Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

2018 NBA draft

The 2018 NBA Draft was the National Basketball Association's annual event in which the league's 30 teams selected eligible players, held on June 21, 2018, at in , , and consisting of 60 picks across two rounds. The draft order for the first 14 picks was determined by the on May 15, 2018, in , where the secured the No. 1 selection despite entering with a 25% chance, followed by the at No. 2 and the at No. 3. The used their top pick on center from the , widely regarded as the consensus top prospect for his athleticism and scoring ability around the rim. The followed by selecting from , a versatile big man known for his scoring and rebounding prowess. The third pick saw the Hawks select Slovenian guard Luka Dončić from Real Madrid of the EuroLeague, an 19-year-old international sensation who was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a deal involving the No. 5 pick and future assets, marking one of the draft's most prominent transactions. Subsequent notable selections included Jaren Jackson Jr. (Michigan State) at No. 4 by the Memphis Grizzlies, a mobile defensive big, and Trae Young (Oklahoma) at No. 5 by the Mavericks (acquired via trade), a sharpshooting point guard with elite playmaking skills. The draft featured a strong contingent of international talent, with players like Dončić and Croatian forward Dzanan Musa (No. 29, Brooklyn Nets) highlighting the league's growing global appeal. Several trades shaped the event, including the Hawks-Mavericks swap for Dončić and the Suns trading (No. 10 pick from Villanova) to the in exchange for (No. 16, Texas Tech) and future second-round picks, as well as the Charlotte Hornets trading (No. 11, ) to the . Overall, the 2018 draft class was anticipated for its depth in perimeter creators and defensive specialists, with the first round broadcast live on and the second round on .

Background

Eligibility and entrants

To participate in the 2018 NBA draft, players were required to meet specific age and experience criteria established by the league's agreement. All eligible players had to be at least 19 years old during the 2018 calendar year, meaning they were born on or before December 31, 1999, and at least removed from their high school class graduation. Players whose high school class had graduated three or more years prior were automatically eligible without further declaration. Underclassmen from U.S. colleges and international players not automatically eligible could enter the draft early by submitting a written declaration to the NBA by April 22, 2018. This process resulted in 181 early entrants from U.S. colleges and post-graduate programs, along with 55 early entrants, for a total of 236 candidates. Prominent college freshmen and sophomores in the list included from , from , from , and from , while key prospects featured from Real Madrid. Early entrants had opportunities to withdraw to preserve college eligibility, with deadlines of May 30, 2018, for NCAA players who had not signed with an , and June 11, 2018, for all others. Ultimately, 100 early entrants withdrew by the final deadline, reducing the pool significantly. Notable withdrawals included Kentucky's Kevin Knox and Miami's Bruce Brown, both of whom returned to school. In addition to early entrants who remained, the NBA provided teams with a list of 6 automatically eligible players, in addition to all U.S. seniors who had exhausted their NCAA eligibility and were thus automatically eligible, such as Bosnia's from Cedevita and Germany's from Fraport Skyliners.

