The time for speculation is over, as the 2018 NBA Draft is finally here. Over the next few hours, 60 basketball players will hear their names read off from the stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the first step on what will hopefully be a whole bunch of long, successful NBA careers.
While the draft goes down starting at 7:30 p.m., we’re going to spend the night grading and analyzing each pick as they come in. From presumably Deandre Ayton at No. 1 to the last player selected, each pick will have a grade (and analysis in round one) by the time the player finishes shaking hands with Adam Silver or, if they’re a second round selection who spends the evening chilling out in the stands, deputy commissioner Mark Tatum.
(NOTE: This post will be updated all night as players are selected and picks are traded.)
First Round
1. Phoenix — Deandre Ayton, A
A potential franchise center for a team that could really use a big man. Ayton’s a monster who fills a major hole for the Suns, and even if he never reaches his copious amount of potential, his scoring and rebounding should translate to the NBA. Plus he’s a freak athlete who’s good for a highlight play every few games, which is a fun little bonus. His ceiling is as high as anyone in the draft, but he should be able to make an impact no matter what.
2. Sacramento — Marvin Bagley, B
Debate will exist around this pick, as the Kings passed on Luka Doncic to select Bagley. Still, Bagley is quite the prospect, an explosive big man who has received some comparisons to Chris Bosh. Figure out his position, hope his jumper develops, and get him to buy in on defense and Bagley could be a star.
3. Dallas (via Atlanta) — Luka Doncic, A+
Dallas swoops in and gets their man, who just happens to be our top player. Doncic was Europe’s best player this past season, and has a game that should translate well to the NBA. He’s so skilled, the type of player (and playmaker) who makes life easier for all the players around him, and he’s an ever-improving shooter. Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. are one hell of a core for the Mavericks to build around going forward.
4. Memphis — Jaren Jackson, B+
Jackson’s ceiling is incredibly high, a potential game-changer on defense who possesses the ability to stretch the floor on offense. He’s still a bit raw, and while the fit next to Marc Gasol is a little strange (and is why this grade isn’t an A), Jackson getting to spend some time learning from the Grizzlies’ big man on how to refine his game should only help.
5. Atlanta (via Dallas) — Trae Young, B-
On one hand, the concerns about Young’s size and defensive acumen are real. On the other, he’s a special shooter and playmaker, and for a Hawks team that was near the bottom of the league in adjusted offensive efficiency, Young fills a need. Plus Atlanta reportedly coveted him and was able to get a future first-round pick out of Dallas in their draft day trade, which is a plus.
6. Orlando — Mohamed Bamba, C+
This is a weird fit, even if Bamba oozes potential. He’s going to be a rim protector at the very least, and his rebounding should translate to the league. Bamba is still rather raw on offense, needs to bulk up, the team already has Nikola Vucevic and Bismack Biyombo, and the fit next to Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac in the frontcourt is one Orlando will need to figure out. If they can, good luck scoring on the Magic.
7. Chicago — Wendell Carter, B+
Carter’s ceiling might be the lowest of this class of big men, but his floor is the highest of everyone. It would be surprising if he’s a superstar, but Carter is a high IQ player who does just about everything well and is a great fit next to Lauri Markkanen. Despite his lack of athleticism, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he sticks around in the league for a long, long time.
8. Cleveland (from Brooklyn via Boston) — Collin Sexton, C
Sexton is a good basketball player whose speed, explosiveness, and competitiveness are traits any team would love. The issue is there are concerns about his ability to shoot, plus who knows if Sexton will even be here once the dust settles on what LeBron James’ future holds. Plus, James sticks around, would having a ball-dominant point guard who can’t stretch the floor yet on the roster help the Cavaliers win a title? Regardless, he’s a really good player whose hard-nosed style of play will endear himself to fans in Cleveland.
9. New York — Kevin Knox, C
Knox isn’t the best player available on our board but word broke earlier on Thursday that Knox was in New York’s sights and it came to fruition. He is a very intriguing combo forward prospect at 6’9 with a 7’0 wingspan, but Knox will need development from a skill standpoint in order to fulfill his destiny as a versatile, do-it-all player that could make life easier on Kristaps Porzingis in the future.
10. Phoenix (from Los Angeles Lakers via Phoenix via Philadelphia) — Mikal Bridges, B+
Bridges was selected by the Sixers, but has been sent to Phoenix for Zhaire Smith and a 2021 unprotected first-round pick. He’s not as good of a fit in Phoenix as he would be in Philadelphia, but his shooting alongside Devin Booker and his defense alongside Josh Jackson will be really fun to watch.
11. Los Angeles Clippers (from Charlotte) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, B+
The Clippers used two second round picks to climb one spot in the pecking order and they snag the final point guard in the top tier. Gilgeous-Alexander likely doesn’t have the pure offensive upside of Trae Young or the baseline competitiveness and fire of Collin Sexton, but he brings great size and length with a versatile game. Gilgeous-Alexander will need to mature and become more confident in his jump shot but, as a player that can play (and defend) multiple positions, the Clippers can use him in interesting fashion when building their roster.
