What Happened to the 2nd Pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and Where Are They Now?

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2019 NBA Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed basketball professionally for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous draft classes come and go, but there was something particularly electric about that night at Barclays Center. The air was thick with anticipation, especially when David Stern stepped up to announce the second overall pick. While Zion Williamson's selection as the first pick felt like a foregone conclusion, the real drama began with pick number two - and what's happened since has been one of the most fascinating stories in recent NBA memory.

The Memphis Grizzlies made the call that would shape their franchise for years to come, selecting Ja Morant out of Murray State. I'll admit, I had my doubts initially. Coming from a smaller program, the jump to NBA stardom seemed enormous. But watching his debut season, I quickly became a believer. The kid had that rare combination of explosive athleticism and court vision you simply can't teach. His rookie numbers - 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game - don't even tell the full story of how immediately he transformed that franchise. Memphis went from lottery team to playoff contender almost overnight, and I remember thinking we were witnessing the birth of a new superstar.

What's fascinating about tracking Morant's career is how it reflects that concept from volleyball-crazed nations where "even the narrowest of set losses becomes a cause for concern." In high-stakes environments, every minor setback gets magnified, and that's exactly what happened with Ja. His incredible highs - the Rookie of the Year award, the All-Star selections, that iconic playoff performance against Golden State where he dropped 47 points - were always accompanied by intense scrutiny over his occasional shooting slumps or defensive lapses. I've always felt this microscope effect is both unfair and inevitable for players drafted this high. The expectations aren't just about being good - they're about being transformational.

The past couple of seasons have been particularly revealing. Morant's 2022 Most Improved Player award felt deserved - his scoring jumped to 27.4 points per game, and he led Memphis to their best regular season in franchise history with 56 wins. But then came the setbacks that really tested his mettle. The 25-game suspension to start the 2023-24 season was a major blow, both to his reputation and the team's early performance. Watching Memphis struggle without him, I couldn't help but think about how much pressure rests on these young stars' shoulders. One player's absence shouldn't cripple an entire franchise, but in Morant's case, it genuinely did.

What impresses me most about his journey is the resilience he's shown. Returning from that suspension, he immediately reminded everyone why he was worth that second pick. In his first game back, he hit that game-winner against New Orleans - one of those moments that gives you chills regardless of which team you support. It's these flashes of brilliance that make the investment in high draft picks so compelling. The Grizzlies built their entire identity around him, and when he's on the court, they play with a different kind of confidence.

Comparing him to others from that draft class provides interesting context. Zion Williamson, the first pick, has faced his own durability challenges. RJ Barrett, taken third, has been solid but hasn't reached those superstar heights. Darius Garland, the fifth pick, became an All-Star but plays for a smaller market team. Morant occupies this unique space where he's achieved individual success while genuinely elevating his entire organization. The Grizzlies' valuation has increased by approximately $900 million since drafting him - numbers that front offices dream about when they're on the clock.

Looking at where he is now, entering what should be his prime years, I'm optimistic about his trajectory despite the bumps along the road. The Grizzlies have built a solid supporting cast around him, and when healthy, this team has shown it can compete with anyone in the Western Conference. His career averages of 22.5 points and 7.4 assists through 279 games place him in elite company historically for players his age. The areas he needs to improve - three-point consistency and decision-making in crunch time - are coachable, and I've seen enough growth in his game to believe he'll address them.

In many ways, Morant's journey embodies the modern NBA experience for top draft picks. The immediate pressure, the social media magnification of every success and failure, the business implications beyond basketball - it's all part of the package now. Four years into his career, he's already accomplished more than most players do in a decade, yet the conversation still revolves around what he hasn't achieved. That's the reality for these high picks, where championship expectations arrive before their first NBA paycheck clears.

As I reflect on that 2019 draft night, what strikes me is how both right and incomplete our initial assessments were. We knew Morant had special talent, but nobody could have predicted the full rollercoaster - the breathtaking highlights and the challenging setbacks that would define his early career. The Grizzlies took a gamble on a relatively unproven prospect from a small school, and despite everything, I'd argue it's paid off handsomely. In today's NBA, finding a player who can single-handedly change your franchise's fortunes is rare, and Memphis found theirs with that second pick. Where is Ja Morant now? Still writing his story, still captivating audiences, and still proving why he was worth that precious draft position.