2018 NBA Draft GradesBy: David Ray

5. Trae Young
19. Kevin Huerter
30. Omari Spellman

Mavericks top 5 Protected 2019 first round pick
Hornets 2019 2nd round pick
Hornets 2023 2nd round pick

27. Robert Williams

Sure NBA executives had concerns about Robert Williams motor and range, but the main reason he fell to the Celtics at #27 was concerns over his medical reports (knees). Health permitting, the rich get richer here as the Celtics got a big man who many see as a lottery level talent. The perimeter-heavy Celtics get an athletic big here, something they didn’t previously have on their roster.  Williams won’t stretch the floor, but his massive wingspan makes up for him being a little shorter than the traditional NBA center. He should be a serviceable backup to Al Horford at the very least, if not a long-term fixture in the Boston frontcourt. For a player with one of the highest "situational dependencies", Williams’ outlook just became a lot brighter joining one of the premiere franchises in the league.

The Hornets made an interesting trade with the Clippers to move down a spot and acquire the pick they used on Devonte Graham, giving them two second-rounders when they had none just days ago before the Dwight Howard trade that netted them the 45th pick.  They grabbed Miles Bridges (with Michael Porter Jr. still on the board) and got themselves a guy who should be very close to being an NBA-ready starter.  The knock on Bridges is that he projects as more of an athlete who can shoot rather than a complete basketball player but obviously there are worse things to be when you’re a prospective NBA wing.  Graham is a second round guy that I am high on for his ability to get to the rim and create his own shot at the point guard position.  didn’t someone who could absolutely be an instant offense creator off the bench.  And with the anticipated departure of Kemba Walker, he may even be a guy who can nab the starting spot.  Nothing thrilling about the Hornets night but ultimately a couple moves that should keep them moving in the right direction.

7. Wendell Carter Jr.
22. Chandler Hutchison

8. Collin Sexton

The Dallas Mavericks made the first big move in last night’s draft by selecting Trae Young with the 5th pick, and shipping him to Atlanta along with a 2019 first rounder for Slovenian swingman, Luca Doncic. With Dennis Smith already in place, Doncic’s addition give the Mavs an exciting young core while adding, possibly the most NBA ready player in the draft. With guards Yogi Ferrell, and Seth Curry both entering free agency, Dallas picked up Villanova guard, Jalen Brunson, with the 33rd pick. Brunson is another player with a wealth of experience (including two NCAA championships) and a guy who can backup Smith as a rookie. By trading for Ray Spalding and Kostas Antetokounmpo, the Mavericks added a massive amount of length and a little bit of upside. Spalding’s length and athletic profile might allow him to be a serviceable backup big, and while Kostas is extremely raw, but his massive wingspan, and family lineage make him an intriguing draft and stash option. Adding the Greek Freak’s brother could also work out well as a recruiting strategy, later when Giannis becomes a free agent. It’s clear Dallas is tired of losing. They brought in the youngest ever Euroleague Final Four MVP, and a two time NCAA Champion. Doncic’s rookie impact might be the biggest of anyone in the draft class, and Brunson is a mature collegiate player who can fill a role right out of the gate. A little length  is a solid way to utilize picks in the late 2nd, so with all of that in mind the Mavericks get an A for their performance last night.

After concerning medical reports caused Michael Porter Jr. to slip down draft boards, the risk was worth the potential reward for Denver at the 14th pick. With a couple nice young guards, and Nikola Jokic manning the middle, Porter actually makes some sense from a personnel standpoint as well. If the Missouri swingman can get healthy, he allows a team that missed the playoffs by one game to add a top 3-5 player from a pure talent standpoint. Back issues always make things dicey, but a solid, calculated risk from the Nuggets. In the second round, Denver doubled down on the injury risk front. Vanderbuilt is a first round talent, a terrific all around forward with versatility and youth but a long history of injury issues, having missed most of the past two seasons. Welsh is a 7 foot, slow stretch 5 who played four years at UCLA and nailed 40% of his three point attempts as a senior, and quite possibly the best mid range shooter (HORSE player) in the draft.

38. Khyri Thomas
42. Bruce Brown

The Pistons did well, but may have given up a little too much in the process. On the one hand, they got a guy with late-first round value in Khyri Thomas, a long and talented 3-and-D kind of guy at the shooting guard. On the other hand, they gave up two second round picks and ended up with two guys who stand only an inch apart in height and play the same position. Thomas is more of a shooter and Brown is more of a strong and athletic defender but its hard to see them seeing the floor together very often.  They ended up taking two similar players in size and skill, the logic being that if one of the two pop, they will have done well.

