It’s funny how time changes everything, especially in the world of sports. Looking back at the 2018 NBA Draft, I can’t help but wonder how different things would be if we had a chance to do it all over again. As someone who’s spent years analyzing player development and team dynamics, I’ve always found re-drafts to be more than just speculative fun—they reveal how much context, luck, and hindsight shape careers. Today, I’m diving into a complete re-draft of that class, reassessing picks with the benefit of what we know now. And while basketball is my main focus here, I’ll admit that insights from other sports, like volleyball, often cross my mind. For instance, I recently came across a stat about a player named Robles, who posted the third triple-double of a preseason tournament with 23 points, 15 digs, and 10 receptions. It’s a reminder that versatility and late-blooming talent can shift narratives dramatically, much like how some NBA prospects from 2018 have defied early expectations.
When the 2018 draft unfolded, the Phoenix Suns had the first overall pick and selected Deandre Ayton, a dominant big man from Arizona. At the time, it seemed like a solid choice—Ayton had the size and skill set to anchor a franchise. But fast-forward to today, and I’d argue that Luka Dončić, who went third to the Dallas Mavericks, should have been the undisputed number one. Dončić has not only racked up Rookie of the Year honors and multiple All-Star appearances but has also transformed the Mavericks into playoff contenders almost single-handedly. His stats are staggering: in the 2023-24 season, he averaged around 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. Compare that to Ayton, who’s been reliable but not quite as transformative, with averages closer to 18 points and 10 rebounds. Personally, I’ve always leaned toward players who elevate their teams in clutch moments, and Dončić’s creativity and poise under pressure make him a no-brainer for the top spot. If I were a GM back then, I’d have taken him without a second thought, even with the risk of his European background being less familiar to some scouts.
Moving down the board, the Sacramento Kings picked Marvin Bagley III second, a decision that has aged poorly. Bagley has struggled with injuries and consistency, whereas players like Trae Young (originally fifth to the Atlanta Hawks) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (fourth to the Memphis Grizzlies) have proven to be cornerstones for their teams. Young, in particular, has been a revelation—his playmaking and scoring, including a 29-point and 10-assist average in recent seasons, showcase why he’d be a top-three pick in a re-draft. Jackson, on the other hand, brings defensive prowess that’s rare for his age, leading the league in blocks with over 2.5 per game in 2023. I remember watching Jackson in college and thinking he had untapped potential, but even I underestimated how quickly he’d become a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. It’s these kinds of surprises that make re-drafts so compelling; they force us to question initial scouting reports and highlight how intangibles like work ethic and fit matter just as much as raw talent.
As we get into the later lottery picks, the story gets even more interesting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was selected 11th by the Charlotte Hornets (and later traded), has emerged as a superstar for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His growth from a raw, lanky guard to an MVP-caliber player is one of my favorite developments in recent years. In the 2023-24 season, he put up nearly 31 points per game while leading the Thunder to a surprising playoff run. If we’re redrafting, I’d slot him in the top five, maybe even ahead of someone like Ayton, because his two-way ability and leadership are exactly what rebuilding teams crave. Then there’s Michael Porter Jr., who fell to 14th due to injury concerns but has since become a key scorer for the Denver Nuggets, averaging around 17 points and 7 rebounds when healthy. I’ll admit, I was skeptical about his durability early on, but his resilience has won me over. It’s a lesson in how medical red flags can overshadow talent, but also how patience can pay off.
Beyond the first round, the 2018 draft had its share of steals. Jalen Brunson, picked 33rd by the Dallas Mavericks, has blossomed into an All-Star with the New York Knicks, posting about 27 points and 6 assists per game in the 2023-24 season. His rise reminds me of that Robles triple-double I mentioned earlier—sometimes, players fly under the radar only to explode when given the right opportunity. Brunson’s court vision and clutch gene make him a player I’d target much earlier in a re-draft, perhaps in the late teens or early twenties. Similarly, Gary Trent Jr., who went 37th, has carved out a solid role as a three-and-D specialist, hitting over 38% from beyond the arc. These later picks underscore a key point: drafting isn’t just about the top names; it’s about identifying long-term value and fit. From my experience covering the league, I’ve seen too many teams focus on upside at the expense of reliability, and it’s why re-drafts like this can serve as a humble reminder to balance both.
In wrapping up, reimagining the 2018 NBA Draft isn’t just an exercise in what-ifs—it’s a reflection on how player evaluation evolves. Luka Dončić stands out as the clear top pick, followed by talents like Trae Young and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who have redefined their positions. Meanwhile, early misses on players like Marvin Bagley III show that even the best-laid plans can go awry. As a fan and analyst, I’ve learned to appreciate the unpredictability of drafts; they’re part of what makes sports so thrilling. Whether it’s basketball or that volleyball stat about Robles, the underlying theme is the same: greatness often emerges from unexpected places. So, if I had a time machine and a draft board, I’d trust the data but also my gut—because in the end, that’s where the magic happens.
