings: $53,082,089
Career stats: 12.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 49.6 FG%, 38.1 3P%

Versatile power forward Rui Hachimura can do a bit of everything on the floor, be it space the floor from three, play some small forward or power forward, and defend multiple positions. His best attribute right now might be his spot-up shooting, as Hachimura has done great work to improve his outside shot. Over the past two seasons, Hachimura has shot nearly 42 percent from three. Combine that with his ability as a slasher on or off the ball, and Hachimura has hit the level of solid low-level starter in the NBA.

Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 21
Career earnings: $37,152,559
Career stats: 10.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 60.6 FG%, 26.6 3P%

Were it not for him blowing out his Achilles in 2023-24, Brandon Clarke might rank higher on this list, as the former No. 21 overall pick was putting together a solid career as a defensive-minded energy role player with great finishing ability near the rim thanks to his bounce. Clarke is probably more impactful on defense than on offense, as he can defend a few different positions and protect the paint to an extent, but he didn’t look quite like his pre-injury self in 2024-25.

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Actual position: Undrafted
Career earnings: $33,911,273
Career stats: 10.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 42.7 FG%, 36.8 3P%

Going from being undrafted in 2019 to earning a $60 million-plus contract in the summer of 2023, Max Strus is one of the most underrated undrafted success stories in recent league history. Strus’ is a great example of how being very good at one thing in the NBA can get you paid, as his shooting is good enough to keep defenses honest, and he’s also got a surprising first step that allows him to score on drives, too. Strus has been a good role player on various good-to-great teams in Miami and Cleveland.

Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 17
Career earnings: $23,349,113
Career stats: 8.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.3 apg, 41.4 FG%, 36.0 3P%

An avid defender on the perimeter with long arms who can really shoot the ball from three these days, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is an excellent 3-and-D guard/wing with some ability getting to the rim both on or off the ball. Over the past three seasons, Alexander-Walker is shooting 38.5 percent from beyond the arc. 

David Richard-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 24
Career earnings: $16,638,308
Career stats: 8.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.8 apg, 45.8 FG%, 38.1 3P%

One year ago, Ty Jerome likely just misses the cut for this re-draft exercise. Instead, the former UVA standout enjoyed a breakout season, one that saw him average a career-high 12.5 points to go with 3.4 assists on nearly 44 percent shooting from three. Jerome has a swagger to his game and is the type to talk some trash on the floor, too. Even considering his subpar playoff showing, Jerome should get paid this summer.

Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 30
Career earnings: $27,106,884
Career stats: 13.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.6 apg, 43.5 FG%, 35.1 3P%

After a solid stint playing overseas, Kevin Porter Jr. returned to the NBA and had a pretty solid run in 2024-25, putting up 10.3 points per game on 44.9 percent shooting, showing off his flashy scoring skills from the midrange and attacking the basket. Porter Jr.’s a talented player, but the reason he fell in the draft is the reason he’s not higher in this re-draft, as he’s got off-the-court issues that have hampered his development.

Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 48
Career earnings: $28,231,283
Career stats: 8.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 50.2 FG%, 37.2 3P%

A two-way wing who plays lead guard in stretches, Terance Mann has gone from second-round pick to decent rotation player on a very good Los Angeles Clippers team thanks to his effort on both ends of the floor and ability to score. He’s also developed as an outside shooter, which was a weakness of his coming in out of Florida State.

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Actual position: Undrafted
Career earnings: $24,691,253
Career stats: 8.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 44.7 FG%, 35.7 3P%

Another good find by the Heat, Miami snatched Caleb Martin away from the Charlotte Hornets a couple of summers ago, which at least partly changed Martin’s career for the better (just look at his twin brother Cody Martin’s progression over the past two seasons compared to Caleb’s), and helped develop him into an athletic wing who plays some small-ball power forward, can shoot threes quite well and finish athletically in traffic while providing very sturdy defense on the other end.

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Actual position: No. 18
Career earnings: $25,374,756
Career stats: 5.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.2 apg, 54.1 FG%, 23.0 3P%

Big man Goga Bitadze has done a good job of developing since getting to Orlando, as the bruising center is averaging 6.2 points and 5.7 rebounds on 60.8 percent shooting. He hasn’t been a huge find or anything in the first round of the 2019 draft but he’s been a solid role player of late, and it’s hard to ask for much more than from a No. 18 pick in a draft class.

David Banks-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 46
Career earnings: $35,621,694
Career stats: 9.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.8 apg, 42.7 FG%, 29.9 3P%

He may not have become the stud lead guard some had hoped he might become after early flashes with the Los Angeles Lakers, but Talen Horton-Tucker is still just 22, so it’s too early to give up on him, even if he has been in out of the rotation in this, his fourth NBA season already. Horton-Tucker’s got a decent first step and some finishing ability around the basket while giving good effort on defense.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Actual position: No. 20
Career earnings: $34,038,126
Career stats: 4.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.1 apg, 43.8 FG%, 34.3 3P%

A multi-time All-Defensive Team member, Matisse Thybulle has become a solid rotation player thanks to elite help defense and decent on-ball defense, with the Australian wing capable of jumping passing lanes and picking pockets with the best of them. The issue is, he provides very little – if anything some nights – on the offensive end.

Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 22
Career earnings: $37,232,931
Career stats: 7.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 45.2 FG%, 37.7 3P%

Grant Williams’ impact goes beyond the stat sheet. That Williams was an important role player on a Boston Celtics team that made it to the Finals in 2021-22 goes to show just how impactful he can be without averaging double-digit points. Williams has developed into a reliable threat from three and he can legitimately defend multiple positions thanks to his size, strength and quick feet. Williams would rank higher on this list if not for his tough stint in Dallas and his subsequent ACL tear.

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 8
Career earnings: $26,747,438
Career stats: 6.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 0.7 apg, 64.8 FG%, 26.1 3P%

Jaxson Hayes showed some flashes early in his career but since then, it’s been just so-so for the former Texas Longhorn. Hayes is still young, and he did have better flashes with the Lakers. His athletic ability in his impressive near-7-foot package is very impressive, but he’s going to have to start putting consistent games together.

Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Actual position: Undrafted
Career earnings: $12,231,986
Career stats: 6.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 45.5 FG%, 38.4 3P%

An athletic slasher who can do some scoring off the dribble in spurts, Amir Coffey plays with great energy on both ends, and has done well to stick it out this long in the NBA despite going undrafted in 2019.

Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Actual position: No. 10
Career earnings: $23,957,280
Career stats: 8.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.2 apg, 39.8 FG%, 32.2 3P%

One of the bigger disappointments from the 2019 draft, Cam Reddish got a chance with the Lakers, his fourth team already in his brief playing career. Reddish has shown flashes of ability as a three-level scorer, but that he has now failed to break through under multiple coaching staffs is probably telling.

Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Luguentz Dort: From undrafted to No. 7
Naz Reid: From undrafted to No. 9
Max Strus: From undrafted to No. 18
Caleb Martin: From undrafted to No. 23
Amir Coffey: From undrafted to No. 29
Terance Mann: From No. 48 to No. 22
Daniel Gafford: From No. 38 to No. 13
Jordan Poole: From No. 28 to No. 5
Talen Horton-Tucker: From No. 46 to No. 25
Keldon Johnson: From No. 29 to No. 12
Nicolas Claxton: From No. 31 to No. 15