2018 NBA Draft Recap (w/Trades, Notes)
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2018 NBA Draft Trades/Transactions/Notes:
- Atlanta sends the draft rights of the third overall pick, Luka Doncic, to the Dallas Mavericks for draft rights of the fifth overall pick (Trae Young) and a future draft pick (1st Round pick in 2019)
- Charlotte agrees to trade the rights of the 11th overall pick, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to the Los Angeles Clippers for the rights of the 12th overall pick, Miles Bridges, and two future second-round picks
- Philadelphia trades the rights of 10th overall pick, Mikal Bridges to the Phoenix Suns for the for the rights of the 16th overall pick, Zhaire Smith, and for the Suns 2021 first-round pick (via the Miami Heat)
- Six of the top 16 draft picks were traded
- Sacramento traded the 37th pick of the second round, Gary Trent, Jr., to Portland for two future second-round picks
- Atlanta Hawks traded the draft rights of the 34th overall pick, Devonte Graham to the Charlotte Hornets for two future second-round picks
- The Orlando Magic traded the rights of the 41st overall pick, Jarred Vanderbilt to the Denver Nuggets for the draft rights of the 43rd overall pick, Justin Jackson, and a future second-round pick
- Philadelphia 76ers traded the draft rights of the 38th overall pick, Khyri Thomas, to the Detroit Pistons for two future second-round picks
| Team
Round, Selection
|
Player | Position, School | ‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 1 (1) Phoenix Suns | Deandre Ayton | 7’1 250 | The Pac-12 Player of the Year made subtle improvements to his frame over the last year and a half while increasing his level of quickness and rise off the floor. A solid free throw shooter with an adequate face-up jumper, Ayton’s back to the basket game is an added bonus. |
| 1 (2)
Sacramento Kings |
Marvin Bagley III | 6’11 234 PF-Duke | If he can continue to expand his range, his offensive game may expand to new heights. He’s already a scrappy rebounder with quick hops. Bagley III will get to the free throw line but he has to improve when he gets there (62%). He set an ACC freshman record with 22 double-doubles. |
| 1 (3)
Atlanta Hawks (Traded to Dallas Mavericks) |
Luka Doncic | 6’8 230
G-Real Madrid |
Although he’s just 19 years old, Doncic averaged 16 PPG, 4.8 RPG and 4.3 APG for Real Madrid on his way to EuroLeague MVP honors in 2017-18. He will look to become just the second lottery international selection to make an All-Star team. |
| 1 (4)
Memphis Grizzlies |
Jaren Jackson, Jr. | 6’11 236
PF-Michigan State |
The Big Ten Freshman of the Year’s NBA bloodlines mesh with major shot blocking ability. The conference’s Defensive Player of the Year shot over 40-percent from three-point range and led the Big Ten with three blocked shots per game. His ability to defend makes him an attractive option for a team that won just 22 games in 2017-18. |
| 1 (5)
Dallas Mavericks (traded to Atlanta Hawks) |
Trae Young | 6’1 178
PG-Oklahoma |
The Big 12 Freshman of the Year has range that extends from Oklahoma all the way to the Dirty South. Though he was not ranked as a consensus Top 20 player in the Class of 2017, he ended up leading the nation in scoring (27.4 PPG) and assists (8.7 APG). Draftnasty’s Troy Jefferson predicted Doncic as an option. |
| 1 (6)
Orlando Magic |
Mohamed Bamba | 7’0 225
C-Texas |
The former Westtown HS (N.Y.) has gotten plenty of attention for his length, but he is an underrated rebounder with an expanding offensive skill-set. The second-team All-Big 12 selection has wiry strength and a high basketball IQ. He finished second in the nation with 3.7 blocks shots per game. |
| 1 (7) Chicago Bulls | Wendell Carter, Jr. | 6’10 251
PF-Duke |
The Bulls hit home with All-Rookie selection Lauri Markkanen a year ago and this year went after a player who scored in double figures in 30 contests in 2017-18. The second-team All-ACC performer has an array of moves around the basket and an instinctive rebounder (9.1). |
