What If We Redid the 2018 NBA Draft: A Complete Re-Draft Analysis
Looking back at the 2018 NBA Draft feels like examining a time capsule where some franchises hit absolute gold while others missed franchise-altering talent. I've spent years analyzing draft classes, and what fascinates me about 2018 isn't just the obvious success stories but how dramatically different the league would look today if teams had perfect hindsight. The original draft night saw Deandre Ayton go first overall to Phoenix, with Marvin Bagley III and Luka Dončić following—a sequence that already feels surreal given how careers have unfolded.
When I imagine conducting a complete re-draft, the first pick becomes incredibly straightforward. Luka Dončić would unquestionably go number one, and it's not even close. His immediate impact in Dallas, averaging 21 points as a rookie before blossoming into a perennial MVP candidate, demonstrates a ceiling we simply haven't seen from others in his class. The Slovenian sensation has redefined offensive creation in ways that remind me of watching Larry Bird tapes—that rare combination of vision, scoring, and clutch performance that transforms entire franchises. Phoenix would have built their entire organization around him, completely altering their trajectory.
The second pick gets more interesting to debate. While Trae Young's offensive fireworks are undeniable, I'd actually take Jalen Brunson here. His development from solid college player to All-NBA talent has been remarkable, showing that steady improvement can sometimes outweigh flashier profiles. Brunson's playoff performances for New York—especially that 47-point game against Miami—demonstrated a toughness and scoring ability that translates directly to winning basketball. Atlanta would likely prefer this steady hand over the defensive limitations that have plagued Young throughout his career.
What makes this exercise particularly compelling is examining players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who went 11th originally but would likely jump to third in our re-draft. His transformation in Oklahoma City from intriguing prospect to top-five NBA player has been breathtaking to witness. I remember watching his rookie year in LA and thinking he had nice tools, but nobody predicted this level of stardom. His combination of length, craftiness, and mid-range mastery makes him virtually unguardable in today's game.
The middle of the first round reveals several massive value picks that would dramatically reshape teams' futures. Michael Porter Jr., despite injury concerns, would likely go much higher than his original 14th selection given his championship pedigree and elite shooting. Similarly, Mikal Bridges' development into a two-way star would see him leapfrog several original lottery picks. I've always valued two-way wings, and Bridges represents the prototype for modern NBA success—the kind of player every contender desperately needs.
Where it gets really fascinating is examining players who've developed in unexpected environments. Take Robles, for instance—while we're discussing basketball, his triple-double performance of 23 points, 15 digs, and 10 receptions in the preseason tournament demonstrates the kind of all-around versatility that translates across sports. Seeing that stat line reminds me of Draymond Green's impact—players who fill every column of the box score often provide more value than pure scorers. In our NBA re-draft context, this multidimensional approach would likely boost the stock of players like Josh Okogie, whose defensive versatility has proven more valuable than many originally anticipated.
The later picks reveal where teams made their biggest mistakes. Jalen Brunson falling to 33rd looks criminal in retrospect, while Mitchell Robinson at 36th represents another massive steal. I've always believed championship teams are built through these middle-round discoveries—the players who provide elite skills at bargain prices. Robinson's rim protection and offensive rebounding would make him a lottery pick in our re-draft, likely going somewhere between 12-18 given how rare his combination of athleticism and timing truly is.
As we approach the end of the first round, players like Gary Trent Jr. and Bruce Brown would see significant rises based on their proven roles on competitive teams. Brown's championship experience with Denver particularly stands out—he's the kind of connective tissue player that analytics often undervalues but coaches absolutely love. I'd argue he might even crack the late lottery in our re-draft given how perfectly his skills complement star players.
What strikes me most about this re-draft exercise is how it reveals the inherent unpredictability of player development. Teams drafting in 2018 were working with limited information, projecting how 19-year-olds would adapt to professional basketball's demands. With perfect hindsight, we can see how work ethic, organizational development, and sheer luck all play roles in determining outcomes. The 2018 class has produced at least five franchise cornerstones and numerous high-level starters—a remarkable hit rate that will likely influence how teams evaluate prospects for years to come.
Ultimately, this re-draft demonstrates why the NBA remains so compelling—the constant reevaluation of talent, the surprise developments, and the franchise-altering decisions that echo through seasons. While we can't change the past, examining these alternative realities helps us appreciate both the scouting successes and the missed opportunities that shape the league we watch today. The 2018 class will likely be remembered as one of the deepest in recent memory, full of players who either met their lofty expectations or dramatically exceeded them.
By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist
2025-11-21 11:00