2019 NBA draft
The 2019 NBA draft was the 72nd annual draft of the National Basketball Association (NBA), in which the league's teams selected eligible players for the 2019–20 season.[1] It took place over two days on June 20 and 21, 2019, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.[1] The draft consisted of 60 selections across two rounds, with the first round featuring lottery-determined picks and the second round following the inverse order of the previous season's regular-season records.[2] The New Orleans Pelicans secured the first overall pick via the draft lottery and selected Duke forward Zion Williamson, a highly touted prospect known for his explosive athleticism and scoring ability.[2][3] The draft lottery, held on May 14, 2019, in Chicago, produced a notable upset when the Pelicans, who entered with just a 6% chance of landing the top selection due to their previous season's performance, won the No. 1 pick.[4][5] This outcome was the second time the Pelicans had won the lottery's top spot, following their selection of Anthony Davis in 2012.[5] The full lottery order placed the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 2, the New York Knicks at No. 3, and the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 4.[5] In the first round, standout selections included Ja Morant (No. 2, Grizzlies, from Murray State), RJ Barrett (No. 3, Knicks, from Duke), De'Andre Hunter (No. 4, Lakers, immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks), Darius Garland (No. 5, Cavaliers, from Vanderbilt), and Jarrett Culver (No. 6, Suns, traded to the Timberwolves, from Texas Tech).[2] The event was marked by significant trade activity, including deals involving future assets and players like Lonzo Ball, which reshaped rosters ahead of the season.[2] Regarded as a talent-rich class at the time, the 2019 draft has since produced multiple All-Stars, including Williamson (two selections in 2021 and 2023), Morant (two selections in 2022 and 2023), and Garland (two in 2022 and 2025), as of 2025.[6] Morant has emerged as the group's most accomplished player, earning All-NBA honors twice and leading the Grizzlies to deep playoff runs, while Williamson's career has been hampered by injuries despite his Rookie of the Year award in 2020.[7] Other contributors from the class include impact players like Tyler Herro (No. 13, Heat), Jordan Poole (No. 28, Warriors), and De'Andre Hunter, who have provided key support on contending teams.[8] Overall, the class ranks among the stronger ones of the 21st century, though its ceiling has been tempered by health and consistency issues among top talents.[8]Background and Eligibility
Eligibility Rules
The eligibility rules for the 2019 NBA Draft were governed by the league's collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which established criteria for player participation based on age, education, and professional experience. All players, regardless of origin, were required to be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft. For players from the United States or its territories who had attended high school there, the "one-and-done" rule mandated that at least one full NBA season must have elapsed since their high school graduation (or equivalent class completion if they did not graduate), effectively barring direct entry from high school and requiring at least one year of college or equivalent experience.[9] Automatic eligibility applied to certain players without the need for formal declaration. This included individuals who had exhausted their college eligibility after graduating from a U.S. four-year institution, those who were undrafted in a prior NBA Draft, high school graduates (U.S. or equivalent) with at least four years elapsed since graduation who had not enrolled in a U.S. college, or players who had completed at least four years of professional basketball in a league outside the NBA. International players—defined as those who had not completed high school in the U.S., had never enrolled in a U.S. college or university, and had maintained permanent residence outside the U.S. and Canada for at least three years prior to the draft—faced no U.S. college attendance requirements but were subject to additional thresholds: they were automatically eligible if they were at least 22 years old during the draft year or had signed a professional contract before January 1 of that year and played in at least two professional seasons outside the NBA.[9][10] In total, 114 players were eligible for the 2019 NBA Draft, comprising 98 early entrants who formally declared (including 86 college underclassmen and 12 international players) and 16 automatically eligible players, primarily international prospects meeting the age or professional experience criteria.[11][10]Early Entrants