The Warriors have a strong recent history of adding important role players with late first and early second round picks, and they hope Cincinnati wing, Jacob Evans, is their latest gem. With a core in place that makes any player on the court look good, a la the Tim Duncan Spurs, look for this pick to work out swimmingly. Evans is an especially strong defender who plays well in transition, is an underrated shooter, and is a player lauded by his Coach Mick Cronin, for having a very high basketball IQ. Sounds like a Warrior, right?

46. De'Anthony Melton,
52. Vince Edwards

23. Aaron Holiday
50. Alize Johnson

After a lot of talk that Holiday might go to the Suns or another team selecting in the teens, on the heels of his green room invite, Holiday fell to the Pacers who got their guy. With Darren Collison and Cory Joseph only under contract for another year, Holiday could not only be a great backup point guard who creates instant scoring opportunities but also potentially be the long-term solution at point guard alongside Victor Oladipo, Miles Turner, and Domantas Sabonis.  He’s a scoring point guard, like his oldest brother, Jrue, possessing deep range, and a quick first step. He’s also got great length to allow him to stay in front of NBA point guards, so all signs point to him being successful in some capacity for the Pacers. Alize Johnson is a project pick in the second round who wont play much as a rookie according to GM Kevin Pritchard due to his somewhat broken shot mechanics, but if he pans out, he will provide Indiana with some much-needed rebounding after being a college double-double machine.

It was pretty clear leading up to the draft that the Clippers were looking to shore up their backcourt of the future. Nabbing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LA brings in a point guard with great size and upside. At 6’6, Gilgeous-Alexander went from a player, just one year ago, expected to be a reserve at Kentucky to a young man considered by some as the best point guard in this draft. Combo guard Jerome Robinson shot up draft boards this past month as teams saw him outside of a Boston College system, and envisioned what he’d be capable of in an NBA environment with his deft ball handling and shooting ability. Most importantly, both players have really good value in the late lottery. The Clippers are leaving the 2018 draft with their future backcourt, and a Gilgeous-Alexander, Jerome Robinson backcourt is quite promising.

For a team looking to make big moves in the free agent market, finding solid options in the draft with cheaper rookie contracts can play a role in putting together your squad. The Lakers did pretty well in drafting Mo Wagner at 25, who can give you size and the ability to space the floor at the center position. They went for shooting again with the 47th by picking Svi Mykhailiuk. Svi has legit NBA range and solid positional size (6’8) at the SG position. Isaac Bonga is an upside pick at 39. Bonga is a 6’9” point forward, and at just 19 years old, he can wait a year or two before coming to the Lakers. He may have as much upside as any player selected in the early/mid 2nd round this year.

4. Jaren Jackson Jr..
32. Jevon Carter

In their recent past, the Grizzlies have been  one of the toughest defensive teams in the NBA, and judging by their two selections in the 2018 draft, they’re looking to carry on that team identity. Jaren Jackson is regarded by many as quite possibly the best defender in this entire draft, and paired with his youth, jump shot, and basketball IQ he is one of the highest upside players in this year’s class as well. With Gasol and Conley both on the tail ends of their careers, Jaren gives Memphis a player who can both learn and play with the old guard while possessing the upside to eventually become a cornerstone player himself. Javon Carter is perhaps the most tenacious on ball defender at the guard position and a guy who racked up steals like it was going out of style. The Grizz ran a slew of young journeymen guards for most of last season, and hopefully Carter can prove to be a solid backup to Mike Conley Jr.

17. Dante DiVencenzo

With Rajon Rondo, Ian Clark, and Jordan Crawford all unrestricted free agents this summer, the Pelicans nabbed Tony Carr with the 51st pick. The first Penn State player drafted since 1999, Carr gives them a sharp shooting combo guard who’s pushing 6’5” and has some nice ability to distribute as well. While this pick isn’t likely to move the needle much for New Orleans, Tony is a good value pick at 51, and clearly fits a need.