Pre-draft trades

Pre-draft trades for the 2018 NBA draft included all transactions involving picks in that draft, occurring from the end of the 2017–18 season through June 20, 2018, prior to the official draft night on June 21. These deals, often part of larger player swaps or asset accumulations, reshaped the initial order established by regular-season records and the draft lottery on May 15, 2018, by transferring rights to future selections and introducing conditional protections based on final position. Protections such as top-X clauses ensured picks conveyed only if they fell outside specified ranges, otherwise rolling over to future drafts or converting to second-round picks, which added complexity to the pre-draft landscape. The draft determined the top-four positions, but subsequent resolutions of protections finalized ownership for the remaining picks based on playoff outcomes and standings. For instance, several teams retained their own selections due to protections triggering rollovers, while traded picks without protections or outside protected ranges transferred outright. This resulted in nine of the 30 first-round picks being held by teams other than the original rights holders entering draft night, creating opportunities for strategic positioning. Second-round picks saw even greater fluidity, with over 20 trades involving conditional swaps, often bundled in multi-team deals to balance salary or acquire depth. Key first-round trades that altered the selection order included:
  • The eighth pick, originally belonging to the Brooklyn Nets, was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers on August 22, 2017, as part of the deal sending Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Žižić, and the unprotected Nets pick (which Boston had obtained from the Nets in the 2013 Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett trade). Since the pick fell at No. 8, it conveyed unprotected to Cleveland.
  • The tenth pick, the Los Angeles Lakers' selection, went to the Philadelphia 76ers via the Phoenix Suns under protections from the 2012 Steve Nash trade and conveyed in a February 19, 2015, three-team trade involving Michael Carter-Williams; it fell outside the top 3 after the lottery, triggering the transfer.
  • The twelfth pick, from the Detroit Pistons, transferred to the Los Angeles Clippers via the January 29, 2018, trade for Blake Griffin, with top-four protection; it fell outside that range post-lottery, so it conveyed to the Clippers.
  • The sixteenth pick, the Miami Heat's selection, was sent to the Phoenix Suns as part of the February 18, 2015, trade for Goran Dragić, unprotected after failing to trigger the top-seven protection. The Heat's playoff miss and No. 16 position finalized the transfer.
  • The nineteenth pick, owned by the Minnesota Timberwolves, went to the Atlanta Hawks through a February 23, 2018, multi-team deal involving Jimmy Butler, with lottery protection; the No. 19 slot (post-playoffs) fell outside the lottery, so it conveyed.
  • The twentieth pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder's, transferred to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the same February 23, 2018, Butler trade, lottery-protected; Thunder's No. 20 position (after playoffs) allowed conveyance.
  • The twenty-second pick, from the New Orleans Pelicans, was acquired by the Chicago Bulls via a June 21, 2017, trade for Nikola Mirotić, top-five protected (rolling to top-eight in 2019 if not conveyed); the No. 22 slot triggered the transfer.
  • The twenty-fifth pick, the Cleveland Cavaliers' own, went to the Los Angeles Lakers under the August 22, 2017, Irving trade (top-three protected); the No. 25 position outside protection conveyed it outright.
  • The thirtieth pick, the Houston Rockets' selection, transferred to the Atlanta Hawks from a December 7, 2017, trade for Carmelo Anthony, top-three protected; the No. 30 slot allowed conveyance.
Other notable first-round trades did not result in ownership changes for 2018 due to protections triggering rollovers, such as the ' pick (top-10 and 17–30 protected, sent to only if 11–16; it landed at No. 17, so Bucks retained) from an October 20, 2016, deal for , and the ' pick (lottery-protected, rolled to 2019) traded to the Nets on July 8, 2017, for .
PickOriginal TeamPre-Draft OwnerKey Trade Details
8Unprotected; acquired August 22, 2017, via in deal.
10Top-3 protected (rolled from 2017); from February 19, 2015, three-team MCW trade via Suns from 2012 Nash deal.
12Top-4 protected; from January 29, 2018, trade.
16Top-7 protected; from February 18, 2015, deal.
19Lottery-protected; from February 23, 2018, trade.
20Lottery-protected; from February 23, 2018, trade.
22Top-5 protected; from June 21, 2017, trade.
25Top-3 protected; from August 22, 2017, deal.
30Top-3 protected; from December 7, 2017, trade.
In the second round, trades proliferated, with at least 20 picks involved in swaps, often with intricate protections and multi-team contingencies to facilitate roster building. Examples include the ' pick (top-55 protected) traded to the on September 25, 2015, for a 2017 pick swap; the ' pick swapped between the and based on favoritism clauses from a July 10, 2014, deal; and the Charlotte Hornets' pick distributed among the , , and via a , 2016, for . These transactions, while less impactful on headlining selections, enabled teams to target role players and added layers of strategy through protections like 31–47 ranges or step-up obligations in future years. The cumulative effect of these pre-draft maneuvers set a fragmented yet calculated stage for the draft, with teams like the and benefiting from multiple acquired assets to rebuild.

Pre-Draft Events

NBA Draft Combine

The 2018 NBA Draft Combine took place from May 16 to 20 at the Quest Multisport Complex in , , serving as a key pre-draft scouting event for NBA teams. A total of 69 prospects received invitations, predominantly consisting of college players with a handful of international and prep school participants, allowing teams to evaluate a broad pool of eligible entrants. The event featured a structured schedule over five days, including orientation, testing, interviews, and competitive play, broadcast in part on for the first two days of on-court activities. Prospects underwent a series of standardized evaluations designed to assess physical attributes, athleticism, skills, and medical fitness. Anthropometric measurements captured baseline physical data, such as height (with and without shoes), , standing reach, and , providing insights into positional fit and biomechanical advantages. Athletic testing followed, encompassing standing and maximum vertical jumps, repetitions, lane agility time, and three-quarter court sprint speed, which highlighted explosive power and quickness— for instance, Moritz Wagner of recorded a maximum vertical leap of 34 inches, bolstering his case as a mobile big man. Medical examinations and team interviews rounded out the non-competitive portions, enabling direct assessments of health history and , while 5-on-5 scrimmages on May 17 and 18 simulated game scenarios to gauge IQ and competitive drive. Notable absences included high-profile international prospect of Real Madrid, who opted out due to ongoing professional commitments in , limiting his exposure to U.S.-based evaluations. The combine's outcomes influenced prospect rankings, with strong showings in interviews and testing elevating certain players; of Michigan State, for example, impressed scouts through articulate discussions on his defensive versatility and work ethic, contributing to his rise in subsequent mock drafts. Overall, the event supplied NBA front offices with critical data to refine their draft boards, emphasizing how performances could shift perceptions ahead of the June draft.