The 2019 NBA Draft featured 233 early entry candidates who declared their intention to enter the league ahead of the automatic eligibility age, surpassing previous years in volume due to expanded opportunities for underclassmen to test the waters without permanent commitment.[12] Of these, 175 were U.S. college underclassmen—primarily freshmen, sophomores, and juniors—who temporarily withdrew from their institutions to pursue NBA evaluation, including high-profile prospects such as Duke freshmen Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett, as well as Murray State sophomore Ja Morant.[12][10] These declarations allowed players to participate in pre-draft events like the NBA Draft Combine while retaining the option to return to college if they chose not to stay in the draft.[10] The remaining 58 early entrants were international prospects, many of whom followed non-traditional paths outside U.S. collegiate basketball, such as professional leagues in Europe or direct development academies.[12] Notable examples included French forward Sekou Doumbouya, who played for Limoges CSP in France's top league, and Georgian center Goga Bitadze from Serbia's Mega Bemax, both of whom drew attention for their overseas experience and potential as lottery picks.[12][13] Among the U.S. college group, international players like Japanese forward Rui Hachimura (Gonzaga sophomore) and Angolan center Bruno Fernando (Maryland junior) exemplified unique trajectories, blending overseas backgrounds with American college development before declaring.[10][14] Declarations for early entry had to be submitted by April 21, 2019, enabling participation in workouts and interviews.[15] Underclassmen faced a withdrawal deadline of May 29, 2019, to preserve NCAA eligibility, while international early entrants could withdraw until June 10, 2019; in total, 89 candidates opted to withdraw, reducing the final pool of early entrants eligible for selection.[16]Automatically Eligible Players
In the 2019 NBA Draft, automatically eligible players comprised a group of 16 international prospects who qualified without submitting an early entry declaration, primarily due to reaching age 22 during the calendar year or having signed professional contracts outside North America prior to January 1, 2019, as stipulated by the league's collective bargaining agreement.[10] These individuals, often overlooked in favor of high-profile college and younger international talents, brought seasoned experience from professional circuits to the draft pool, allowing teams to evaluate mature athletes ready for immediate contributions.[10] The majority hailed from European leagues, where they had competed against adult professionals, developing skills in high-stakes environments like the Adriatic League or German Bundesliga. For instance, Vanja Marinković, a 22-year-old Serbian wing from Partizan Belgrade, exemplified this cohort; after averaging 12.2 points per game in the 2018-19 Serbian League and ABA League, he was selected 60th overall by the Sacramento Kings, marking one of the few late-round successes for auto-eligible prospects that year.[17][18] Other representative figures included Brian Bowen II, a 20-year-old American forward who became eligible after signing with the Sydney Kings in Australia's NBL following eligibility issues at Louisville and South Carolina, providing teams with a versatile defender honed in professional play.[19] Similarly, Elijah Clarance, a 20-year-old Swedish-American guard who left Illinois State to join Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt in Germany's Bundesliga, offered explosive athleticism from his pro debut season, though he went undrafted.[10][20] Players like these, typically four years removed from high school and without U.S. college ties in their final eligibility phase, added niche value—such as international savvy and physical maturity—but faced challenges in a draft dominated by younger upside bets, with most remaining undrafted and pursuing free agency or overseas returns.[10]Pre-Draft Events
Draft Lottery
The 2019 NBA Draft Lottery took place on May 14, 2019, at the Hilton Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.[21] This event marked the debut of a revised lottery format implemented by the NBA to combat tanking, where teams intentionally underperform to secure higher draft positions. Under the new system, the 14 teams that missed the playoffs participated, with odds for the No. 1 overall pick capped at 14 percent for each of the three worst regular-season records, progressively decreasing to 0.5 percent for the team with the 10th-worst record among lottery participants; picks 5 through 14 were then assigned in inverse order of regular-season records to the remaining teams.[22] The lottery was broadcast live on ESPN starting at 8:30 p.m. ET, with the selection process involving a machine that drew four ping-pong balls numbered 1 through 14, yielding 1,001 possible combinations from which team assignments for the top four picks were determined.[23][24] The format change aimed to equalize opportunities among non-playoff teams, reducing the advantage for the absolute worst performers and thereby discouraging deliberate losses late in the season. Previously, the team with the league's worst record had a 25 percent chance at the top pick; the 2019 revision limited any single team to no more than 14 percent while extending meaningful chances for top-four selections to more entrants, with all 14 teams having at least a 25 percent probability of landing in the top four.[25] In a highly unpredictable draw, the New Orleans Pelicans secured the No. 1 pick despite entering with a 33–49 record and only 6 percent odds. The Memphis Grizzlies, also 33–49 with 6 percent odds, jumped to No. 2. The New York Knicks, who posted the league-worst 17–65 mark and entered with 14 percent odds, fell to No. 3. The Los Angeles Lakers followed at No. 4 with their 37–45 record and 1 percent odds, highlighting the lottery's volatility as three of the top four picks went to teams outside the pre-lottery top three.[26][27] The complete order for picks 1–14, accounting for traded selections, was as follows:| Pick | Team (Notes) |
