The 2018 NBA Draft is under way and this year's class is as electric as any other in recent memory. Follow along as the results for each team are announced today, with every team taking another step toward their future.
- Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton — C (Arizona)A double-double machine with plenty of untapped potential, despite posting a strong 20.1 points and 11.6 rebounds, along with a whisker shy of two blocks per game. Dominant in the paint with the physical tools to be a franchise player.
A legitimate 7-footer with an NBA-ready body, able to make his presence felt at both ends of the floor.
2. Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley III — PF (Duke)
Big time scorer who averaged 21.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game during his lone season in college while shooting an effective 61 percent from the floor. A physical specimen with defensive abilities and an all-around game. Strong, physical, and incredibly athletic. The only thing in question is his commitment to defense. The tools are certainly there, but he only averaged less than a steal and a block per game despite his physical gifts.
3. Atlanta Hawks (to Dallas Mavericks): Luka Doncic — G/F (Real Madrid/Slovenia)
Note: The Mavericks have traded in principle in a last-minute swap with the Hawks, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times. The Mavericks will draft Oklahoma point guard Trae Young with the No. 5 pick in place of the Hawks in return, while getting a future first-round selection from the Mavs.
Great size and skillset with a plethora of playmaking moves at his size. Possesses good shooting skills from all around the floor. A shooting guard with point guard instincts, averaging 14.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists between Liga ACB play and EuroLeague competition. The Slovenian phenom became the youngest EuroLeague MVP after winning the championship with Real Madrid.
4. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. — PF (Michigan State)
Perhaps the greenest product of the lottery. Tall, rangy, with a high ceiling. Only averaged 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game, but the upside is surely there, as he figures to be an athletic, shot-blocking power forward that can hurt teams from deep. The next generation of the three-and-D stretch four.
5. Dallas Mavericks (to Atlanta Hawks): Trae Young — PG (Oklahoma)
Note: Young was selected by the Mavs after they traded with the Hawks for Luka Doncic.
Perhaps one of the most controversy-inducing talents in the draft. Led Division I in scoring (27.4 points) and assists (8.7 per game). Flashy, dynamic, and with a lethal range unlike any other prospect. Questions about his propensity to turn the ball over and his fragile frame have been raised, but it he can overcome that at the next level, the sky is the limit for this Oklahoma product.
6. Orlando Magic: Mo Bamba — C (Texas)
A 7-foot-1 center, 226 pounds. Still underdeveloped physically, but possesses freakish measurables with a 7-foot-10 wingspan — the longest wingspan recorded in NBA Draft Combine history. Averaged 12.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and was second in the nation in blocks with 3.7 per game during his freshman year.
7. Chicago Bulls: Wendell Carter Jr. — PF (Duke)
Great NBA frame at 6-foot-10 and 259 pounds, posted 13.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game playing alongside Marvin Bagley III and still shining under a strict Mike Krzyzewski offense. Capable shooter with a decent post presence and a nose for rebounding the basketball. A solid finisher around the basket that can block shots and figures to play power forward at the next level.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Collin Sexton — PG (Alabama)
A somewhat murky pick, but one that makes sense for a team in bad need of a playmaker. The Cavs were reportedly eyeing Michael Porter Jr., but to take a gamble on a player with an injury history again after Isaiah Thomas was a little too much for this front office to take.
Sexton is very explosive, a downhill fast break type of guard with great defensive skills. Chiseled with good physicality despite a 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame, but will need to polish his jump shot to be effective at the next level. Good ball-handler with the right instincts to create contact and draw fouls. If he can fill out his frame and get stronger, he could become a stud at the point guard position.
9. New York Knicks: Kevin Knox — PF (Kentucky)
A versatile forward with a deft shooting touch and a versatile game. Able to put the ball down on the floor and drive, as well as finish tough, physical plays around the rim. Averaged 15.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game through his freshman season with the Wildcats. Gained plenty of steam with his workouts this offseason, jumping from a middle-of-the-pack prospect into the top-ten only days before the draft.
10. Philadelphia 76ers (to Phoenix Suns): Mikal Bridges — SF (Villanova)
Update: The Sixers have traded the rights to Mikal Bridges for Zhaire Smith and a 2021 first-round pick (via Miami Heat), according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
A sharpshooter with a great transition game due to his innate defensive abilities. Sparked his team to a championship along with teammates Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo. A true marksman — posted 18 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting a blistering 43 percent from deep.
11. Charlotte Hornets (to L.A. Clippers): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — PG (Kentucky)
Update: The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to trade the 11th overall pick to the L.A. Clippers for their 12th pick (the first of back-to-back selections) and two future second-round picks, per ESPN.