Draft lottery

The 2018 NBA draft lottery was held on May 15, 2018, at the Palmer House Hilton in , , and televised live on from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. The event determined the order of the first 14 picks among the 14 teams that failed to qualify for the , with selection probabilities assigned based on the reverse order of each team's regular-season winning percentage. The entered with the highest odds at 25% for the No. 1 pick due to their league-worst 21–61 record, followed by the at 19.9% (22–60 record), the at 13.8% (24–58), and the at 13.7% (also 24–58). Several of these lottery positions were subject to pre-draft trades, meaning the rights to certain picks were owed to other franchises. The lottery process involved a traditional ping-pong ball drawing conducted in a secure room separate from the televised event, using a machine that mixed 14 numbered balls (1 through 14) and selected four in sequence to form a four-digit out of 1,001 possible outcomes. These drawings determined the order for picks 1 through 4, with the remaining picks 5 through 14 assigned by reverse order of regular-season records among the non-playoff teams. The Suns retained the No. 1 pick as expected given their odds, but the dramatically jumped from the sixth-worst record (27–55, 5.8% odds for No. 1) to secure No. 2, while the Hawks moved up from fourth-worst to No. 3. The Grizzlies fell to No. 4 despite entering as the second-favorites.
PickTeamPre-Lottery Odds Rank (Record)
11st (21–61)
26th (27–55)
34th (24–58)
42nd (22–60)
53rd (24–58)
65th (25–57)
77th (27–55)
8Cleveland Cavaliers (from )8th (28–54)
99th (29–53)
10Philadelphia 76ers (from )10th (35–47)
11Charlotte Hornets11th (36–46)
12 (from )12th (39–43)
1313th (42–40)
1414th (46–36)
*Positions 5–14 set by record after top-4 drawings; traded picks noted with original owner's pre-lottery rank and record. This marked the final use of the NBA's pre- , which heavily favored the worst teams with progressively weighted and limited the potential for significant jumps by lower-ranked participants; starting in , the system was reformed to flatten across the bottom teams to discourage tanking. The unexpected outcomes, particularly the ' leap and the Suns landing the top pick despite widespread scrutiny of their poor performance, reignited debates over tanking practices, with critics accusing teams like the Suns and of strategically losing games to enhance chances amid a league-wide issue that prompted Silver's earlier warnings and fines. The Suns' No. 1 selection provided a major boost to their rebuilding efforts, allowing them to target a franchise cornerstone in the upcoming draft.

Draft Event

Invited attendees

The NBA extended invitations to 20 top prospects for the green room at the 2018 NBA Draft, held on June 21 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. These selections were based on projections from scouting reports, mock drafts, and evaluations indicating likely lottery status, with the league aiming to feature players expected among the top picks. The invitees consisted primarily of college standouts, along with international prospect Luka Dončić of Real Madrid, who traveled to New York after his team's league championship. Key attendees included Deandre Ayton from Arizona, Marvin Bagley III from Duke, Jaren Jackson Jr. from Michigan State, Mo Bamba from Texas, Wendell Carter Jr. from Duke, Collin Sexton from Alabama, Trae Young from Oklahoma, Kevin Knox from Kentucky, and Michael Porter Jr. from Missouri. The full group also featured Mikal Bridges (Villanova), Miles Bridges (Michigan State), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Kentucky), Donte DiVincenzo (Villanova), Aaron Holiday (UCLA), Chandler Hutchison (Boise State), Jerome Robinson (Boston College), Zhaire Smith (Texas Tech), Lonnie Walker IV (Miami), and Robert Williams (Texas A&M). In the green room, a VIP waiting area adjacent to the stage, the prospects gathered with family and agents, anticipating their names being called by NBA Commissioner . The atmosphere was charged with tension, marked by emotional hugs, cheers, and visible nerves as selections unfolded; notable moments included on-stage trades, such as the immediate swap of Dončić (third overall by ) and Young (fifth overall by ), which Silver announced to the crowd. Of the 20 invitees, 10 were chosen in the top 10 picks, underscoring the accuracy of pre-draft projections influenced by the recent draft lottery outcomes. Exceptions included Michael Porter Jr., whose draft stock slipped to No. 14 (to ) amid concerns over a chronic back injury that limited his freshman season.