|---|---|
| 1 | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 2 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 3 | New York Knicks |
| 4 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 5 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 6 | Phoenix Suns |
| 7 | Chicago Bulls |
| 8 | Atlanta Hawks |
| 9 | Washington Wizards |
| 10 | Atlanta Hawks (from Dallas Mavericks) |
| 11 | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 12 | Charlotte Hornets |
| 13 | Miami Heat |
| 14 | Boston Celtics (from Los Angeles Clippers) |
NBA Draft Combine
The 2019 NBA Draft Combine took place from May 15 to 20 at the Quest Multisport Complex in Chicago, Illinois, serving as a key pre-draft evaluation event for prospective players.[29] A total of 77 invitees participated, including 66 initial selections and 11 additional players advanced from the preceding G League Elite Camp.[30] The event featured anthropometric measurements, athletic testing, 5-on-5 scrimmages, and medical evaluations, allowing NBA teams to assess prospects' physical attributes, skills, and health beyond game film.[31] The combine's primary purpose was to provide teams with standardized data on players' size, athleticism, and basketball IQ in a controlled setting, including interviews and team workouts that extended through the full schedule.[32] Anthropometric testing measured height, weight, wingspan, standing reach, hand size, and body fat percentage, while athletic drills evaluated speed, agility, and explosiveness through events such as the three-quarter sprint, lane agility drill, bench press, and vertical jumps (both standing and max). Scrimmages offered insights into on-court performance, and medical exams enabled teams to review injury histories and conduct physicals. Among the participants were 10 international players, including prospects like Goga Bitadze from Georgia and Luka Samanic from Slovenia, highlighting the event's global scope.[29] Notable measurements underscored the athletic diversity of the class; for instance, Duke forward Zion Williamson, a top prospect, was reported at approximately 284 pounds with a 6 feet 6.5 inches wingspan from pre-draft evaluations, emphasizing his unique build; he skipped athletic testing.[33] Similarly, Murray State guard Ja Morant recorded a maximum vertical jump of 40.5 inches in pre-combine evaluations, contributing to his reputation for elite explosiveness.[34] Other standouts included Tacko Fall's 7-foot-5.25-inch height without shoes and Jalen Lecque's 43-inch max vertical, which set benchmarks in size and leaping ability.[35] Several high-profile players withdrew or limited participation due to injuries, altering the event's dynamics. Vanderbilt guard Darius Garland, recovering from a season-ending meniscus tear in his left knee, skipped most activities to prioritize rehabilitation ahead of the draft.[36] Top prospects like Williamson, Morant, and RJ Barrett also opted out of drills and scrimmages to mitigate risk, focusing instead on interviews and measurements.[37] This cautious approach by lottery hopefuls shifted attention to mid-tier talents, who used the combine to elevate their draft stock through strong performances in testing and gameplay.[38]Invited Attendees
The 2019 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago featured 77 invited prospects, providing an essential platform for evaluation ahead of the draft. Initially, the league extended invitations to 66 players, selected based on their college, high school, and professional performances, with an additional 11 prospects added following standout showings at the NBA G League Elite Camp held May 12-14 in Chicago.[32][39] These invitees included a mix of domestic and international talents, with a particular emphasis on high-profile college stars and emerging global players such as Goga Bitadze from the Republic of Georgia, who played professionally for Budućnost VOLI in Montenegro.[39] Among the top domestic invitees were Zion Williamson (Duke), Ja Morant (Murray State), RJ Barrett (Duke), Darius Garland (Vanderbilt), and De'Andre Hunter (Virginia), all projected as lottery selections.[32] The event's primary purpose was to enable NBA teams to conduct private interviews—limited to 20 per team—and observe prospects in specialized drills, including strength, agility, shooting, and five-on-five scrimmages, helping scouts assess skills, character, and fit.