| 1 (8)
Cleveland Cavaliers |
Collin
Sexton |
6’1 ½ 183
PG-Alabama |
The Cavaliers immediately increased its team speed with the selection of Sexton. He maintained a 4.0 GPA in school during his lone season on campus and had a knack for the big moment. |
| 1 (9)
New York Knicks |
Kevin Knox | 6’9 212
SF-Kentucky |
Knox’s toughness and natural scoring ability will provide a solid complement to Kristpas Porzingas. The first pick of the David Fizdale-era is solid in all facets of his game. |
| 1 (10)
Philadelphia 76ers (traded the rights of this pick to the Phoenix Suns for the 16th overall pick, Zhaire Smith and the Suns 2021 first-round pick) |
Mikal Bridges | 6’7 210
SF-Villanova |
The first of the four Wildcats expected to be drafted, Brigdes actually redshirted initially at Villanova. The 76ers needed another shooter with the possible departures of either J.J. Redick or Marco Belinelli, but instead acquired the rights to the Phoenix Suns 16th overall pick, Zhaire Smith. DraftNasty’s Troy Jefferson predicted Smith could end up with the 76ers. |
| 1 (11)
Charlotte Hornets (pick made for the Los Angeles Clippers) |
Shai
Gilgeous- Alexander |
6’6 180
PG-Kentucky |
The 2017-18 second-team All-SEC selection recorded the third most assists for a freshman in the history of Kentucky basketball. Blessed with the ability to defend three-to-four positions, he will increase the flexibility for Doc Rivers’ defensive unit. He shot 81.7-percent from the free throw line as a freshman. |
| 1 (12)
Los Angeles Clippers (pick made for the Charlotte Hornets) |
Miles Bridges | 6’6 220
SF-Michigan State |
Despite being 6-foot-6, he still averaged seven rebounds per game in 2017-18. Why? He has a strong, burly frame. The former Big Ten Freshman of the Year is a true high riser. |
| 1 (13)
Los Angeles Clippers |
Jerome
Robinson |
6’5 188
SG-Boston College |
Robinson becomes the first ever Eagles player to become a lottery selection and was a runner-up to Marvin Bagley III for ACC Player of the Year. He shot over 83% from the free throw line |
| 1 (14)
Denver Nuggets |
Michael Porter, Jr. | 6’10 211 | Porter, Jr. snuck into the final lottery selection and provides the wing depth that the Nuggets desperately need. Despite playing just three games for Missouri in 2017-18 due to back surgery, the former Gatorade Player of the Year has immense upside. |
| 1 (15)
Washington Wizards |
Troy Brown | 6’6 ¾ 208
SF-Oregon |
The Wizards are still in need of athletic big men, but they also needed someone who could matchup with opposing guards and forwards defensively. To that end, Brown fits the bill. His versatility included guard duties at the prep level. |
| 1 (16) Phoenix Suns (traded this pick for to the Philadelphia 76ers and its 2021 1st round pick for the rights to the 76ers 10th overall pick Mikal Bridges-see below) | Zhaire Smith | 6’4 198
G-F/Texas Tech |
After securing Ayton with the first overall pick, the Suns turned their attention to another guard for depth with the possible departure of free agent Elfrid Payton. This pick was made for the 76ers in a trade that sent their 10th overall pick to the Suns in exchange for Smith’s rights. Smith’s outstanding leaping ability (41 ½” VJ) and floor speed will add an explosive element to the 76ers backcourt. Bridges expands the Suns’ defensive versatility. |
| 1 (17) Milwaukee Bucks | Donte DiVincenzo | 6’4 ½ 200
SG-Villanova |
The Bucks needed more scorers on the perimeter after finishing 13th in the NBA playoffs in three-pointers. DiVincenzo opened even more eyes at the NBA Combine after earning Most Outstanding Player honors in the 2018 NCAA Final Four. The Big East’s Six Man of the Year shot 40% from three-point range this past season. |
| 1 (18)
San Antonio Spurs |
Lonnie Walker IV | 6’4 196
SG-Miami (Fla.) |
