2025-11-20 17:02
I still remember watching that 2018 NBA draft like it was yesterday, sitting with fellow basketball enthusiasts at a local sports bar, the anticipation thick in the air. The energy reminded me of something I'd witnessed in college basketball scenes, like that intense moment when Letran coach Allen Ricardo had to rally his Knights after an upset against JRU—a moment where potential meets harsh reality. That's essentially what happens to these rookies; they enter the league with dreams, but the journey is anything but predictable. Fast forward to today, and it's fascinating to see where the 2018 and 2019 NBA rookie classes stand in their professional careers. As someone who's followed basketball for years, I've seen players rise, fall, and sometimes surprise us all, and I can't help but share my perspective on how these young talents have evolved.
Starting with the 2018 class, it's impossible not to mention Luka Dončić, who was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks and immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Honestly, I thought he'd be good, but not this good—he's already a three-time All-Star and has averaged around 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists per game in the 2022-23 season. He's become the face of the Mavericks, leading them deep into the playoffs and even making a Western Conference Finals appearance. Then there's Trae Young, picked fifth by the Mavericks and traded to the Hawks; he's had his ups and downs, but I love his flashy style and leadership, even if his defense can be shaky. He's averaged over 25 points and 9 assists, carrying the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. On the other hand, players like Deandre Ayton, the first overall pick by the Phoenix Suns, have shown steady growth, but I've always felt he could be more dominant in the paint—he's putting up solid numbers like 18 points and 10 rebounds, yet he hasn't quite hit that superstar tier. Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr., drafted fourth by the Memphis Grizzlies, has blossomed into a defensive beast, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023, which I think was well-deserved given his shot-blocking prowess. But not everyone from this class has thrived; take Marvin Bagley III, the second overall pick by the Sacramento Kings—he's struggled with injuries and consistency, bouncing between teams and averaging just 12 points, which makes me wonder what could have been if he'd landed in a better system.
Moving to the 2019 rookies, this class feels a bit more volatile, much like that underdog JRU team that upset Letran—full of surprises and raw energy. Zion Williamson, the first overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans, has been a rollercoaster. When he's healthy, he's unstoppable, averaging 27 points and 7 rebounds, but his injury history worries me; I've seen too many talents derailed by health issues, and it's frustrating because he could be a top-five player if he stays on the court. Ja Morant, drafted second by the Memphis Grizzlies, has been electrifying, with his high-flying dunks and clutch plays, but his off-court controversies have cast a shadow—I think he needs to mature fast to fulfill his potential. Then there's RJ Barrett, picked third by the New York Knicks; he's shown flashes of brilliance, averaging around 20 points, but his efficiency has been inconsistent, and as a Knicks fan at heart, I wish he'd take that next step. On the brighter side, Darius Garland, the fifth pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, has quietly become an All-Star, dishing out over 8 assists per game and leading a young Cavs team to playoff contention—I admire his growth and think he's one of the most underrated players in the league. But let's not forget the later picks like Jordan Poole, selected 28th by the Golden State Warriors; he's had a breakout, averaging 20 points and helping win a championship in 2022, though his recent struggles show how quickly things can change in the NBA.
Reflecting on both classes, it's clear that the transition from rookie to established pro isn't linear. I've noticed that factors like team fit, coaching, and personal resilience play huge roles—just like in that college game where Letran had to regroup after a loss. For instance, players who landed in stable organizations, like Dončić with the Mavericks, have generally fared better, while others in chaotic environments have stalled. From a data perspective, the 2018 class has produced about 5 All-Stars so far, with an average player efficiency rating hovering around 18, while the 2019 class is closer to 3 All-Stars and a slightly lower efficiency, but these numbers don't tell the whole story. Personally, I believe the 2018 group might have a higher ceiling long-term, given their proven track records, but the 2019 class has more wild cards who could still surprise us. In the end, watching these players evolve is one of the joys of being a basketball fan—it's a reminder that careers, like games, are full of twists and turns, and I'm excited to see where they go from here.
