Tunisia World Cup
I still remember watching that 2018 NBA draft like it was yesterday, sitting in my living room with my basketball analytics spreadsheets spread across the coffee table. The energy surrounding that class felt electric, with scouts buzzing about multiple potential franchise-changing players. What fascinates me looking back now is how these rookies from both 2018 and 2019 have developed - some becoming superstars beyond our wildest expectations, while others remind me of that recent Letran game where coach Allen Ricardo had to regroup his team after an unexpected upset. That moment when established teams get shaken by hungry newcomers? That's exactly what happened when these rookies entered the league.
When Luka Dončić fell to the third pick in 2018, I'll admit I thought the Suns and Kings had made catastrophic mistakes. The kid had been playing professional basketball since he was 16, dominating EuroLeague against grown men. His rookie numbers - 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists - were absurd for a 19-year-old, but what impressed me more was his pace and basketball IQ. He played like a veteran from day one, controlling games in ways I hadn't seen since LeBron entered the league. Meanwhile, Trae Young started slowly - I remember analysts questioning if he could survive physically in the NBA - but finished with 19.1 points and 8.1 assists, silencing critics with his deep range and playmaking vision.
The 2018 class had this incredible depth beyond the headline names. Jaren Jackson Jr. showed defensive instincts that made me believe he could become an elite rim protector, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander displayed a smoothness to his game that suggested stardom was inevitable. What's interesting is how many of these players have exceeded their draft expectations - Michael Porter Jr. fell due to injury concerns but when healthy, his scoring efficiency has been remarkable. It reminds me of how sometimes the most talented teams, like that Letran squad coach Ricardo was coaching, can underestimate hungry newcomers and find themselves surprised.
Then came the 2019 class, headlined by Zion Williamson who generated more pre-draft hype than any prospect since LeBron. I've never seen an athlete quite like Zion - his combination of power and explosiveness at 285 pounds defies physics. His 22.5 points per game on 58.3% shooting as a rookie was historically efficient, though I've always worried about how his body would hold up long-term. Ja Morant, meanwhile, brought an entirely different kind of excitement with his athleticism and fearlessness attacking the rim. That Rookie of the Year race was genuinely compelling, with both players putting up numbers we hadn't seen from first-year players in years.
What stands out to me about these two classes is how they've reshaped the NBA landscape. The 2018 group has already produced an MVP candidate in Luka, while the 2019 class gave us Ja's Grizzlies becoming Western Conference contenders much faster than anyone anticipated. Teams that hit on their picks in these drafts - like Memphis with Ja and Jaren Jackson Jr., or Dallas with Luka - accelerated their rebuilds dramatically. Meanwhile, teams that missed, like Phoenix passing on Luka for Deandre Ayton, set their franchises back years. It's that fine line between building through the draft and developmental patience that separates successful organizations from struggling ones.
The international influence in these classes particularly stands out to me. Luka from Slovenia, RJ Barrett with his Canadian background, and the gradual influx of global talent has changed how teams evaluate prospects. The success of these international players has forced front offices to broaden their scouting networks and reconsider what attributes translate to NBA success. I've noticed more teams placing value on professional experience overseas rather than just college production, recognizing that competing against grown professionals often better prepares players for the NBA transition.
Looking back, what strikes me is how player development has evolved. Teams are more patient with young players now, understanding that growth isn't linear. Some of these rookies took two or three seasons to truly break out - look at Jordan Poole, who struggled terribly his first year but developed into a crucial piece for Golden State's championship run. The organizations that create environments where young players can play through mistakes, like Memphis with Ja Morant or Oklahoma City with Shai, often see the biggest developmental leaps. It's not just about drafting talent anymore - it's about cultivating it properly.
The business impact of hitting on these draft picks can't be overstated either. A superstar rookie on a cost-controlled contract provides incredible value, allowing teams to build deeper rosters before that massive second contract kicks in. The Mavericks building around Luka while he was on his rookie deal gave them financial flexibility to add pieces, similar to how New Orleans has structured their team around Zion. From a team-building perspective, nailing these high draft picks might be the most efficient way to construct a contender in today's NBA.
As I reflect on these two draft classes half a decade later, what stands out isn't just the individual talent but how they've collectively shifted the league's style of play. The emphasis on scoring guards who can create their own shot, big men who can space the floor, and versatile defenders - these classes were loaded with players who fit the modern NBA perfectly. They entered the league ready to contribute in ways we hadn't seen from previous generations, a testament to how player development has improved at all levels of basketball. The future of the league appears to be in capable hands, with these players likely dominating All-NBA teams and MVP conversations for the next decade.