Athletic shooting guards/wings were a possibility for the Spurs with the unenviable Kawhi Leonard situation. The team opted for a player who can play the two-guard or wing in Walker IV. He has to stay healthy and become more productive with the ball in his hands. His play strength is undeniable. |
| 1 (19)
Atlanta Hawks |
Kevin Huerter | 6’7 194
SG-Maryland |
Huerter led the Terrapins with 73 three-pointers in 2017-18. The shooting guard spot was a position the Hawks needed to target to go along with Kent Bazemore. |
| 1 (20)
Minnesota Timberwolves |
Josh Okogie | 6’4 ½ 210 SG-Georgia Tech | The third-team All-ACC selection is a high-riser who averaged over 18 points per game for the Yellow Jackets. With Jerome Robinson off the board, Okogie was one of the better shooting guards still available for the Timberwolves. |
| 1 (21) Utah Jazz | Grayson Allen | 6’4 ½ 198
SG-Duke |
The former Blue Devil fills a need for the team despite being somewhat of a surprise in this slot. He nearly put up 2,000 points in his career (1,996), but there are some questions about his ability to defend consistently. There are, however, few questions surrounding his competitiveness and athleticism. |
| 1 (22) Chicago Bulls | Chandler Hutchison | 6’7 197
SG-Boise State |
We felt the MWC Player of the Year could have been a possibility for the Spurs, but we also felt that the Bulls needed a guard with both Zach LaVine and David Nwaba currently free agents. Will Hutchison continue to expand his range? |
| 1 (23) Indiana Pacers | Aaron Holiday | 6’1 187
PG-UCLA |
Blessed with NBA bloodlines (Brother, Jrue, plays for the New Orleans Pelicans and another brother, Justin, plays for the Chicago Bulls), this Holiday rarely took any days off for the Bruins. He led the Pac-12 in scoring in 2017-18 (20.3 PPG). The Pacers simply took the best player available at this stage of the draft. |
| 1 (24)
Portland Trail Blazers |
Anfernee Simons | 6’3 183
SG-United States |
With Shabazz Napier and Pat Connaughton both free agents, guard depth was important for the Trail Blazers. The former IMG Academy standout moves well without the basketball and finishes in transition. |
| 1 (25)
Los Angeles Lakers (from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2017-18 trade that included Isaiah Thomas and Jordan Clarkson) |
Moritz Wagner | 6’11 241
PF-Michigan |
There are few questions regarding Wagner’s ability to stretch the floor as a shooter. The former Wolverine has good vision, works as a rebounder and possesses above average ability to execute in pick-and-pop situations. |
| 1 (26)
Philadelphia 76ers |
Landry Shamet | 6’5” 188
PG-Wichita State |
We talked about Shamet’s ability to extend the defense in our Detroit Pistons team needs. Shamet, a combo-type, is insurance if the team loses either Redick or Belinelli in free agency. |
| 1 (27) Boston Celtics | Robert Williams III | 6’10” 241
C-Texas A&M |
Williams III is one of the better shot blockers in the draft and he led the SEC in rebounding. The team will look for him to be a rim-runner and lob specialist. It was a bit of a surprise he lasted until the end of the first round. |
| 1 (28) Golden State Warriors | Jacob Evans | 6’5” 199
SG-Cincinnati |
The first-team All-AAC performer is a stout defender and underrated passer. The Warriors continue to add players who can guard multiple positions. |
| 1 (29) Brooklyn Nets | Dzanan Musa | 6’9” 195
SF- Bosnia- Herzegovina |
Whether or not the team gets Charlotte C Dwight Howard in its proposed trade is still up for discussion. In the meantime, they needed a player capable of handling defensive responsibilities next to either Howard or Timofey Mozgov. Musa may not be a fit for those duties, but he averaged 12.4 PPG and was named the All-Adriatic League’s top prospect of the year. |
| 1 (30) Atlanta Hawks | Omari Spellman | 6’9” 253
PF-Villanova |
While Spellman averaged just under 11 points per game for the Wildcats, he did shoot 43-percent from three-point range. Aside from his ability to shoot, he has enough bulk to compete as an offensive rebounder. |
