2018 is one of the best draft classes in NBA history and has already produced multiple future Hall of Famers. However, some teams made the mistake thinking some players were generational talents, but in reality, they were busts. On the other hand some teams looked like genius’ for finding championship players in the second. So if the 2018 draft happened all over again today, how would it look?

1. Phoenix Suns: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Originally Drafted 11th)

Regular-season MVP, Finals MVP, and the scoring title in the same year. Only Jordan, Kareem, and Shaq had ever done that before him. He was the biggest part of a 68-win juggernaut that won it all in 2025 and will be in contention for many years to come. Not only is he a wizard with the ball in his hands, but he’s also an amazing defender.

2. Sacramento Kings: Luka Doncic (Originally Drafted 3rd)

I don’t understand how a EuroLeague MVP at 18 years old, dominating against grown men, got passed on by two franchises. We all know the Kings front office can be a bit crazy sometimes but come on. I mean the Kings general manager at the time, Vlade Divac was literally a former international professional who played in the NBA. They had De’Aaron Fox and it would’ve been a little bit of a logjam at point guard. But at the top of the draft you don’t draft for fit, you draft for talent and deal with the rest later. This is a perfect example why.

3. Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Brunson (Originally Drafted 33rd)

Pick 33. Second round. Not a lottery pick, not a late-first, easily the biggest steal in the draft. Yes, he doesn’t have the physical attributes of a third overall pick, he’s not tall, he’s not crazy athletic, he’s not crazy fast. But he has amazing footwork and understanding of angles so he knows how to maximize his potential to be the best player he can be.

4. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Originally Drafted 4th)

He was orginally selected 4th in the 2018 draft and in 2026 nothing changes. He won a DPOY in 2023. Two-time All-Star, a shot-blocking problem for a decade. But also someone who can average 20+ points a night.

5. Dallas Mavericks: Trae Young (Originally Drafted 5th)

Now you might be wondering why he isn’t ahead of Jaren Jackson Jr. Trae took Atlanta to the Conference Finals in 2021, it’s been five soon to be six years since. During that stretch, Trae hasn’t taken a team to the second round of the playoffs. He isn’t the number one option on a championship team, he’s the second, same as Jaren Jackson Jr. Except Jaren is a DPOY winner while Trae might genuinely be the worst defender in the league. If you still think Trae should be number 4 in a re-draft I’m about to change your mind. Both Trae and Jaren are on max contracts. Trae got traded for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispery while Jaren Jackson Jr. got traded for four players and three unprotected first-round picks. 

If you want to see my full-take on the Trae Young trade, checkout this article: Trae Young Trade Analysis.

6. Orlando Magic: Mikal Bridges (Originally Drafted 10th)

Bridges has turned into more than a 3-D wing even though he is very good at both those skills. Shooting 37% from three for his career and making an all-defensive team. But he’s also shown the ability to be a great pure scoring option for a team. He highlighted these skills in Brooklyn when he was the focal point of the offense and averaged 20 ppg for the season. Now he’s playing an amazing team role on the Knicks. Trading five first-round picks for a player who’s never even made an All-Star team seems like a hefty price, the Knicks championship says otherwise.

7. Chicago Bulls: Michael Porter Jr. (Originally Drafted 14th)

Taken 14th in the 2018 draft by Denver after back surgeries scared half the lottery off him. That risk paid off.

He’s got a nearly unguardable, lightning quick jump shot at 6’10” and has shown that he’s an absolute problem when he has the ball. Not to mention he was a key stretch four on the 2023 championship team.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Mitchell Robinson (Originally Drafted 36th)

He’s not a guy who’s going to give you a 20 a night and not someone who’s going to play 82 games. What he does do is be one of the biggest paint presences in the NBA. He shoots a ridiculous 70% from the field and averages a mind-blowing 2.7 blocks a game per 36 minutes. He is the definition of a player who will do anything to win.

9. New York Knicks: Donte DiVincenzo (Originally Drafted 17th)

He won a championship as a rookie role player with the 2021 Bucks, which not many names on this list can say.

He eventually played for the Warriors and then signed with the Knicks in free agency. After he got flipped to Minnesota in the 2024 blockbuster that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. A journeyman in the best sense: every team that’s had him has got better.

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Miles Bridges (Originally Drafted 12th)

Is he more talented than some of the players ahead of him? Sure, he’s a great scorer with three 20-point seasons under his belt.

With that being said, that doesn’t mean he’s a player who impacts winning as much as other players in this draft, and that’s what GMs care about. Not an inefficient scorer with bad defense. There’s also been some off the court problems with Bridges as well. Pled to a felony domestic violence charge in 2022 and sat out the entire 2022-23 season on suspension. However, he’s still a very talented player who can score in bunches and will also give you some crazy dunks.

More From Hoops are Home

• 2018 Re-Draft: One of The Greatest Draft Classes This Century
• Draft-Day Robberies: The Four Picks in the 2010s That Changed the NBA
• Are The Sixers The Best Team In The East?
• Caleb Wilson is An Absolute Stud
• Wembanyama Just Helped The Spurs Build A Dynasty

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