First-round selections

The first round of the 2018 NBA Draft took place on June 21, 2018, at in , , beginning at 8:00 p.m. EDT and broadcast on . The round consisted of 30 picks, reflecting pre-draft trades that reshaped several selections, with multiple deals finalized and announced during the event. The selected , a 7-foot-1 center from the with Bahamian heritage, as the No. 1 overall pick; Ayton had averaged 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game as a freshman, earning consensus All-American honors. The followed with , a from who led the nation in rebounding at 11.1 per game during his freshman season. A pivotal moment came at No. 3, when the chose , a 6-foot-7 Slovenian /forward from Real Madrid who had been named at age 19 after averaging 14.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in the Spanish ACB League; the Hawks immediately traded Dončić's rights to the in exchange for the No. 5 pick ( from ), a protected 2019 first-round pick, and the Mavericks' 2018 second-round pick (No. 45). This swap, one of the draft's most discussed on-stage announcements, sent Young—a who led the nation with 27.4 points and 9.2 assists per game at —to Atlanta. Subsequent selections included several other trades, such as the drafting (No. 10) and trading him to the Suns for (No. 16) and a 2021 first-round pick, and the Hornets selecting (No. 11) before trading him to the for the No. 12 pick (). These moves highlighted the fluid nature of the draft, with teams prioritizing immediate fit and future assets. The round concluded with the selecting from Villanova at No. 30.
PickSelecting TeamPlayerPositionCollege/CountryNotes
1Phoenix SunsDeandre AytonCArizona (USA)Bahamian heritage; consensus All-American
2Sacramento KingsMarvin Bagley IIIPFDuke (USA)National rebounding leader as freshman
3Atlanta HawksLuka DončićSG/SFReal Madrid (Slovenia)Traded to Dallas Mavericks for No. 5 pick, 2019 protected first-round pick, and 2018 second-round pick (No. 45)
4Memphis GrizzliesJaren Jackson Jr.PF/CMichigan State (USA)Defensive specialist; Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
5Dallas MavericksTrae YoungPGOklahoma (USA)Traded to Atlanta Hawks as part of No. 3 pick deal
6Orlando MagicMo BambaCTexas (USA)Blocked 8.2 shots per 40 minutes as freshman
7Chicago BullsWendell Carter Jr.CDuke (USA)All-ACC Second Team
8Cleveland CavaliersCollin SextonPGAlabama (USA)SEC Freshman of the Year
9New York KnicksKevin KnoxSFKentucky (USA)Led Kentucky in scoring at 14.8 ppg
10Philadelphia 76ersMikal BridgesSFVillanova (USA)Traded to Phoenix Suns for No. 16 pick and 2021 first-round pick
11Charlotte HornetsShai Gilgeous-AlexanderPG/SGKentucky (USA)Traded to Los Angeles Clippers for No. 12 pick
12Los Angeles ClippersMiles BridgesSFMichigan State (USA)Acquired from Charlotte Hornets via No. 11 pick trade
13Los Angeles ClippersJerome RobinsonSGBoston College (USA)ACC Most Improved Player
14Denver NuggetsMichael Porter Jr.SFMissouri (USA)Injury-limited freshman season; pre-draft back surgery
15Washington WizardsTroy Brown Jr.SG/SFOregon (USA)Pac-12 All-Freshman Team
16Phoenix SunsZhaire SmithSG/SFTexas Tech (USA)Traded to Philadelphia 76ers as part of No. 10 pick deal; played only 13 NBA games due to health issues
17Milwaukee BucksDonte DiVincenzoSGVillanova (USA)Most Outstanding Player of 2018 NCAA Final Four
18San Antonio SpursLonnie Walker IVSGMiami (FL) (USA)ACC All-Freshman Team
19Atlanta HawksKevin HuerterSG/SFMaryland (USA)Led Big Ten in three-point percentage (42.7%)
20Minnesota TimberwolvesJosh OkogieSFGeorgia Tech (USA)Nigerian heritage; ACC All-Freshman Team
21Utah JazzGrayson AllenSGDuke (USA)ACC Player of the Year
22Chicago Bulls (from New Orleans Pelicans)Chandler HutchisonSFBoise State (USA)Mountain West Player of the Year
23Indiana PacersAaron HolidayPGUCLA (USA)Pac-12 All-Defensive Team
24Portland Trail BlazersAnfernee SimonsPGIMG Academy (USA)No college; 2015 FIBA Under-17 World Championship MVP
25Los Angeles LakersMoritz WagnerPF/CMichigan (USA)German heritage; Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year
26Philadelphia 76ersLandry ShametPG/SGWichita State (USA)MVC Freshman of the Year
27Boston Celtics (from Brooklyn Nets via multiple trades)Robert Williams IIIPF/CTexas A&M (USA)SEC Defensive Player of the Year
28Golden State WarriorsJacob Evans IIISGCincinnati (USA)American Athletic All-Defensive Team; played 59 NBA games
29Brooklyn NetsDžanan MusaSFCedevita Zagreb (Bosnia and Herzegovina)Adriatic League MVP; played 49 NBA games
30Atlanta Hawks (from Oklahoma City Thunder via Philadelphia)Omari SpellmanPFVillanova (USA)Big East Sixth Man of the Year; played 95 NBA games