| 2nd Round | |||
| 2 (31) Phoenix Suns | Elie Okobo | 6’3” 180
PG-France |
The Suns didn’t get their backup guard early but they do get a player who has some similarities to the aforementioned Payton (a free agent). He has more shooting ability at this same stage of his development. |
| 2 (32) Memphis Grizzlies | Jevon Carter | 6’1 ½” 196
PG-West Virginia |
Carter’s development as a scorer complements what may be the best defensive skill-set in the draft. He was twice named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and became just the fifth player in Division I history with 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists and 300 steals. |
| 2 (33)
Dallas Mavericks |
Jalen Brunson | 6’2 ¼” 198
PG-Villanova |
Although he shot 41-percent from three-point range in 2017-18, some of Brunson’s best work came on the low block. His foot speed is a question mark. |
| 2 (34)
Atlanta Hawks |
Devonte Graham | 6’1 ½” 188
PG-Kansas |
Graham has the ability to go either right or left off the dribble to get separation for his pull-up jumpers. The Hawks continue to add playmakers to compete in the backcourt. |
| 2 (35)
Orlando Magic |
Melvin Frazier | 6’6” 198
SF-Tulane |
The AAC’s Most Improved Player led the conference in steals (2.2 per gm). He put together an outstanding NBA Combine performance. |
| 2 (36)
New York Knicks |
Mitchell Robinson | 6’11” 215
PF-United States |
One of the nation’s top recruits in 2017, Robinson never played college basketball and elected to train for the draft. |
| 2 (37)
Sacramento Kings |
Gary Trent, Jr. | 6’5” 204
SG-Duke |
During the NBA Combine, Trent, Jr. excelled shooting from the top of the key and posted a 39 ½” max VJ. He was one of the Blue Devils most consistent shooters in 2017-18. |
| 2 (38)
Philadelphia 76ers |
Khyri Thomas | 6’3 ¾” 198
SG-Creighton |
Known for his defense, Thomas’ 6’10 ½” wingspan gives him plenty of flexibility when it comes to guarding multiple positions. He’s capable of winning of finishing in transition or off the catch-and-shoot on the wings. |
| 2 (39)
Philadelphia 76ers |
Isaac Bonga | 6’9 203
SF-Germany |
Although this pick may not provide immediate dividends, Bonga,has good flexibility and impressive court vision. |
| 2 (40)
Brooklyn Nets |
Rodions Kurucs | 6’10” 215
F-Lativa |
Kurucs, a member of the 2017-18 Latvian National Team, averaged just over 10 points and nearly 3 RPG for FC Barcelona in 2017-18. He has a game that translates to the type of stretch-fours seen in the NBA today. He will need to work on getting his shot off quicker. |
| 2 (41) Orlando Magic | Jarred
Vanderbilt |
6’9” 214
SF-Kentucky |
If not for a left foot injury, Vanderbilt –one of the top players in the Class of 2017- may have made a bigger impact for the Wildcats in 2017-18. Where he did flash was as a rebounder. He averaged 7.9 rebounds per game in 14 games for the team. |
| 2 (42) Detroit Pistons | Bruce
Brown |
6’5 194
SG-Miami (Fla) |
Yet another prospect affected by a foot injury in 2017-18, Brown was probably more impactful as a shooter during his freshman season. |
| 2 (43)
Denver Nuggets |
Justin Jackson | 6’6 ¾” 229
SF-Maryland |
Jackson was a possible target for the Houston Rockets in our Southwest Division Team Needs. The 6-foot-7 Jackson shot 43-percent from three-point range and contains a 7-foot-2-inch wingspan. He eventually ended up getting traded to the Orlando Magic for the draft rights to Jarred Vanderbilt. |
| 2 (44) Washington Wizards | Issuf Sanon | 6’4 185
PG-Ukraine |
He’s dealt with minor injuries, but the 2018 Slovenian League Champion logged added minutes for the Petrol Olimpija team of the Premier A SKL league. |
| 2 (45) Brooklyn Nets | Hamidou Diallo | 6’5 190 | Diallo posted the highest max vertical at the 2018 NBA Combine (44 ½”). If he can develop as a shooter, he has some similarities to Houston Rockets G Gerald Green. Diallo shot just 62% from the free throw line this past season and just 43-percent from the field |
