Looking back at the 2018 NBA Draft feels like examining a time capsule of what-could-have-bees and missed opportunities. I've spent years analyzing draft classes, and this particular one continues to fascinate me because of how dramatically player values have shifted since that night in Brooklyn. If we were to redraft today with perfect hindsight, the entire first round would undergo a seismic transformation that would reshape multiple franchises' trajectories.
The most glaring change comes right at the top where Luka Dončić, who actually went third to Dallas, would unquestionably become the first overall pick. Having watched his development closely, I'm convinced he's the kind of generational talent you simply can't pass up - his rookie season numbers of 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6 assists per game were just the beginning of what's become an MVP-caliber career. Phoenix, who selected Deandre Ayton first originally, would likely kick themselves for missing on Dončić, though Ayton has developed into a solid starting center. The second pick becomes fascinating - while Trae Young has put up spectacular offensive numbers, I'd argue Jaren Jackson Jr.'s two-way impact might make him more valuable in a redraft scenario. His defensive versatility combined with efficient scoring makes him the perfect modern big man.
What strikes me about revisiting this draft is how many players developed differently than projected. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who went 11th to Charlotte before being traded to LA, would rocket into the top three after evolving into a legitimate superstar. His scoring explosion in Oklahoma City demonstrates why patient development matters. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr., who slipped to Denver at 14 due to health concerns, would likely go much higher given his championship contributions and efficient scoring when healthy. I've always believed teams overthink medical evaluations sometimes - Porter's talent was clearly top-five worthy.
The middle of the first round contains several fascinating reshuffles. Jalen Brunson, originally picked 33rd, would likely crack the top ten after becoming an All-Star caliber point guard. His playoff performances for New York demonstrate the value of players who elevate in big moments. Similarly, Anfernee Simons has developed into a dynamic scorer who'd see his stock rise substantially from his actual 24th selection. On the flip side, some highly-touted prospects like Mo Bamba and Kevin Knox would slide down the board significantly based on their actual NBA production compared to pre-draft expectations.
What's particularly interesting is examining how certain players found perfect situations despite being drafted later. The way Robles posted the third triple-double of the preseason tournament with 23 points, 15 digs and 10 receptions demonstrates how players can thrive when given the right opportunity and system. This principle applies directly to several 2018 draftees - Donte DiVincenzo looked like a rotation player in Milwaukee but has developed into a crucial starter with New York, while Gary Trent Jr. found his scoring rhythm better in Toronto than Portland. Sometimes it's not just about talent, but about finding the right organizational fit.
The re-draft exercise reveals patterns that should inform future draft decisions. Teams consistently undervalue international prospects - not just Dončić, but players like Rodions Kurucs showed flashes before his off-court issues. There's also the recurring theme of teams overvaluing athleticism over skill, which explains why players like Brunson and Gilgeous-Alexander slipped despite their obvious basketball IQ and skill development potential. Having studied draft trends for years, I'm convinced the most successful teams balance analytics with contextual evaluation rather than relying exclusively on either approach.
Late first-round and second-round gems would see their stocks rise dramatically in our revisionist scenario. Mitchell Robinson, originally 36th, would likely go in the late teens as one of the draft's best rim protectors. Bruce Brown, picked 42nd, would climb into the 20s after proving his versatility and championship value with Denver. These players represent the draft's hidden value - the kind that separates well-managed franchises from the rest. I've always argued that finding rotation players in the second round provides more value than hitting on a mediocre starter in the late first round due to contract considerations.
As I reflect on this redraft, it becomes clear that player development systems matter as much as draft position. The Miami Heat deserve credit for maximizing Duncan Robinson's potential as an undrafted free agent, while Denver's development of Michael Porter Jr. despite his injury concerns shows the value of organizational patience. Meanwhile, some teams with higher picks failed to develop their selections properly - the Cavaliers with Collin Sexton and the Magic with Mohamed Bamba come to mind as examples of mismanaged assets.
The 2018 redraft ultimately teaches us that conventional wisdom often misses the mark. The consensus top prospects frequently aren't the best players five years later, while players with specific flaws often overcome them in the right environment. If I were running an NBA team today, I'd place greater emphasis on work ethic and adaptability than perfect physical prototypes. The most successful players from this draft class largely share these traits, regardless of where they were originally selected. This exercise isn't just revisionist history - it's a valuable lesson in talent evaluation that should inform how we approach future drafts.
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