What If We Redid the 2018 NBA Draft: A Complete Re-Draft Analysis

Looking back at the 2018 NBA Draft, I can't help but wonder how different the league would look today if teams had the benefit of hindsight. As someone who's spent years analyzing both basketball and volleyball metrics—yes, even diving into stats like Robles' impressive triple-double of 23 points, 15 digs, and 10 receptions in preseason tournaments—I've come to appreciate how draft selections can shape franchises for years. That volleyball reference might seem out of place, but it reminds me that evaluating potential isn't just about one sport; it's about recognizing multidimensional talent and projecting growth. And boy, does the 2018 class offer plenty to reconsider.

When I first watched Luka Dončić slide to the Atlanta Hawks at pick three, only to be traded for Trae Young, I remember thinking the Mavericks had pulled off a heist. Fast forward six years, and it's clear Dončić should have been the undisputed first overall pick. The Suns, who selected Deandre Ayton, missed out on a generational talent who's now averaging around 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists per game in his prime. Dončić's court vision and clutch performance in high-pressure moments—like his 43-point playoff outburst in 2022—simply outweigh Ayton's solid but less transformative contributions. I'll admit I was high on Ayton's defensive upside back then, but Luka's ability to single-handedly elevate an offense is something you can't teach.

Then there's Trae Young, who went fifth to Dallas before the trade. In my re-draft, I'd slot him second to the Kings, who picked Marvin Bagley III—a move that still haunts their franchise. Young's offensive creativity and his 25 points and 9 assists per game since entering the league would have given Sacramento the backcourt dynamism they've craved for years. Sure, his defense is a liability, but paired with a defensive-minded wing, he could have accelerated their rebuild by at least two seasons. Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr., originally the fourth pick, stays in that range—his shot-blocking and expanding offensive game make him a top-five lock, though I'd lean toward him going third to the Hawks if they hadn't landed Dončić.

As we move into the mid-lottery, things get murkier. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was picked 11th by the Clippers, is arguably the biggest steal. In my revised board, he jumps into the top four, maybe even challenging for second. His evolution into a 30-point-per-game scorer and All-NBA mainstay is something I didn't fully predict, but his smooth handles and efficiency in the paint remind me why patient development matters. Teams like the Grizzlies (who took Jaren Jackson Jr.) or the Bulls (Wendell Carter Jr.) would kill for a redo here. Gilgeous-Alexander's impact on Oklahoma City's turnaround—boosting them from 20-win seasons to playoff contention—shows how one pick can redefine a franchise's trajectory.

Mikal Bridges, originally the 12th pick, is another guy I'd push into the top 10, perhaps sixth to the Magic. His two-way versatility and ironman streak—he hasn't missed a game since entering the league—are invaluable in today's positionless NBA. I've always valued players who affect winning beyond the box score, and Bridges' defensive stops and corner threes are a coach's dream. Compare that to Mo Bamba, who went sixth originally but might fall to the late teens in a re-draft due to his inconsistent motor. It's a stark reminder that measurables like wingspan don't always translate to production.

Digging deeper, I'd highlight guys like Michael Porter Jr. (originally 14th) and Robert Williams (27th), whose stocks fluctuate due to health but offer high upside. Porter's scoring punch, when healthy, could place him in the late lottery—say, 10th to the Sixers—while Williams' rim protection might land him in the top 20. But let's be real: injuries have skewed their value, and as an analyst, I tend to lean toward durability unless the talent is undeniable. On the flip side, Collin Sexton (8th originally) likely drops a bit; his scoring is fierce, but his playmaking limits his ceiling.

Wrapping this up, the 2018 re-draft teaches us that foresight is a luxury, but patterns emerge with time. Dončić, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Young stand out as the crown jewels, while role players like Bridges and Jackson Jr. solidify the top 10. If I were a GM, I'd prioritize offensive creators early and hunt for two-way wings later—lessons that apply to any draft. And just like Robles' triple-double in volleyball, it's the all-around contributors who often make the difference. In the end, this exercise isn't about mocking teams for misses; it's about appreciating how a single class can ripple through the NBA for a decade.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-21 11:00