12. Charlotte (from Detroit via Los Angeles Clippers) — Miles Bridges, A
Bridges is the best player available and the Hornets added two future assets, albeit minor ones, for the honor of trading back one slot. Charlotte is in a weird period from a roster building perspective but the Michigan State forward does virtually everything well and takes almost nothing off the table. He is the prototypical modern forward and a player that should well suited for the NBA game, especially on a floor with more space to let him athleticism and strength shine.
13. Los Angeles Clippers — Jerome Robinson, D
Robinson is a very intriguing offensive prospect who can create his own shot and bring value in that way. With that said, he is presently one of the worst defenders in the class and this feels like a significant reach. Just a few weeks ago, he was almost universally seen as a prospect set to be selected outside the top-20 and that would be a more fitting placement.
14. Denver — Michael Porter Jr., B+
Porter’s slide comes to an end in as intriguing of a situation as he could find himself in. He won’t have to do too terribly much right away in Denver, as the Nuggets have an established core that will let the team ease into the league, especially if he still needs to get his health in order or has to “redshirt” this year. His ceiling is crazy high, especially on the offensive end of the floor, so even if he doesn’t pan out for whatever reason, it’s worth swinging for the fences here.
15. Washington — Troy Brown, B
The Wizards are essentially in “best player available” mode with this selection and that is probably the right move. Brown does a number of things well and his basketball IQ really pops after emerging as a five-star point guard prospect at the high school level. His jump shot is a real question mark but Washington gets a well-rounded, high-floor player that is worthy of a mid-first round investment.
16. Philadelphia (from Miami via Phoenix) — Zhaire Smith, B+
The Sixers acquired this, along with an unprotected 2021 first round selection via Miami, for Mikal Bridges. Smith is an absolute freak athlete who could be a monster defender and rebounding guard as his career progresses. He’s very much a work in progress on offense, but the Sixers fell in love with his basketball IQ, athleticism, and defense. As he develops, Smith has the potential to be a major headache for the rest of the league.
17. Milwaukee — Donte DiVincenzo, C+
This is a slight reach for the Bucks in terms of overall value but it is a selection that also makes sense from a fit perspective. Milwaukee absolutely needs shooting and DiVincenzo brings it in an athletic package. In addition, he can initiate offense when asked to do so and has the tools to hold up defensively. There were better players available but it isn’t hard to see Milwaukee’s thinking.
18. San Antonio — Lonnie Walker, A+
This is a fantastic pick by the Spurs, as Walker was a player who could have gone in the lottery. He’s a great athlete whose projects to be, at worst, a 3-and-D wing with underrated creativity. Even if there are some medical red flags, if Gregg Popovich can get him to play up to his considerably talent at all times, this pick will be a steal. Add in that it looks like there might be a whole lot of playing time for a wing player in San Antonio soon and the fit is good for Walker, too.
19. Atlanta (from Minnesota) — Kevin Huerter, C+
The Hawks prioritized shooting on draft night, adding Young and Huerter. The issue is Huerter doesn’t bring much more outside of shooting and basketball IQ with a little playmaking, and the questions about Young’s abilities on the defensive side of the floor exist with Huerter, too. Still, if Atlanta gets into shootouts going forward, they might be tough to beat.
20. Minnesota (from Oklahoma City via Utah) — Josh Okogie, B
Tom Thibodeau loves defensive-minded prospects and Okogie has talent on that side of the ball. At 6’5 with a 7’0 wingspan, he can switch from 1 through 4 defensively and Okogie will fit nicely in a reduced role on the offensive end. He’s a supporting piece but one that makes a tremendous amount of sense with Minnesota’s roster construction.
21. Utah — Grayson Allen, B-
With Rodney Hood gone, Utah could use some shooting and offense on the perimeter. They get that with Allen, a guy who can score, shoot, and make plays on offense. His defense leaves some to be desired, but he’s a competitor and a good athlete on that side of the ball. The upside isn’t very high, and there’s certainly some controversy that comes with selecting Allen for his on-court incidents at Duke, but he’ll give them an offensive shot in the arm.
22. Chicago (from New Orleans) — Chandler Hutchison, B
Hutchison was a bit of a darling in draft circles, as his size and length are intriguing assets for any team. Plus he’s just a very Bulls pick, a veteran player who kept improving during his time in college. He needs to keep improving his perimeter game, but was a very good rebounder who is great at getting to the foul line and forcing turnovers.
23. Indiana — Aaron Holiday, A-
There’s another Holiday in the NBA, as Aaron joins Jrue and Justin in the Association. He’s not the biggest guy on earth — 6’1 and 185 pounds — but Holiday is just good at basketball. He has killer handles, can score from all over the floor, sets up his teammates, and leaves it all on the floor. For a Pacers team that needs an answer at point guard after Darren Collison’s contract is up next summer, Holiday is a fantastic backup plan.