| 2 (46)
Houston Rockets |
De’Anthony Melton | 6’3 193
SG-USC |
During his lone season of action at USC (2016-17), he averaged 1.9 steals per game. Despite shooting 71% from the stripe, he connected on just 28.4% of his three-point shots. |
| 2 (47)
Los Angeles Lakers |
Sviatoslav
Mykhailiuk |
6’8 195
SG-Kansas |
Mykhailiuk shot 44.4% from three-point range for the Jayhawks in 2017-18 while averaging 14.6 points per game. The former Jayhawk has elite shooting abilities that Draftnasty’s Troy Jefferson took notice of. |
| 2 (48)
Minnesota Timberwolves |
Keita Bates-Diop | 6’8” 223
SF-Ohio State |
Bates-Diop earned second-team All-American honors and was named the Big Ten Player of the Year. Bates-Diop improved his scoring average by nearly 10 points from 2016-17. |
| 2 (49)
San Antonio Spurs |
Chimezie Metu | 6’11 215
PF-USC |
Metu has improved as a free throw shooter since he first arrived on campus. DraftNasty’s Jefferson felt Metu would be a fit for the Pelicans, but he’s going to a team in the division who can use his athleticism and length. |
| 2 (50)
Indiana Pacers |
Alize Johnson | 6’8 217
PF-Missouri State |
Johnson doesn’t have noteworthy length (6’8 ¾” wingspan) for his 217-pound frame, but he averaged a double-double (points, rebounds) in back-to-back seasons for the Bears. |
| 2 (51)
New Orleans Pelicans |
Tony Carr | 6’4 ½” 198
SG-Penn State |
The first-team All-Big Ten selection finished the season with four games of 30-plus points and shot 43.3% from three-point range. Carr’s 8’4” standing reach makes him bigger than his size would indicate. He led the Nittany Lions to the 2018 NIT title. |
| 2 (52) Utah Jazz | Vincent Edwards | 6’8 225
SF-Purdue |
A solid spot-up shooter, Edwards improved his scoring average in each of his four years on campus. An effiicent free throw shooter (82% career), he is also effective beyond the arc. |
| 2 (53)
Oklahoma City Thunder |
Devon Hall | 6’5 210
SG-Virginia |
Hall is by no means a high-riser, but he was satisfactory in non-stationary shooting drills at the 2018 NBA Combine. He was an 89% free throw shooter in 2017-18. |
| 2 (54) Dallas Mavericks | Shake Milton | 6’5 ½ 207
SG-SMU |
In just over 36 minutes per game in 2017-18, Milton averaged 18 points per game. The 6’5 ½” Milton has nearly a 7-foot-1-inch wingspan and 8’3 ½” standing reach. |
| 2 (55)
Charlotte Hornets |
Arnoldas Kulboka | SF-Lithuania | Despite averaging just over 8 points per game, he shot nearly 37-percent from three-point range. He will likely be a pick for the Hornets down the road |
| 2 (56)
Philadelphia 76ers |
Ray Spalding | 6’10 ¼ 215
PF-Louisville |
DraftNasty’s Jefferson projected that Spalding’s 7’6” wingspan would be a fit for the Portland Trail Blazers. Instead, the 76ers get a prospect that averaged 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks for the Cardinals in 2017-18. |
| 2 (57)
Oklahoma City Thunder |
Kevin Hervey | 6’7 211
SF/PF-UT-Arlington |
Hervey is yet another player that the Thunder project can improve as a shooter. He’s an underrated rebounder who Jefferson projected would be a possible target for another team in the Northwest Division (Denver Nuggets) as a small forward-type projection. |
| 2 (58)
Denver Nuggets |
Thomas Welsh | 7’0 245
C-UCLA |
Welsh, a career 80-percent free throw shooter, shot 40-percent from the three-point line as a senior while averaged 10.8 rebounds per game. |
| 2 (59)
Phoenix Suns |
George
King |
6’6 220
SF-Colorado |
The second-team All-Pac-12 selection nearly hit 200 three-pointers in college (181) and perhaps more impressively 5.4 rebounds per game (career). |
| 2 (60) Philadelphia 76ers | Kostas
Antetokounmpo |
6’10 190
SF-Dayton |
The younger brother of the Greek Freak in Milwaukee didn’t log many minutes for Dayton, but he did aveaged over a block per game. He’s still not a shooter (51.6% free throws), but he contains a 7’2 ¼” wingspan and 9’2” standing reach. |
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