[29] Some invitations were influenced by requests from player agents, ensuring a broad representation of draft-eligible talent.[40] Following the Chicago Combine (May 16-20), top prospects shifted to private team workouts, many of which occurred in Los Angeles from May 31 to June 11, allowing for more individualized evaluations away from the group setting.[41] These sessions often involved tailored drills and extended interviews, with invitees like Darius Garland and De'Andre Hunter participating in high-stakes sessions for West Coast teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers. Notable among combine attendees was Cam Reddish (Duke), who appeared but limited his involvement in certain drills to focus on interviews and preserve health for subsequent private evaluations.[42]The Draft
Draft Selections
The 2019 NBA Draft took place on June 20, 2019, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The event featured two rounds with 30 picks per round, totaling 60 selections, and was broadcast live on ESPN beginning at 8:15 p.m. ET.[2][1] In the first round, the New Orleans Pelicans selected forward Zion Williamson from Duke with the top pick. The Memphis Grizzlies followed by choosing guard Ja Morant from Murray State at No. 2, while the New York Knicks picked guard/forward RJ Barrett from Duke at No. 3. The fourth selection, forward De'Andre Hunter from Virginia, went to the Los Angeles Lakers before being traded on draft night to the Atlanta Hawks. The round concluded with the Cleveland Cavaliers selecting guard Kevin Porter Jr. from USC at No. 30.[2] The second round began with the Brooklyn Nets selecting center/forward Nicolas Claxton from Georgia at No. 31. Notable later picks included center Bol Bol from Oregon by the Denver Nuggets at No. 44 and guard Jaylen Nowell from Washington by the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 43. The draft ended with the Sacramento Kings choosing forward Dewan Hernandez from the University of Miami at No. 60.[2] The selections below reflect the teams that made the picks on draft night, including any immediate trades resolved during the event for final assignments. Player details include position, nationality, and prior school or club. As of November 2025, only one draftee, forward Vanja Marinković (No. 59), has not appeared in an NBA regular-season game. Deividas Sirvydis (No. 37) has appeared in 23 games, and Justin Wright-Foreman (No. 53) has appeared in 88 games.[2][1][43][44][45]First Round
Second Round
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | Nationality | School/Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Brooklyn Nets | Nicolas Claxton | F/C | USA | Georgia |
| 32 | Phoenix Suns (from MIA) | KZ Okpala | F | USA | Stanford |
| 33 | Boston Celtics (from LAC via PHI) | Carsen Edwards | G | USA | Purdue |
| 34 | Atlanta Hawks (from HOU) | Bruno Fernando | C | Angola | Maryland |
| 35 | New Orleans Pelicans | Didi Louzada | G/F | Brazil | Flamengo |
| 36 | Charlotte Hornets (from DET via ORL) | Cody Martin | G/F | USA | Nevada |
| 37 | Detroit Pistons | Deividas Sirvydis | F | Lithuania | Rytas Vilnius |
| 38 | Chicago Bulls (from GSW via NOP) | Daniel Gafford | C | USA | Arkansas |
| 39 | Philadelphia 76ers (from LAC via POR and CLE) | Alen Smailagić | F/C | Serbia | Santa Cruz Warriors |
| 40 | Sacramento Kings (from TOR via CHI and NOP) | Justin James | G | USA | Wyoming |
| 41 | Golden State Warriors (from MEM) | Eric Paschall | F | USA | Villanova |
| 42 | Washington Wizards (from UTA via GSW and NOP) | Admiral Schofield | F | USA | Tennessee |
| 43 | Minnesota Timberwolves (from GSW via BKN and NOP) | Jaylen Nowell | G | USA | Washington |
| 44 | Denver Nuggets (from MIA via NOP) | Bol Bol | C | Sudan | Oregon |
| 45 | Dallas Mavericks (from LAC via PHI) | Isaiah Roby | F | USA | Nebraska |
| 46 | Los Angeles Lakers (from LAC via DET and ORL) | Talen Horton-Tucker | G | USA | Iowa State |
| 47 | New York Knicks (from HOU via CLE and BKN) | Ignas Brazdeikis | F | Lithuania | Michigan |
| 48 | Los Angeles Clippers | Terance Mann | G | USA | Florida State |
| 49 | San Antonio Spurs (from OKC via CHI and NOP) | Quinndary Weatherspoon | G | USA | Mississippi State |
| 50 | Utah Jazz (from GSW via NOP) | Jarrell Brantley | F | USA | College of Charleston |
| 51 | Boston Celtics (from DEN via NOP) | Tremont Waters | G | USA | LSU |
| 52 | Charlotte Hornets (from POR via DEN) | Jalen McDaniels | F | USA | San Diego State |
| 53 | Utah Jazz (from WAS via NOP) | Justin Wright-Foreman | G | USA | Hofstra |
| 54 | Philadelphia 76ers (from BKN) | Marial Shayok | G | Canada | Iowa State |
| 55 | Sacramento Kings (from IND via UTA and NOP) | Kyle Guy | G | USA | Virginia |
| 56 | Los Angeles Clippers (from POR via DET and ORL) | Jaylen Hands | G | USA | UCLA |
| 57 | New Orleans Pelicans (from DEN via MIL) | Jordan Bone | G | USA | Tennessee |
| 58 | Golden State Warriors (from HOU via BKN and NOP) | Miye Oni | G/F | Nigeria | Yale |
| 59 | Minnesota Timberwolves (from TOR via BKN) | Vanja Marinković | F | Serbia | Partizan Belgrade |
| 60 | Sacramento Kings | Dewan Hernandez | F | USA | Miami |