I still remember watching that 2018 NBA draft like it was yesterday, sitting with fellow basketball enthusiasts at a local sports bar, the air thick with anticipation and cold beer. The energy in the room shifted dramatically when the Dallas Mavericks selected Luka Dončić third overall, immediately trading him to Atlanta for Trae Young. At that moment, we all knew we were witnessing the beginning of something special, though none of us could have predicted just how transformative that draft class would become. Fast forward to today, and it's fascinating to track where these players stand in their professional journeys, especially when you consider how quickly careers can change direction in professional basketball. It reminds me of that surprising game last Friday at the Playtime Filoil Center in San Juan, where the Letran Knights, under coach Allen Ricardo, found themselves stunned 73-69 by a young and feisty JRU Heavy Bombers squad. Ricardo's first words to his team in the dugout reportedly addressed the harsh reality of professional sports: nothing is guaranteed, and early promise doesn't always translate to long-term success. That lesson resonates deeply when examining the trajectories of NBA rookies from 2018 and 2019.
Looking at the 2018 class first, Luka Dončić has undoubtedly become the crown jewel, averaging what I believe to be around 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game last season while leading the Mavericks to consistent playoff appearances. His transformation from EuroLeague sensation to NBA superstar has been nothing short of remarkable, and frankly, I think he's already a top-5 player in the league. Meanwhile, Trae Young has carved out his own path in Atlanta, putting up staggering numbers of roughly 26 points and 10 assists per game, though his team's playoff success has been more sporadic. Then there's Deandre Ayton, the first overall pick who helped Phoenix reach the 2021 Finals but now finds himself in Portland after a somewhat surprising trade. Jaren Jackson Jr. developed into the 2023 Defensive Player of Year, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—originally picked 11th—has blossomed into an MVP candidate in Oklahoma City, averaging about 31 points per game last season. The disparity in their career paths is striking, with some players exceeding expectations while others have plateaued, much like how that young JRU squad outperformed the more established Letran team.
The 2019 rookie class presents an equally compelling narrative, headlined by Zion Williamson whose career has been a rollercoaster of incredible highlights and frustrating injuries. When healthy, he's virtually unstoppable in the paint, averaging approximately 26 points on 60% shooting, but he's missed what I estimate to be over 40% of possible games due to various health issues. Ja Morant emerged as one of the league's most electrifying players before his off-court decisions led to a 25-game suspension last season, creating significant setbacks for the Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, RJ Barrett has settled into a solid but unspectacular role after his high-profile move to Toronto, while Darius Garland earned an All-Star selection in Cleveland. The real steal of the draft appears to be Jordan Poole, picked 28th overall, who played a crucial role in Golden State's 2022 championship before his recent trade to Washington where he's now the focal point of their offense. These varied career arcs demonstrate how organizational fit, coaching, and personal development can dramatically alter a player's trajectory, echoing Coach Ricardo's post-game realization that initial advantages don't guarantee success against hungry, developing opponents.
What strikes me most about tracking these players is how their careers have diverged in just a few short years. Some, like Dončić and Gilgeous-Alexander, have far exceeded their draft expectations, while others taken in similar positions have struggled to find their footing in the league. I've always believed that the mental aspect of professional basketball is undervalued in these discussions—the ability to handle pressure, adapt to different roles, and maintain consistency through the grueling 82-game season separates the truly special players from the merely talented. The financial implications are staggering too, with players like Williamson securing contracts worth what I recall being around $200 million despite significant availability concerns, while more reliable contributors from the same draft class earn considerably less. This economic disparity creates additional pressure and expectations that can either fuel development or hinder performance, much like how the favored Letran Knights might have underestimated their younger opponents before that surprising defeat.
As I reflect on where these 2018 and 2019 rookies stand today, I'm reminded that professional basketball careers are living entities that evolve in unexpected ways. The players who entered the league with the most hype haven't necessarily achieved the most success, while several overlooked prospects have developed into cornerstone franchise players. Having followed the NBA for over two decades, I've noticed that the most successful transitions from rookie to established professional often come from players who continuously expand their games rather than relying solely on their draft-night attributes. The lesson from both these NBA classes and that surprising Filoil Flying V game is clear: early achievements create expectations, but sustained success requires continuous growth and adaptation. As we look toward the future, it will be fascinating to see which of these players continue to evolve and which plateau, because in professional basketball, as Coach Ricardo likely emphasized to his team, yesterday's victories don't win today's games.