Second-round trades and selections

The second round of the 2018 NBA draft commenced after a 35-minute intermission following the first round, spanning picks 31 through 60 as teams negotiated aggressively on the clock to secure desired prospects or future considerations. This phase was defined by its rapid pace and elevated activity, with multiple deals reshaping order and highlighting teams' willingness to swap picks for strategic flexibility. Overall, draft night featured 10 trades, several of which involved second-round assets, underscoring the round's role in facilitating roster maneuvers. Key selections included the drafting point guard from at No. 31, the selecting point guard from at No. 32, and the choosing point guard from Villanova at No. 33. The picked center (no college affiliation) at No. 36. At No. 34, the selected point guard from before trading his rights to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for the Hornets' 2019 and 2023 second-round picks. The acquired the No. 37 pick from the , using it on shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. from , in return for the more favorable of the ' or ' 2019 second-round pick, the Miami Heat's 2021 second-round pick, and $1.5 million in cash. Additional notable trades featured the obtaining the No. 38 pick (shooting guard Khyri Thomas from Creighton) from the for the Pistons' 2021 and 2023 second-round picks. The swapped with the to get the No. 41 pick (small forward Jarred Vanderbilt from ), sending back the No. 43 pick (small forward Justin Jackson from ) and the less favorable of the Nuggets' or ' 2019 second-round pick. The received the No. 45 pick (shooting guard Hamidou Diallo from ) from the for a 2019 second-round pick and cash. The purchased the No. 52 pick (small forward Vince Edwards from Purdue) from the for $1.5 million in cash. These transactions exemplified the round's fluidity, with over a dozen deals reported across draft night, including multi-team elements. Many trades carried stipulations such as protected future picks or cash payments to mitigate risk, as seen in the Nuggets-Magic swap's conditional 2019 selection and the cash-inclusive deals for Nos. 37, 45, and 52. Some second-round picks traced back to pre-draft agreements, adding layers to teams' planning.
PickTeam (post-trade)PlayerPositionCollege/CountryTrade Notes
31Elie OkoboPGNone
32PGNone
33PGVillanovaNone
34Charlotte HornetsPGAcquired from Atlanta for 2019, 2023 2nds
35Melvin FrazierSFTulaneNone
36CUSA (no college)None
37Gary Trent Jr.SGAcquired from Sacramento for future 2nds + cash
38SGCreightonAcquired from Philadelphia for 2021, 2023 2nds
39SFNone
40PFNone
41SFAcquired from Orlando for No. 43 + future 2nd
42Bruce BrownSGMiami (FL)None
43Justin JacksonSFMarylandAcquired from Denver
44PGUkraineNone
45SGAcquired from Brooklyn for 2019 2nd + cash
46PGUSCNone
47Svi MykhailiukSGNone
48SFOhio StateNone
49PFUSCNone
50PFMissouri StateNone
51PGPenn StateNone
52SFPurdueAcquired from Utah for $1.5M cash
53SGVirginiaNone
54PGSMUNone
55Charlotte HornetsSFLithuaniaNone
56PFLouisvilleNone
57SFUT ArlingtonNone
58Thomas WelshCUCLANone
59George KingSFColoradoNone
60PFDaytonNone
This table captures the final destinations after draft-night trades, based on verified selections.

Aftermath

Notable undrafted players

In the 2018 NBA draft, 60 players were selected from a pool that included 181 early entry candidates and numerous seniors eligible to declare. Following the draft's conclusion on June 21, 2018, an immediate frenzy ensued as teams signed undrafted free agents to invites via Exhibit 10 contracts or two-way deals, prioritizing versatile shooters, athletic wings, and big men with upside. Teams such as the and were particularly active, securing multiple prospects who later contributed meaningfully to their rosters. This process highlighted the draft's limitations, as overlooked talents often proved valuable through summer league performances and preseason opportunities. Among the most prominent undrafted success stories was , a from , who initially signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the before joining their G League affiliate, the , for the 2018–19 season. He then inked a with the in 2019, where he earned a standard NBA deal and exploded as a , averaging 15.3 and winning the NBA of the Year Award in 2020. Injuries, including a torn ACL in 2021, sidelined him for multiple seasons, but by 2025, Nunn had revitalized his career overseas with Panathinaikos in , averaging 14.2 in the while occasionally drawing NBA interest. Duncan Robinson, a sharpshooting forward from the , signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the immediately after the and converted it to a two-way deal. Over the next seven seasons with the through 2025, he evolved into one of the league's elite three-point specialists, shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc on high volume and playing a key role in their run and multiple playoff appearances. By 2025, Robinson had amassed over 400 regular-season games, underscoring his transformation from overlooked prospect to cornerstone rotation player. Other notable undrafted players included Yuta Watanabe, a forward from George Washington University, who signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies and became the second Japanese-born player to appear in an NBA game. Watanabe played for five teams through 2025, including stints with the Nets and Suns, and by November 2025 was with the Grizzlies again, logging over 200 games as a defensive specialist and 38.1% three-point shooter. Jock Landale, a center from Saint Mary's College, joined the Atlanta Hawks on a Summer League deal before playing in Europe; he debuted in the NBA with the Hawks in 2021 and by 2025 had secured a starting role with the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 10.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in 24.3 minutes per game during the 2024–25 season. Kenrich Williams, a wing from TCU, signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder on an Exhibit 10 and developed into a reliable defender, appearing in over 300 games across seven seasons by 2025 while contributing to the Thunder's Western Conference contention. Success for undrafted players from the 2018 class remained rare, with only about a dozen accumulating 100 or more NBA games by 2025, a testament to the challenges of breaking into the league without draft security. These individuals exemplified how post-draft and could impactful careers outside the formal selection .

