A Complete Look Back at the 2018 NBA Draft Order and Picks
Looking back at the 2018 NBA Draft, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and critical reflection. As someone who’s followed basketball for years, both as a fan and an analyst, I remember the buzz around that draft class vividly. There was this palpable sense that we were witnessing the arrival of future stars—and boy, were we right in some cases, though not all. The draft order itself was a fascinating puzzle, shaped by trades, team strategies, and a few surprises that still resonate today. For instance, the Phoenix Suns held the first overall pick, and they went with Deandre Ayton, a solid center who’s since proven his worth, but not without controversy. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings, picking second, took Marvin Bagley III, a move that, in hindsight, I’d argue was a bit of a head-scratcher given the talent available.
I recall sitting through the draft night, jotting down notes and thinking about how these picks would reshape the league. The top five selections included Luka Dončić going third to the Atlanta Hawks, only to be traded immediately to the Dallas Mavericks—a deal that, in my opinion, turned out to be one of the most lopsided in recent memory. Dončić has blossomed into a superstar, averaging around 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists per game in his career, numbers that speak volumes about his impact. Then there’s Trae Young, picked fifth by the Mavericks and traded to the Hawks, who’s become an electrifying playmaker. It’s funny how these trades, often criticized at the time, can define franchises for years. Personally, I’ve always been a bit biased toward players with high basketball IQ, and Dončić’s court vision just blew me away from day one. I remember telling friends that he’d be a top-10 player in the league sooner rather than later, and it’s satisfying to see that play out.
As we dive deeper into the draft, the mid-first round had its own gems and misses. The Clippers picked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at 11, and he’s since evolved into an All-Star caliber player, something I predicted based on his smooth handles and defensive potential. On the flip side, Michael Porter Jr., who fell to 14th due to injury concerns, has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency—a classic case of high risk, high reward. I’ve always admired teams that take those calculated risks; it reminds me of how in other sports, like MMA, fighters often talk about embracing challenges. For example, I once read a quote from a fighter saying, “It’s the birthplace of MMA, and it’s also one of my favorite places in the world. I’ll make sure I’m ready to face the top contenders of this division and defend the belt.” That mindset resonates with NBA prospects too—they enter the draft ready to prove themselves against the best, and it’s that hunger that separates the good from the great.
Moving to the later picks, the 2018 draft was surprisingly deep. Jalen Brunson at 33rd overall has become a steal for the Mavericks, and I’ve enjoyed watching his growth into a reliable scorer and leader. Then there’s Mitchell Robinson at 36, who’s made a name for himself as a defensive anchor. From a data perspective, the draft produced around 10 players who are now regular starters, which is pretty impressive. I’d estimate that over 60% of the first-round picks have had meaningful NBA careers, though exact stats vary. In my view, this class highlights the importance of scouting and patience; teams that invested in development, like the Denver Nuggets with Porter Jr., reaped rewards. It’s not just about the top picks—sometimes, the hidden gems in the second round can shift a team’s trajectory entirely.
Reflecting on all this, the 2018 NBA Draft stands out as a pivotal moment that reshaped multiple franchises. It’s a reminder that draft night isn’t just about talent evaluation but also about fit and future vision. I’ve learned over the years that while stats and projections matter, intangibles like work ethic and adaptability often make the difference. As we look back, it’s clear that this draft class has left an indelible mark on the league, and I’m excited to see how these players continue to evolve. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s no denying the drama and potential that unfolded that night—it’s what makes the NBA so endlessly captivating.