Athletic, well-rounded, and one of the best prototypical point guards available in the draft. Similar to a Michael Carter-Williams at 6-foot-6 and 180 pounds. Posted 14.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game during his lone season at Kentucky. A versatile prospect at every end, but does not excel at any particular area.
12. L.A. Clippers (to Charlotte Hornets): Miles Bridges — SF/PF (Michigan State)
The prototypical NBA player at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds. Figures to be a tweener due to his excellent rebounding ability as a small forward. Posted 17.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and shot 36.1 percent from deep during his sophomore season with the Spartans.
13. L.A. Clippers: Jerome Robinson — SG (Boston College)
Great innate point guard skills with a natural ability to score off the dribble, whether it is with his jump shot or a plethora of finishing moves at the rim. Led the ACC in scoring and made the conference first team after posting 20.7 points per game in 2017-18.
14. Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr. — SF/PF (Missouri)
A high risk because of his injury history, but perhaps one of the players with the highest ceiling in the entire draft. Suffered a back injury two minutes into his debut with the Missouri Tigers, which required spinal surgery, but impressed during his workouts in the NBA Draft Combine and during private workouts despite a setback with hip spams. Formerly a top-two talent at this time last year due to his excellent range and an endless arsenal of finishing moves around the rim. One of the most intriguing prospects of this class based on his short sample size at a competitive level.
15. Washington Wizards: Troy Brown Jr. — SF (Oregon)
Excellent with his versatility, able to pass the ball, as well as score it. Has a great feel for the game. A defensive-minded wing that could make his mark with his work ethic while his offensive skills develop. Posted 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game as a 6-foot-7, 210-pound freshman.
16. Phoenix Suns (to Philadelphia 76ers): Zhaire Smith — SG (Texas Tech)
Update: The Sixers have traded the rights to Mikal Bridges for Zhaire Smith and a 2021 first-round pick (via Miami Heat), according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The first non-ESPN 100 recruit to be drafted in the first round of the draft. Really upped his stock with his impressive workouts. Freakishly athletic prospect that can help a team at both ends of the floor, but will need to develop his skills as a guard to make a long stay in the NBA.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Donte DiVincenzo — SG (Villanova)
Excellent all-around talent. Tough, blue collar mindset with plenty of athleticism and versatility. Able to guard multiple positions, shoot the ball from range, as well as finish around the basket. Was the Final Four Most Outstanding Player after dropping 31 points in the NCAA championship game against the Michigan Wolverines.
18. San Antonio Spurs: Lonnie Walker IV — SG (Miami)
Excellent athletic talent with good basketball instincts that can shoot it from deep. Impressed through his workouts with his skills and basketball IQ. Averaged 11.5 points and two assists per game with the Hurricanes, but his workouts and interviews helped him leap into the top half of the first round. Will need to add some bulk at a mere 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds to erase any questions of durability.
19. Atlanta Hawks: Kevin Huerter SG/SF (Maryland)
High character, great shooter. Able to get his shot off the move or spotting up, great versatility with his ability to drive. A tall, lanky shooting guard at 6-foot-7 and 195 pounds that posted 14.8 points and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 41.7 percent from deep. If his defense proves to be up to snuff, he could stay in the NBA for a really long time.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Josh Okogie — SG (Georgia Tech)
A gifted, elite athlete with good shooting ability (38 percent from three). Averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game as a sophomore for the Yellowjackets. Tied with Villanova’s Donte DiVincenzo for the highest vertical leap (44 inches) during the NBA Draft Combine.
21. Utah Jazz: Grayson Allen — SG (Duke)
Could see time as a point guard or shooting guard. Posted 15.5 points and 4.6 assists during his last season at Duke while shooting 37 percent from deep. Not the best athletically, but has enough fundamental skills to make a niche in the NBA.
22. Chicago Bulls: Chandler Hutchison — SF (Boise State)
One of the few seniors in this NBA Draft class. Averaged 20 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3,3 assists during his last year with the Broncos. Should be able to help the team right away with his shooting ability.
23. Indiana Pacers: Aaron Holiday — PG (UCLA)
Another member of the Holiday family, joining brothers Jrue (New Orleans Pelicans) and Justin (Chicago Bulls). Posted 20.3 points and 5.8 assists while shooting a blistering 43 percent from deep. Had very strong workouts, but figures to be a reserve at a mere 6-foot and 185 pounds.
24. Portland Trail Blazers: Anfernee Simons — SG (IMG Academy)
A 6-foot-3, 180-pound high school product that honed his skills during a sabbatical year, showing enough at the IMG Academy Combine to put himself into first-round consideration. Put up 15.3 points per game in the Under Armour Association in 2017 and possesses raw talent with plenty of upside.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Moritz Wagner — PF/C (Michigan)
Strong, energetic, and able to make shots with his solid footwork. Stands at 6-foot-11 and 241 pounds and is able to defend smaller power forwards and centers at the next level. A shooting big man with excellent fundamental skills to make up for his lack of athleticism.