Legacy and

The 2018 NBA draft class has emerged as one of the deepest and most talented in modern league history, with 58 of the 60 selected players appearing in at least one NBA game. This high participation rate underscores the class's overall quality, producing multiple perennial All-Stars, winners, and key contributors across contending teams by 2025. The group's collective is evident in its accumulated , totaling approximately 614.5 through the 2024-25 season, placing it among the top-performing drafts of the past three decades. Standout performers have defined the class's success. Luka Dončić, selected third overall by the Atlanta Hawks and immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks (later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025), has become a four-time All-Star and NBA MVP runner-up in 2024, anchoring playoff runs with both teams with his versatile scoring and playmaking. Trae Young, acquired by the Hawks in that same trade and now a four-time All-Star including a 2025 injury replacement selection, leads the league in assists for the 2024-25 season while serving as Atlanta's offensive engine. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 11th pick by the Charlotte Hornets and traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, has earned three All-Star nods, the 2024-25 scoring title at 32.7 points per game, and the NBA MVP award, culminating in a 2025 championship and Finals MVP with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership guided the Thunder to the 2025 NBA championship, earning Finals MVP honors. Jaren Jackson Jr., drafted fourth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, won the 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year award and became a 2023 All-Star, bolstering the Grizzlies' frontcourt defense. Other notables include Mikal Bridges, a 10th-overall pick who has evolved into a premier two-way wing for the New York Knicks after key trades. The draft featured notable controversies that have prompted reevaluations over time. The Hawks' draft-night trade sending Dončić to for Young and a future pick has been widely criticized as a missed opportunity for to secure a generational talent, given Dončić's superior accolades and the Hawks' lack of deep playoff success despite Young's individual brilliance. The selection of second overall by the , ahead of more defensively oriented bigs, backfired due to Bagley's chronic injuries limiting him to inconsistent production, contrasting with De'Andre Ayton's solid but non-elite career as the No. 1 pick for the , where he averaged double-doubles but fell short of superstar expectations. Similarly, , taken 14th by the , endured multiple back surgeries and injuries that delayed his debut and hampered early impact, though he later contributed to the 2023 championship as a high-volume scorer before further health setbacks in 2025. Beyond individual stars, the class has profoundly shaped NBA contention. Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership propelled the Thunder to their first title since , while Jackson's defensive prowess helped reach multiple Western Conference semifinals. By 2025, the group's numerous appearances (over a dozen as of 2025) and major awards position it as a top-five draft historically in and talent depth, often compared favorably to the star-studded 2003 and 1996 classes for its blend of elite guards and versatile bigs, though it lacks the same number of Hall of Fame locks.