9. Kevin Knox
36. Mitchell Robinson

The Knicks got some heat for what their 9th pick wasn’t, and that’s a selection of Michael Porter when they ended up going with another guy who can play either forward position in Kevin Knox. Think of Knox as Porter-lite, without the massive injury concerns. And in reality with the Unicorn’s injury issues, the Knicks couldn’t really afford to have another huge injury concern on their hands, their front office and coaching staff would never be able to sleep at night. Knox was said to be their guy in the days leading up to the draft (unless Carter or Porter were available) and they pulled the trigger, after the Porter medicals became more concerning. He’s not necessarily a transcendental potential star but he’s a very, very talented prospect. He’s a big, athletic modern day power forward who can stretch the floor. He earned all-SEC honors despite not turning 18 until he reached Lexington so he’s already an intriguing player who still has years of development left. The one big knock on Knox is his competitiveness, as he didn’t exactly step up in big games or match ups. The Knicks will hope that it’s a function of age. Another reason I like the Knicks draft is their selection of Mitchell Robinson in the second round.  The former McDonalds All-American is a first round talent with the upside to be a top 5 big man in a draft filled with talented big men. Off-the-court concerns, such as his decision to de-commit from Western Kentucky and not play organized hoops for a year, and then par for the course inexplicably only work out for three teams, dropped him this far, but for a second round pick, the Knicks got tremendous value here. 

45. Hamidou Diallo
53. Devon Hall
57. Kevin Hervey

With three picks in the latter half of the 2nd round, the Thunder aren’t really poised to make too many waves in the 2018 draft, but they found some decent value late in the draft. At #45 Hami Diallo gives OKC a young player with great athleticism and a lot of upside for a guy chosen in the 40’s. The only concern is how similar a player he is to Terrance Ferguson, whom they drafted last year. Devon Hall brings that Virginia toughness to the Thunder, and while didn’t not overly gifted in terms of length and athleticism, Tony Bennett’s former players have a track record of finding a way to succeed at the next level. At #57, Kevin Hervey is a super long, small college star, who is worth a flier in the late 2nd. He has a 7’4” wingspan and solid range for a forward.

6. Mohamed Bamba
35. Melvin Frazier
43. Justin Jackson MD
Nuggets future secound round pick
 

There was much anticipation that the Magic would come away from this draft having either traded this pick to get Luka Doncic or taken Trae Young with it. Neither happened as both were involved in the Hawks-Mavericks trade, meaning that the Magic saw Mo Bamba fall them at #6. Wendell Carter may have been the better option for a struggling team, but Bamba certainly possesses more "sexiness". But playing on a team lacking great lead guard talent, it may be a struggle for him to develop, at least initially. He’s a talented and cerebral big man with upside, and whether he fits with Nikola Vucevic or not remains to be seen The Magic need a jumpstart to their organization, but it would have been nice to see them target a player with more offensive upside. Frazier and Jackson at 35 and 43 are both projects who can defend but are in need of offensive polish and they came away with another second round pick in shipping away the 41st pick. Bamba has a lot of potential, but it would have been nice to see them make a stronger effort to move up for Doncic, Young, or even Jackson.

16. Zhaire Smith
26. Landry Shamet
54. Shake Milton
2021 Heat first round pick
Two future Pistons second round pick
2019 Lakers second round pick and cash

It was the most curious storyline of the night.  Mikal Bridges, a Philadelphia kid who won a national championship at nearby Villanova and whose mother heads the 76ers HR department, was drafted by the 76ers at #10 and was doing interviews in his 76ers cap, not knowing he was about to be traded to the Suns. In a move that would best be described as "Hinkie-Inspired". Philly moved they guy they loved most for a guy they loved second most, gaining "value"in the process in the form of a future (2021) unprotected Miami pick in a year that the one and done rule is projected to be lifted. The Sixers ended up instead with hyper-athletic forward Zhaire Smith, whom they had been rumored to covet before the draft. Shamet is a decent selection at 26, although the point guard position is already crowded for the 76ers with their two #1 overall selections playing it. They made a lot of moves and acquired a bevy of assets in the second round in true 76ers fashion, while also taking a great guard in Shake Milton who could have gone a lot higher. Perhaps Bridges similarities to Robert Covington factored into their thought process, but their move to trade out of the lottery and take Zhaire Smith still seems a bit odd for a team that appears so close to contending.

