Remember the buzz around the 2019 Duke Blue Devils? That squad, featuring Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Cameron Reddish, and Tre Jones, was a powerhouse. Despite their early tournament exit against Michigan State, this elite group, minus Tre who stayed another year, led a draft class many considered the best since 2003.
Joining the Duke trio were top prospects like Ja Morant, DeAndre Hunter, and Darius Garland, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker being picked 17th overall. Back then, naming NAW as the top player from that class would have seemed outrageous. Even a year ago, the idea would have been met with skepticism.
Fast forward to now, and Alexander-Walker has a strong case as the standout player from his once-celebrated draft class.
Zion Williamson and Ja Morant: A Shift in Trajectory
Before the 2025-26 season, Zion Williamson and Ja Morant were the big names overshadowing Alexander-Walker. Zion, drafted by the Pelicans, has seen his stock fluctuate dramatically.
At his peak, he’s a force on the court-showcased by his 40-point, 76% shooting performance against a formidable Anthony Davis in the 2024 Play-In Tournament. Yet, he’s also spent significant time sidelined, as was evident in that very game’s fourth quarter.
This season, Zion has embraced a team-first role with a healthier Pelicans lineup. His availability is promising, but his scoring has dipped from 27 PPG in his sophomore year to just over 21 PPG now.
Over in Memphis, Ja Morant’s journey has faced its own challenges. While injuries haven’t plagued him like Zion, Morant has struggled with inconsistency and declining efficiency.
His peak came in 2022, finishing 7th in MVP voting with impressive stats. However, his shooting has since faltered, with his 3-point percentage dropping as low as 23.5%.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s Rise in Atlanta
While Zion and Ja have faced setbacks, Alexander-Walker’s stock has soared. He’s a strong contender for the Most Improved Player award this season and is making a compelling case for it.
NAW has emerged as an elite two-way player, a valuable asset in a league that treasures 3&D wings. His growth in Minnesota laid the foundation, but in Atlanta, he’s become a dynamic scorer. Playing alongside Jalen Johnson and CJ McCollum, NAW has consistently created offensive opportunities, showcasing his versatility.
With Morant and Williamson not delivering their past elite performances, the stage is set for Alexander-Walker to shine. Other talents like Tyler Herro, Darius Garland, and RJ Barrett are in the mix, but NAW’s performance this year stands out.
While it’s early to declare the race over, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is making a strong case as the best from the 2019 class this season. Don’t be surprised if this trend continues well into the future.