References

  1. [1]
    2018 NBA Draft Lottery Results | NBA.com
    May 15, 2018 · 2018 NBA Draft Lottery Results: Phoenix Suns win No. 1 pick, followed by Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks.
  2. [2]
    2018 NBA Draft - Basketball-Reference.com
    NBA Draft. Date: Thursday, June 21, 2018 ; Location: Brooklyn, New York ; Number of Picks: 60 (57 played in NBA) ; First Overall Pick: Deandre Ayton (38.2 ...2019 · Charlotte Hornets Draft Picks · 2017 · Marvin Bagley III
  3. [3]
    Pick-by-pick analysis - 2018 NBA Draft | Chicago Bulls
    Jun 21, 2018 · #01. DeAndre Ayton, Arizona Phoenix:DeAndre Ayton. Drama, intrigue, excitement. Is it time for Phoenix to become Ayton Place? He's considered a potential core ...
  4. [4]
    Report: NBA Memo Says One-and-Done Rule May Be Gone by 2021
    Jun 15, 2018 · Under the one-and-done rule, which started in 2005, players must be out of high school for a year or be 19 to be eligible for the draft.<|separator|>
  5. [5]
    A guide to the NBA Draft - Sports Shorts
    May 22, 2018 · The starting point when considering eligibility is that a player must be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the Draft and, if not ...
  6. [6]
    NBA announces 236 early entry candidates for 2018 NBA Draft
    Apr 24, 2018 · Players wishing to enter the 2018 NBA Draft were required to submit a letter to the NBA to be received no later than Sunday, April 22. Players ...Missing: criteria | Show results with:criteria
  7. [7]
    NBA draft: Every player who has declared early for 2018 - ESPN
    Apr 24, 2018 · The NBA released to teams the list of 236 players who have filed as early entry candidates for the 2018 NBA draft, including 181 players from colleges and 55 ...
  8. [8]
    One hundred early entry candidates withdraw from 2018 NBA Draft ...
    Jun 1, 2018 · One hundred players have notified the NBA that they wish to be removed from the list of “early entry” players eligible for selection in the 2018 NBA Draft.
  9. [9]
    2018 NBA Draft Early Entry Withdrawals - NBADraft.net
    Jun 13, 2018 · Today the NBA released the 12 international players that remained and 43 that withdrew from this year's draft. International Entries. LiAngelo ...
  10. [10]
    2018 NBA Draft Early Entrant & Withdrawal List - RealGM
    U.S. college players who have withdrawn from the 2018 NBA Draft ; Malik Martin, PF, 6-11 ; Zane Martin, SG, 6-4 ; Charles Matthews, SG, 6-6 ; Luke Maye, PF, 6-8 ...
  11. [11]
    Traded First Round Picks For 2018 NBA Draft
    ### Traded 2018 First-Round Picks
  12. [12]
    2018 NBA Draft order, date, time: Where each team is slated pick on ...
    Jun 21, 2018 · 2018 NBA Draft order ; 1. Phoenix Suns. 1 ; 2. Sacramento Kings. 7 ; 3. Atlanta Hawks. 4 ; 4. Memphis Grizzlies. 2.
  13. [13]
    Five Traded 2018 Draft Picks With Protections To Watch
    Apr 2, 2018 · Pistons' first-round pick (to Clippers; top-4 protection) · Bucks' first-round pick (to Suns; top-10 protection and 17-30 protection).
  14. [14]
    Cavaliers send Kyrie Irving to Celtics in deal including Isaiah ... - ESPN
    Aug 22, 2017 · The Celtics have acquired Kyrie Irving from the Cavaliers for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn's 2018 unprotected ...
  15. [15]
    Traded Second Round Picks For 2018 NBA Draft - Hoops Rumors
    Aug 15, 2017 · If sent to Nets, Bucks' obligation to Suns is extinguished; if sent to Suns, Bucks will send unprotected 2020 second-round pick to Nets.
  16. [16]
    League announces 69 players expected to attend 2018 NBA Draft ...
    May 7, 2018 · League announces 69 players expected to attend 2018 NBA Draft Combine. Official release. May 7, 2018 12:39 PM.
  17. [17]
    NBA Combine 2018: List of Participants, Schedule and Players to ...
    May 9, 2018 · Location: Quest Multisport in Chicago. TV Coverage: Thursday, May 17, and Friday, May 18, from 3-7 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Combine Workload ...
  18. [18]
    Draft Combine Anthrometric | Stats | NBA.com
    Draft Combine Anthro, Draft Combine Strength & Agility, Draft Combine Shooting Drills, Draft Combine Non-Stationary Shooting, Draft Combine Spot Up Shooting.
  19. [19]
    NBA draft combine: Who can help or hurt their stock the most? - ESPN
    May 16, 2018 · A number of intriguing prospects enter the combine retaining their college eligibility, and they'll have until May 30 to decide whether to ...Missing: invitees | Show results with:invitees
  20. [20]
    The complete list of 2018 NBA Draft Combine participants
    May 8, 2018 · Be on the lookout for guys like Zhaire Smith (Texas Tech), Jacob Evans (Cincinnati), Khyri Thomas (Creighton), Chandler Hutchison (Boise State), ...
  21. [21]
    NBA draft prospect says team made him recreate the 'Wolf of Wall ...
    May 17, 2018 · Projected top-5 pick Jaren Jackson Jr. joined ESPN's NBA combine coverage on Thursday, and he revealed the most surprising part of the pre-draft experience.
  22. [22]
    NBA Combine buzz: Luka Doncic the talk without even being there ...
    May 22, 2018 · He had a good set of measurements at 6-4 with a 7-0 wingspan, had the highest vertical leap at 42 inches, was top-five in shuttle run time and ...
  23. [23]
    ESPN To Televise 2018 NBA Draft Lottery In Chicago May 15
    May 14, 2018 · ESPN will televise the NBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm on Tuesday, May 15 from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm ET in Chicago, Ill.Missing: process ping pong balls tanking
  24. [24]
    2018 NBA Draft Lottery odds, standings: Suns, Grizzlies, Mavericks ...
    May 15, 2018 · Final 2018 lottery standings and odds: 1. Phoenix Suns (21-61): Chance for No. 1 overall pick: 25 percent. Chance for top-three pick: 64.2 percent.
  25. [25]
    Inside the tense and wacky NBA draft lottery room - ESPN
    May 16, 2018 · It is also a human man plucking a ping-pong ball from a tube, and handing that ball to another human man who recites the number adorned on the ...Missing: process | Show results with:process
  26. [26]
    NBA draft 2018: First round pick order - Sports Illustrated
    May 15, 2018 · Phoenix Suns (21–61) · Sacramento Kings (27–55) · Atlanta Hawks (24–58) · Memphis Grizzlies (22–60) · Dallas Mavericks (24–58) · Orlando Magic (25–57) ...
  27. [27]
    2018 NBA draft lottery: Suns, Kings, Hawks land top three picks
    May 15, 2018 · The NBA will implement new odds beginning in 2019 with the three worst teams each given a 14% chance at landing the No. 1 pick.Missing: controversy | Show results with:controversy
