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Where Are They Now? Tracking the NBA Journeys of the Basketball Class of 2018
Thinking back to the 2018 NBA Draft feels like revisiting a pivotal moment in recent basketball history. It wasn't just about the top pick; the class felt electric with a blend of generational talent and intriguing, high-ceiling projects. As a writer who's tracked these careers from summer league to All-Star games, I’ve always been fascinated not just by the stats, but by the human journeys—the adjustments, the setbacks, the leaps. Today, looking at where these players are now, the narrative is less about a single trajectory and more about a fascinating web of paths, some intersecting in unexpected ways. What strikes me most is how the bonds formed back then, often overlooked, continue to resonate. I'm reminded of a sentiment that feels particularly apt here, something I once heard echoed about another duo: even the simplest of text messages and being present for each other whenever their busy schedules permit can go a long way. That intangible support system, I believe, has been a quiet undercurrent for several in this class as they've navigated the league's immense pressures.
The obvious starting point is Luka Dončić, the third overall pick who has, in my opinion, already cemented himself as a top-five player globally. His journey from EuroLeague MVP to NBA superstar was almost preordained, but the speed of his ascent still astounds. Averaging a staggering 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in the 2023-24 season, he’s redefining offensive mastery. Contrast that with the first pick, Deandre Ayton. His path has been rockier, moving from Phoenix to Portland, searching for a consistent identity beyond being a talented finisher. While he puts up solid numbers—around 16 points and 10 rebounds—the expectation was for a dominant force, not just a reliable starter. Then there's Trae Young, the fifth pick, who polarizes fans but whose impact is undeniable. Love his style or hate it, averaging 25.5 points and 10.8 assists means you're running the show. His partnership with Dejounte Murray in Atlanta is one of the league's more fascinating backcourt experiments, though I’ll admit I’m still skeptical about its ceiling for a deep playoff run.
But the real soul of this draft, for me, lies beyond the lottery. Jalen Brunson, taken 33rd overall, has authored one of the great underdog stories in recent memory. From a solid role player in Dallas to the undisputed heart and All-NBA engine of the New York Knicks, his rise is a testament to skill and unshakeable confidence. Watching him command Madison Square Garden is a joy. Similarly, Mikal Bridges, picked 10th and immediately traded, evolved from the ultimate "3-and-D" wing in Phoenix into a primary scoring option in Brooklyn. His transformation wasn't just about opportunity; it was about unlocking a level of offensive creation many, myself included, didn't know he had. On the other hand, you have the cautionary tales of potential unmet. Marvin Bagley III (2nd) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (4th) entered the league with comparable hype as big men. While Jackson Jr. has become the Defensive Player of the Year anchor for Memphis, Bagley has struggled with injuries and fit, now on his third team. The divergence is stark and speaks to the importance of situation and development.
This brings me back to that idea of connection. The class of 2018 is scattered across the league now, but you see the ties. Dončić and Brunson shared a backcourt in Dallas, a partnership that, in hindsight, was perhaps undervalued. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (traded on draft night from Charlotte to LA, then to OKC) and Collin Sexton (8th) are both scoring guards who had to carry massive loads for rebuilding teams, though SGA’s leap into MVP conversations is a tier beyond. I can't help but think that the shared experience of entering this grueling league at the same time creates a unique fraternity. Those check-in texts, the offseason workouts, the mutual respect—they matter. It’s not just networking; it’s a shared language of understanding the specific grind of their generation’s NBA. You see it when they compete, there's a familiar edge, a personal history in every matchup.
Six seasons in, the 2018 draft class has fundamentally shaped the league's landscape. We have an MVP candidate in Dončić, a Defensive Player of the Year in Jackson Jr., multiple All-NBA and All-Star players in Young, SGA, Brunson, and Bridges, and foundational pieces like Michael Porter Jr. (14th) who have battled through significant adversity. The distribution of talent is remarkable. From my perspective, this class will be remembered not for one singular superstar overshadowing all, but for its incredible depth and the diversity of its success stories. Some became franchise cornerstones, others elite specialists, and a few are still searching for their right place. Their journeys are ongoing, filled with future trades, contracts, and playoff moments yet to be written. But the foundation is laid, and the 2018 cohort has already earned its place as one of the most impactful and interesting drafts of the last decade. Watching where they go from here, both as individuals and in their interconnected web of relationships, remains one of the most compelling narratives in basketball today.