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Zion Williamson, Ja Morant drama has RJ Barrett emerging as 2019 draft class savior

By Jordanna Clark

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans and RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks stand on the court during the fourth quarter of a NBA game at Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans and RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks stand on the court during the fourth quarter of a NBA game at Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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The 2019 NBA Draft class has been under constant scrutiny lately because of Ja Morant and Zion Williamson’s actions, so much so that the New York Knicks have been considered lucky for drafting RJ Barrett at No. 3.

Morant and the Grizzlies had a rough go at it this season between the 23-year-old’s suspension and Dillon Brooks’ antics that resulted in the Lakers eliminating the team in the first round. The offseason hasn’t stopped Memphis from being at the center of NBA news. In an Instagram Live video on May 13, Morant was seen flashing a gun in the background. He’s since reportedly claimed that it was a toy gun, but he’s likely facing a lengthy suspension.

Then there’s Zion, who has played 114 games since being drafted No. 1 overall four years ago. Not only has he had a hard time staying on the court, but he can’t escape the drama off the court, either. Williamson is the latest 2019 draftee to put himself between a rock and a hard place. A gender reveal announcement for Zion’s first child has escalated into something way more.

In retrospect, the Knicks were saved by not being awarded the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The RJ pick is looking better and better by the day.

New York Knicks lucked out selecting RJ Barrett No. 3 overall in 2019 NBA Draft

Regarding on-court talent, Zion Williamson and Ja Morant clear RJ Barrett. However, availability is the best ability and Zion has struggled with a series of injuries that have caused him to spend more time on the sideline than in the game. Morant is wildly talented, but he can’t seem to learn from his past mistakes.

Meanwhile, Barrett has had no issues off the court. Since 2020-21, he’s played in at least 70 games each season. His inconsistencies have been concerning, however, his performance in the 2023 playoffs helped the Knicks make it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time in 10 years.

If New York were to trade for a star this summer, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Barrett go in a deal. Besides that, there isn’t a question as to whether he’ll be ready to suit up for New York for the 2023-24 season. The same can’t be said for Zion or Ja. The former can’t stay healthy, and Pelicans GM David Griffin said at the end of 2022-23 that a large part of that is on Zion. Morant is facing some sort of suspension, but Adam Silver said before the start of the NBA Finals that the league is waiting to announce it after a new champion is crowned.

Zion Williamson and Ja Morant perfectly explain why talent can only take you so far.

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