24. Portland — Anfernee Simons, D
Simons is a gigantic question mark, which hurts his grade. Still, the former 5-star recruit is plenty talented and has the potential to be a dynamic offensive player. The issue is he’s very much a work in progress and didn’t play competitive basketball this past year, plus the Blazers have a pair of guards who can play on or off the ball already. The ceiling is high but the floor low.
25. Los Angeles Lakers (from Cleveland via Portland and Cleveland) — Moritz Wagner, C-
The Lakers have been linked to big men throughout the process and Wagner is the most talented offensive player remaining at the position. It is certainly a bit of a head-scratcher to see the Michigan product off the board before Robert Williams, though, and Wagner’s defensive profile is not overly encouraging. Perhaps the Lakers, with a potential infusion of talent, will be able to “hide” Wagner defensively but they are banking on his stretch ability and acumen offensively.
26. Philadelphia — Landry Shamet, B+
The Sixers needed a shooter after trading away Mikal Bridges and managed to get a great one in Shamet. The Wichita State product connected on 44.2 percent of his threes and 82.5 percent of his free throws, plus is a capable playmaker out on the perimeter. He’s not exactly an explosive athlete, but on a Sixers team that will include Ben Simmons, he will be afforded the luxury of chilling out behind the arc and punishing teams, which could be a major plus if Philadelphia loses J.J. Redick this summer.
27. Boston — Robert Williams, A
What a pick by the Celtics. Williams’ fall was surprising, and even though he has some serious question marks about his ability to put it all together, when he’s locked in, Big Bob is a monster. He isn’t much of a shooter, but Williams is a legitimate lottery talent with dynamic athleticism, freakish size, and the ability to raise hell at the rim on both ends of the floor. Brad Stevens is going to have a whole lot of fun with him … if he can get Williams to buy into what he’s selling in Boston.
28. Golden State — Jacob Evans, A
The Warriors did it again. While second-round heists (Jordan Bell and Pat McCaw) have been Golden State’s style recently, they do the same here with Jacob Evans. He is a perfect Warrior in that Evans is a two-player with an off-the-charts basketball IQ. He won’t blow anyone away in a workout but he can play on both ends and will give Golden State a playable piece immediately.
29. Brooklyn (from Toronto) — Dzanan Musa, B-
Musa is one heck of an offensive player. The 6’9, 19-year-old Cedevita Zagreb wing can score from all over the place, and has been viewed as a future NBA player since he was about 15. It remains to be seen if he’ll come over right away or down the line, but no matter when he comes stateside, he’ll have to add some bulk and work on becoming a better defender. At worst, he should be instant offense for the duration of his career.
30. Atlanta (from Houston via Los Angeles Clippers) — Omari Spellman, C-
The Hawks really want to hit the over in every game they play next year. Like Young and Huerter, Spellman is not much of a defender, but is a crafty offensive player who hit 43.3 percent of his attempts from downtown last year. He’ll fight on the boards and contest shots at the rim, but at 6’9, he is limited at both things. At any rate, Atlanta’s offense should be a delight going forward, which is … something.
Second Round
31. Phoenix — Elie Okobo, B+
32. Memphis — Jevon Carter, A-
33. Dallas (from Atlanta) — Jalen Brunson, A-
34. Charlotte (from Dallas via Atlanta) — Devonte Graham, B
35. Orlando — Melvin Frazier, C+
36. New York — Mitchell Robinson, B-
37. Portland (from Sacramento) — Gary Trent Jr., B-
38. Detroit (from Brooklyn via Philadelphia) — Khyri Thomas, A
39. Los Angeles Lakers (from New York via Philadelphia) — Isaac Bonga, C
40. Brooklyn (from Los Angeles Lakers via Orlando and Toronto) — Rodions Kurucs, C+
41. Denver (from Charlotte via Memphis, Phoenix, and Orlando) — Jarred Vanderbilt, B
42. Detroit — Bruce Brown, B+
43. Orlando (from Los Angeles Clippers via New York and Denver) — Justin Jackson, C+
44. Washington — Issuf Sanon, C
45. Brooklyn (from Milwaukee) — Hamidou Diallo, C
46. Houston (from Miami via Memphis) — De’Anthony Melton, A
47. Los Angeles Lakers (from Denver via Utah and Chicago) — Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, C-
48. Minnesota — Keita Bates-Diop, B+
49. San Antonio — Chimezie Metu, B
50. Indiana — Alize Johnson, C
51. New Orleans (from Chicago via New Orleans, Miami, and New Orleans) — Tony Carr, C+
52. Utah — Vincent Edwards, C-
53. Oklahoma City — Devon Hall, C-
54. Philadelphia (from Portland via Denver and Dallas) — Shake Milton, A
55. Charlotte (from Cleveland via Brooklyn and Philadelphia) — Arnoldas Kulboka, C
56. Dallas (from Philadelphia) — Ray Spalding, C-
57. Oklahoma City (from Boston) — Kevin Hervey, B-
58. Denver (from Golden State) — Thomas Welsh, D
59. Phoenix (from Toronto) — George King, C
60. Dallas (from Houston via Philadelphia) — Kostas Antetokounmpo, D
