A Complete Guide to the 2018 NBA Draft Order and Team Selections

I still remember the excitement building up to that 2018 NBA Draft night - the anticipation was absolutely electric across the basketball world. Having followed the draft process for over a decade, I can confidently say this was one of the most intriguing draft classes in recent memory, not just because of the talent available but because of how dramatically the draft order shaped team fortunes. The Phoenix Suns holding that coveted first pick created this fascinating dynamic where everyone knew Deandre Ayton was likely going first, yet the debate raged about whether Luka Dončić or Marvin Bagley III should be the second selection.

When the Sacramento Kings passed on Dončić for Bagley at number two, I remember thinking this would either be a brilliant move or one they'd regret for years. The Atlanta Hawks then pulled off what I consider one of the most strategic moves of the night - they grabbed Dončić at three but immediately traded him to Dallas for Trae Young and a future first-round pick. This trade perfectly illustrates how draft night isn't just about selecting players but about asset management and long-term vision. Personally, I've always been fascinated by these draft-day trades that reshape franchises, and this particular swap has worked out remarkably well for both teams, though I'd argue Dallas got the slightly better end of the deal given Dončić's superstar trajectory.

The middle of the lottery saw some fascinating selections that have significantly impacted the league landscape. The Memphis Grizzlies snagging Jaren Jackson Jr. at four was, in my view, one of the smartest picks of the draft - his defensive versatility and developing offensive game made him the perfect modern big man. Then came the Orlando Magic selecting Mo Bamba at six, a pick that generated tremendous buzz because of his incredible 7'10" wingspan, though I've always wondered if they should have gone with Collin Sexton given their perpetual need for backcourt scoring. The Chicago Bulls picking Wendell Carter Jr. at seven felt like a safe, solid choice, but what really surprised me was the Cleveland Cavaliers taking Collin Sexton at eight - a somewhat controversial selection given the other guards available, though Sexton has proven to be a relentless scorer.

As we moved into the later lottery picks, the New York Knicks selecting Kevin Knox at nine over Mikal Bridges raised eyebrows across the league, including mine. Having watched Bridges develop at Villanova, I was convinced he'd be the perfect 3-and-D wing for any team, and the Knicks passing on him felt like a missed opportunity. The Philadelphia 76ers trading up to get Bridges at ten only reinforced that belief - they recognized his immediate fit alongside their established stars. The LA Clippers taking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at eleven turned out to be an absolute steal, and I've followed his career with particular interest because he possessed this unique combination of size and craftiness that you don't often see in young guards.

What made this draft particularly memorable for me was how the second round produced several impact players that outperformed their draft positions. Jalen Brunson going 33rd to Dallas, Devonte' Graham at 34 to Atlanta, Mitchell Robinson at 36 to New York - these selections demonstrate why thorough scouting and trusting your evaluation process matters just as much in the second round as it does in the lottery. I've always believed championship teams are built through finding value throughout the draft, not just at the top, and the 2018 class perfectly illustrates this principle.

Looking back at the complete draft order now, with the benefit of hindsight, it's fascinating to see how teams' approaches to the draft reflected their organizational philosophies. The more analytically-inclined teams seemed to prioritize shooting and versatility, while traditional organizations often stuck with conventional positional thinking. The success stories from this draft - particularly the international players like Dončić and Gilgeous-Alexander - have fundamentally changed how teams evaluate overseas prospects. Personally, I think this draft marked a turning point where the league fully embraced positionless basketball and prioritized skill over traditional size measurements.

The ripple effects of these selections continue to shape the NBA landscape today. Franchises that nailed their picks have accelerated their rebuilds, while those that missed continue to deal with the consequences. As someone who analyzes draft outcomes professionally, I find the 2018 class particularly compelling because it offers clear lessons about talent evaluation, the importance of fit versus pure talent, and how draft night decisions can define a franchise's trajectory for years to come. The teams that understood the modern game and drafted accordingly are reaping the benefits today, while those who stuck with outdated models have largely struggled to build competitive rosters.