  28. [28]
    2018 NBA Draft Lottery: Winners and Losers - Sports Illustrated
    May 15, 2018 · The tanking issue has been a hot-button topic for years, and the NBA is moving to adjust its lottery odds for next year's draft to try to slow ...Missing: controversy | Show results with:controversy
  29. [29]
    NBA Draft Lottery 2018: Results, Full Draft Order, Odds And ... - Forbes
    May 15, 2018 · NBA Draft Lottery 2018: Results, Full Draft Order, Odds And Predictions After Suns Win Top Pick ; 21, Utah Jazz ; 22, Chicago Bulls (via Pelicans).Missing: process | Show results with:process
  30. [30]
    Luka Doncic seals up title with Real Madrid, set to head to New York ...
    Jun 19, 2018 · Luka Doncic will leave for New York on Wednesday, and he will be one of 20 players sitting in the green room come NBA draft night at Barclays
  31. [31]
    2018 Green Room Invites - The Draft Review
    2018 Green Room Invites ; Deandre Ayton, Arizona, 1 ; Marvin Bagley III, Duke, 1 ; Mohamed Bamba, Texas, 1 ; Mikal Bridges, Villanova, 1 ...
  32. [32]
    NBA announces Green Room invites for Draft - Zagsblog
    Jun 19, 2018 · The group includes two players apiece from Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State and Villanova. Miles Bridges (Michigan State). Mikal Bridges ( ...Missing: list | Show results with:list
  33. [33]
    Atlanta Hawks send Luka Doncic to Dallas Mavericks for Trae ... - NBA
    Jun 21, 2018 · Dallas moved up two spots in the NBA draft Thursday night to get Slovenian guard Luka Doncic, who was selected by Atlanta at No. 3 while the ...
  34. [34]
    Luka Doncic headed to Mavs, Trae Young to Hawks after teams ...
    Jun 22, 2018 · The Mavericks acquired the draft rights to Luka Doncic after the Hawks selected the European star with the third overall pick in Thursday night's NBA draft.Missing: pre- | Show results with:pre-
  35. [35]
    Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III Headline 2018 NBA Draft Green ...
    Jun 16, 2018 · Arizona's Deandre Ayton · Duke's Marvin Bagley III · Michigan State's Jaren Jackson Jr. · Texas' Mohamed Bamba · Alabama's Collin Sexton · Oklahoma's ...
  36. [36]
    Recap Of 2018 NBA Draft-Day Trades | Hoops Rumors
    Jun 22, 2018 · Mavericks acquire the draft rights to Luka Doncic (No. 3 pick). · Hawks acquire the draft rights to Trae Young (No. 5 pick) and the Mavericks' ...
  37. [37]
  38. [38]
  39. [39]
  40. [40]
  41. [41]
  42. [42]
  43. [43]
    Kendrick Nunn Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
    Kendrick Melvin Nunn · Instagram: nunnbetter_ ; Position: Shooting Guard and Point Guard ▫ Shoots: Left ; Born: August 3, 1995 in Chicago, Illinois us ; Colleges: ...
  44. [44]
    Yuta Watanabe Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
    Checkout the latest stats of Yuta Watanabe. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, draft status, shoots, school and more on ...
  45. [45]
    Jock Landale Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
    Checkout the latest stats of Jock Landale. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, draft status, shoots, school and more on ...
  46. [46]
    How Many All Stars Does Luka Have - StatMuse
    Luka Dončić has been selected for the All-Star team 5 times in his career. ; 7. Luka Dončić L. Dončić. 0. 2024-25 ; 8. Luka Dončić L. Dončić. 0. 2025-26.
  47. [47]
    Trae Young Named 2025 NBA All-Star | Atlanta Hawks
    Feb 10, 2025 · Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young has been named as an injury replacement on Team Chuck in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, the NBA announced today.
  48. [48]
    Trae Young Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
    4x All Star; 2024-25 AST Champ; 2021-22 All-NBA; 2018-19 All-Rookie. 11 8 11. +2 ... 11/7 Trae Young is still the top star on a Hawks team that's expected ...
  49. [49]
    Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Claim The NBA Scoring Title Again?
    Sep 23, 2025 · Gilgeous-Alexander averaged a whopping 32.7 points per game last year, putting him 2.3 points above the second-leading scorer, Giannis ...
  50. [50]
    NBA MVP, Finals MVP and Scoring Champ: Shai Gilgeous ...
    Jun 22, 2025 · Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder captured the NBA title on Sunday night, beating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 to win the finals in ...
  51. [51]
    Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. wins Defensive Player of the Year - ESPN
    Apr 17, 2023 · Grizzlies power forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. became the second-youngest Defensive Player of the Year in NBA history, the league announced Monday night.
  52. [52]
    Grading the Luka Doncic and Trae Young Trade - Last Word On Sports
    Aug 24, 2022 · Doncic is a superstar, and the Hawks gained nearly nothing to downgrade to Trae Young. Regardless, Young continues to impress as a Hawk and, ...
  53. [53]
    Re-grading the Luka Doncic-Trae Young trade from Mavericks ...
    Feb 3, 2021 · The Mavericks sent the fifth pick to the Hawks, who drafted Trae Young, along with a 2019 first-round selection. So it makes sense that Doncic ...<|separator|>
  54. [54]
    Evaluating the Best Player from the 2018 NBA Draft
    Aug 25, 2025 · The careers of the top two picks in Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley III haven't turned out as many thought, but the class has been able to ...
  55. [55]
    Michael Porter Jr. Finds Meaning After Almost Losing Basketball
    May 31, 2023 · Three back surgeries in five years changed everything for Porter Jr. and put his NBA career in jeopardy. But what the former phenom lost in athleticism, he ...
  56. [56]
    Season in Review: Michael Porter Jr. was impactful until injuries ...
    Jun 4, 2025 · It was a severe joint sprain injury that should've held out the veteran forward, but Porter decided to play through the pain and deserves a lot ...
  57. [57]
    Best pick from each NBA Draft this century: Giannis, Jokić among ...
    Aug 26, 2025 · We're looking back at the best pick from each of the last 25 NBA Drafts.
  58. [58]
    Ranking the Best NBA Draft Classes Since 1984 - The Big Lead
    Jun 25, 2025 · The 2018 NBA Draft class is highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ... This 2025 NBA Draft class is considered solid and strong, but we ...15. 2013 Nba Draft Class · 11. 2010 Nba Draft Class · 6. 2011 Nba Draft Class