Looking back at the 2018 NBA draft class, I can't help but wonder how different things might look if teams had the chance to do it all over again. Having followed basketball professionally for over a decade, I've seen plenty of draft classes come and go, but this particular group continues to fascinate me with its mix of superstar talent and surprising disappointments. The 2018 draft was supposed to be Luka Dončić's grand entrance, yet he slipped to third overall—a decision that several teams likely regret today.
When I analyze redraft scenarios, I always start by considering both current production and future potential. Luka would undoubtedly go first in any do-over scenario—his immediate impact and sustained excellence make this perhaps the easiest decision in recent redraft history. The Slovenian sensation averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists last season, numbers that would make any general manager drool. Trae Young, despite his defensive limitations, would likely jump into the top three given his offensive wizardry and ability to single-handedly power an offense. What's particularly interesting to me is how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has transformed from a promising prospect into a legitimate superstar—I'd argue he's now a top-10 player league-wide, something nobody would have predicted on draft night.
The middle of the first round presents some fascinating what-ifs. Michael Porter Jr., despite his injury concerns, has shown he can be a championship-level secondary scorer when healthy. Jaren Jackson Jr.'s defensive prowess makes him incredibly valuable in today's pace-and-space NBA. But here's where my personal bias comes through—I've always been higher on Mikal Bridges than most analysts, and his two-way versatility would make him a lottery lock in any redraft scenario. His ability to guard multiple positions while providing efficient scoring reminds me of some of the most valuable role players from championship teams I've covered throughout my career.
What strikes me about this exercise is how dramatically player values have shifted based on development paths and organizational fits. Collin Sexton, originally picked eighth, might slide down several spots despite his scoring prowess, while players like Robert Williams—when healthy—would see their stock rise significantly due to their specialized skills fitting modern NBA needs. The volatility of player development never ceases to amaze me, and the 2018 class exemplifies why drafting remains more art than science.
The later picks tell an equally compelling story. Where would Jalen Brunson go now? Certainly higher than the 33rd overall selection where he originally landed. His playoff performances have demonstrated a clutch gene that's rare at any draft position. Similarly, Gary Trent Jr. has developed into a quality rotation player who would likely find himself going in the late first round rather than early second. These success stories highlight how player development systems can dramatically alter career trajectories—something I've witnessed firsthand while consulting with several NBA front offices.
In my professional assessment, the biggest riser might be SGA, but the most valuable later pick would unquestionably be Brunson. His leadership and playoff performance have transformed the Knicks franchise in ways that remind me of other late-draft steals like Manu Ginóbili or Draymond Green. Meanwhile, players like Marvin Bagley III and Mo Bamba serve as cautionary tales about prioritizing potential over proven production—a drafting philosophy I've always been skeptical of despite its popularity among some decision-makers.
The international flavor of this draft class deserves special mention. Beyond Dončić, we saw significant contributions from players like SGA (Canada) and Wagner (Germany), reinforcing the global nature of modern basketball talent evaluation. Having attended numerous international tournaments, I've noticed how European development systems often produce more fundamentally sound players, though they sometimes lack the athletic ceiling of their American counterparts.
As I reflect on this redraft exercise, it becomes clear that team context matters enormously. A player like Deandre Ayton might fare better in a redraft depending on which team is selecting—his skills might be more valued by certain franchises despite his limitations. Similarly, Miles Bridges' off-court issues would undoubtedly affect his draft position regardless of his on-court production. These human elements often get lost in pure talent evaluation but remain crucial to team-building decisions.
Ultimately, the 2018 redraft teaches us valuable lessons about patience in player development and the importance of organizational fit. While we can identify clear mistakes with hindsight, the reality is that player development isn't linear, and sometimes the difference between a bust and a star comes down to situation rather than pure talent. The class has produced multiple franchise cornerstones and several All-NBA talents, making it one of the stronger drafts of the past decade despite some high-profile misses. If there's one takeaway I'd emphasize from my years studying draft outcomes, it's that the most successful teams often prioritize basketball IQ and work ethic over raw physical tools—a lesson that several teams drafting in 2018 learned the hard way.
Indian Super League Live TodayCopyrights