26. Philadelphia 76ers: Landry Shamet — PG (Wichita State)
Not a superb athlete, but he has some decent size at 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, can play on or off the ball and will space the floor well enough to stick.
27. Boston Celtics: Robert Williams — C (Texas A&M)
A rim-running, lob-catching prospect with plenty of upside. Able to impact that game in ways guys like DeAndre Jordan and Clint Capela have over the last few seasons. The 2017 SEC Defensive Player of the Year has potential to help this team at either end of the floor. A lottery-caliber player that could have gone as high as in the high teens, slipping right into Danny Ainge's hands, right at the bottom of the first round. A true steal.
28. Golden State Warriors: Jacob Evans — SF (Cincinnati)
Evans is a perfect fit for this Warriors team. A shot-making wing who can defend and offers two-way utility. Not a legitimate scorer, but useful enough to be a three-and-D option and give some much-needed salary relief at that position. A jack-of-all-trades that is ready to contribute at the NBA level, having made 37.7 percent from deep through his three seasons at Cincinnati.
29. Brooklyn Nets: Dzanan Musa — SF (KK Cedevita/Bosnia-Herzegovina)
A 19-year-old with some good upside. Standing at 6-foot-9 and 185 pounds. Will need to fill out his body in order to find some playing time, while letting his streaky shooting build into consistency. Posted 12.4 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 47.6 percent from the floor.
30. Atlanta Hawks: Omari Spellman — PF/C (Villanova)
There are a few concerns about his size at 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, so he will need to slim down before making his mark to better his mobility. A decent shooter at his position that can do some damage on the post if underestimated. A smart role player with great basketball IQ makes him a plug-and-play in any team.
SECOND ROUND
31. Phoenix Suns: Elie Okobo – PG/SG (France)
32. Memphis Grizzlies: Jevon Carter – PG (West Virginia)
33. Dallas Mavericks: Jalen Brunson – PG (Villanova)
34. Atlanta Hawks (to Charlotte Hornets): Devonte Graham – PG (Kansas)
35. Orlando Magic: Melvin Frazier – SF (Tulane)
36. New York Knicks: Mitchell Robinson – C (Chalmette, LA)
37. Sacramento Kings (to Portland Trail Blazers): Gary Trent – SG (Duke)
Update: The Kings have traded Gary Trent to the Blazers for two future second-round picks and financial considerations, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
38. Philadelphia 76ers (to Detroit Pistons): Khyri Thomas – G (Creighton)
Update: The 76ers have traded Khyri Thomas to the Pistons for two future second-round picks.
39. Los Angeles Lakers (via Philadelphia 76ers): Isaac Bonga – SF (Germany)
40. Brooklyn Nets: Rodions Kurucs – F (Latvia)
41. Orlando Magic (to Denver Nuggets): Jarred Vanderbilt – F (Kentucky)
Update: The Magic have traded Jarred Vanderbilt to the Nuggets for the 43rd pick and a future second-rounder, per Yahoo! Sports' Shams Charania.
42. Detroit Pistons: Bruce Brown – G (Miami (Fl.))
43. Orlando Magic (via Denver Nuggets): Justin Jackson – SF/PF (Maryland)
44. Washington Wizards: Issuf Sanon – PG/SG (Ukraine)
45. Brooklyn Nets (to Charlotte Hornets): Hamidou Diallo – SG (Kentucky)
46. Houston Rockets: De'Anthony Melton – SG (USC)
47. Los Angeles Lakers: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk – SG (Kansas)
48. Minnesota Timberwolves: Keita Bates-Diop – SF (Ohio State)
49. San Antonio Spurs: Chimezie Metu – PF (USC)
50. Indiana Pacers: Alize Johnson – F (Missouri State)
51. New Orleans Pelicans: Tony Carr – G (Penn State)
52. Utah Jazz (to Houston Rockets): Vince Edwards – SF (Purdue)
53. Oklahoma City Thunder: Devon Hall – SG (Virginia)
54. Philadelphia 76ers (via Dallas Mavericks): Shake Milton – PG (SMU)
55. Charlotte Hornets: Arnoldas Kulboka – SF (Lithuania)
56. Dallas Mavericks (via Philadelphia 76ers): Ray Spalding – PF (Louisville)
57. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Hervey – SF (UT-Arlington)
58. Denver Nuggets: Thomas Welsh – C (UCLA)
59. Phoenix Suns: George King – SF (Colorado)
60. Dallas Mavericks (via Philadelphia 76ers): Kostas Antetokounmpo – SF (Dayton)
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