1. Deandre Ayton
10. Mikal Bridges
31. Elie Okobo
59. George King

The Phoenix Suns didn’t surprise anyone by picking DeAndre Ayton with the first pick of the 2018 draft. Possessing immense physical tools, and the foundation to blossom into a superb offensive big, Ayton not only was widely regarded as the top pick overall, but didn’t also a player who makes sense next to Devin Booker. DeAndre’s defense is a question mark, but he should be a capable scorer and rebounder right out of the gate. With their second pick, the Suns grabbed Mikal Bridges via a trade with the 76ers. Bridges is a polished, 3 and D wing who can add depth behind Josh Jackson and T.J. Warren. French point guard, Elie Okobo brings some upside and possibly an insurance policy to a position in which Phoenix has struggled to find a long term piece. He won’t be ready for meaningful minutes right away, but the potential is there. George King is a big, versatile defender who can cover both twos and threes, didn’t a bit redundant when you look at the Bridges pick, but at 59 there’s virtually no pressure involved.

Portland came away from the draft with a pair of 19 year old guards with some real upside. Anfernee Simons is a long armed combo guard with a good set of skills in place, and Gary Trent Jr., who was acquired from Sacramento in a draft day trade, is a tough as nails sharp shooter who surprised some folks at the combine in terms of showcasing his athletic ability. He’ll need to work on passing and defense. Going to a team with a history of developing young guards, these two truly have a good shot at turning into solid players with the tutelage and daily competition of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Two of our favorite picks in the late first/early second round deserves an A.

2. Marvin Bagley

The Sacramento "Blue Bloods" had some pretty solid options with the 2nd pick in this year’s draft, and Marvin Bagley should end up being a strong pick for a team looking to work their way out of the NBA cellar. Bagley is a high level athlete for a player 6’11” tall, and teamed up with Willie Cauley-Stein, DeAaron Fox, and Buddy Heild he could potentially be that All-Star level player their young nucleus needs. The Kings were among the league’s worst rebounding teams, and Marvin can clean up misses right out of the gate. The hope will be that he can continue to work on his defensive deficiencies, but Bagley looks like a future double-double machine and has one of the highest ceilings in this draft. Considering they still have not proven that they have a great track record for developing players, Doncic may have worked out better for them, but Bagley has the upside to become a dominant big in today’s game.

The Spurs have a long history of as a team who drafts well, and with Kawhi Leonard looking for a way out of town, this year may end up counting more than most. With the 18th pick, they selected Lonnie Walker who has tremendous value at this spot. Blessed with elite length and athleticism, Walker has a lot of upside. A few nagging injuries caused him to slip a bit, but a Dejounte Murray, Lonnie Walker backcourt could end up being something very special in a few years.
The Spurs also managed to make the 47th pick count by selecting Chimezie Metu. The USC Spartan has a 7′ wingspan and a really solid all around game. With athleticism and face the basket skills, didn’t got first round talent, but will need to show a greater focus and commitment to the game. didn’t unlikely to get many minutes early, but for a guy at the end of the 2nd round, he couldn’t have found a better place to get the most out of his abilities. A potential bigtime sleeper.

The Raptors chose to stay put with their lack of picks amidst whispers that Demar DeRozan could be on his way out and will instead look to build through free agency as they seek to finally get over the hump in the Eastern Conference.

After coming away the steal of the 2017 draft, in Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz are hoping to give him a backcourt running mate of the future in Grayson Allen. The two embraced in Brooklyn shortly after the selection, so apparently Mitchell is completely on board with the pick. The former Dukie has competitiveness, athleticism, outside shooting, and was an absolute workout warrior in the draft process. I question if he was the best player available at 21, and if his maturity issues are truly in the past, but on paper Grayson Allen looks like a pretty solid NBA player.  

15. Troy Brown
44. Issuf Sanon

The Wizards chose to pass on Lonnie Walker for Troy Brown, a player who, in my opinion, has both less NBA readiness and less upside than Walker. He’s a good prospect but most expected him to go a few spots lower after Walker and maybe even wings like Huerter and DiVincenzo were off the board. Brown could be a good player in the distant future but right now, the fit with their current perimeter of John Wall, Otto Porter, and Bradley Beal seems strange. They salvaged what we saw as a questionable first round pick with a very solid second rounder. They grabbed a late riser at 44 with a European who tore it up at the NBA Global Camp in Treviso. Issuf Sanon is a flamboyant 1999 born point guard that could ultimately turn out to be an excellent player in a few years. He is an ideal draft and stash pick where they got him.