Like the 2016 and 2017 NBA Drafts, the 2018 NBA Draft has produced many incredible players, including MVP candidates, All-Stars, and great role players. With multiple seasons gone by, here is a redrafting of the 2018 NBA Draft lottery.

Redrafting The 2018 NBA Draft Lottery
Pick #1: Luka Doncic
Actual Pick: Deandre Ayton

To no one’s surprise, Luka Doncic goes 1st in this redraft over Deandre Ayton. Unquestionably, Doncic has been one of the most accomplished players from this draft class. Specifically, he has multiple All-Star appearances, made multiple All-NBA teams, and has been a consistent MVP candidate for years. Not only that, but he has a scoring title under his belt. Additionally, Doncic has led his team to the playoffs numerous times, including a finals run last season. His ability to be an entire offensive system in of himself has made Doncic into one of the most lethal players in the league today. Without a doubt, the Suns take Doncic over Ayton 1st in this redraft.

Pick #2: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Actual Pick: Marvin Bagley III

The Sacramento Kings originally took Marvin Bagley III 2nd in the draft, however, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes his place in this redraft. Similarly to Doncic, Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the best players to come out of this draft class. Particularly, he has shown himself to be one of the most well-rounded guards in the league. He has also been one of the most talented scorers in the NBA as well. Due to his excellence on the court, Gilgeous-Alexander made multiple All-Star appearances and All-NBA teams. Furthermore, he has been in the conversation for league MVP and has league his team to the top of the Western Conference. All things considered, Gilgeous-Alexander makes a major jump up to 2nd in this redraft.

Pick #3: Trae Young
Actual Pick: Luka Doncic

Trae Young takes the place of Doncic in this redraft, moving up from 5th to 3rd. Thus far in his career, Young has been an incredible offensive talent, similar to Doncic in that regard. His ability to score anywhere on the court and be a dynamic playmaker has earned him numerous achievements. Specifically, Young has made multiple All-Star appearances and an All-NBA team in 2022. Furthermore, Young took his team in 2021 to the Eastern Conference Finals. With his accomplishments, there was no doubt that Young goes no lower than 3rd in this redraft.

Pick #4: Jalen Brunson
Actual Pick: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jalen Brunson makes the major jump from the second round to near the top of the lottery in this redraft. Akin to the first three picks in this redraft, Brunson has developed into an excellent offensive player at the guard position. His ability to score on all three levels and be an effective playmaker allowed him to become an amazing lead guard for New York. With the Knicks, Brunson made an All-Star appearance and All-NBA team due to his talent and prowess. Due to his development into a lead guard and first option of a championship contender, Brunson earns his jump to 4th.

Pick #5: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Actual Pick: Trae Young

Jaren Jackson Jr. falls to 5th in this redraft, but he has been an outstanding second option on a playoff team. Jackson Jr. has developed into one of the best two-way players in the league as well as one of the best defensive players. He has been a huge deterrent at the rim, which translated into multiple seasons of being the leader in blocks. His defensive prowess has been so good that he has even earned the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023. Offensively, the 6’10” big man has turned himself into a three-level scorer and has averaged over 20 points last season. His achievements still make him deserving of a top-five selection despite falling one spot.

Pick #6: Mikal Bridges
Actual Pick: Mo Bamba

The Orlando Magic originally selected Mo Bamba with the 6th pick; however, in this redraft, Mikal Bridges takes his place. Like Jackson Jr., Bridges has developed into one of the best two-way players in the league. He has turned himself into one of the best wing defenders in the league, which earned him All-Defensive considerations in 2022. Additionally, Bridges developed into an impressive offensive option after leaving Phoenix. Given his improvements and his two-way play on the wings, Bridges takes the cake for 6th in this redraft.

Pick #7: Michael Porter Jr.
Actual Pick: Wendell Carter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr. takes the spot of Wendell Carter Jr. who was selected 7th by the Chicago Bulls. Despite facing significant injuries in his career, Porter Jr. has developed into a talented scorer and amazing three-point shooter. Standing at six-foot-ten, Porter Jr. can easily rise above any contest and knock down shots. Furthermore, he has become an improved defender. His talents contributed to the Denver Nuggets winning their first championship in their franchise’s history. Due to that, Porter Jr. moves up seven spots for the purposes of this redraft.

Pick #8: Collin Sexton
Actual Pick: Collin Sexton

Collin Sexton is the first player on this list to retain his original draft spot. He gets to do so because of his ability to be a microwavable scorer, his infectious energy, and his athleticism at the guard position. He has shown that he can score anywhere on the court and do so efficiently. Sexton has had multiple seasons where he averaged 20 points or more. Additionally, Sexton constantly plays with energy every game. Owing to his scoring abilities, Sexton remains the 8th pick.

Pick #9: Deandre Ayton
Actual Pick: Kevin Knox

Deandre Ayton falls hard to 9th in this redraft, taking Kevin Knox‘s spot, despite being a talented player. His fall from first is mostly to do with the level of effort that he puts in. When Ayton plays fully committed, he looks like he deserves to be picked first. In that state, Ayton has that he can be an outstanding two-way big who can anchor a defense and score in bunches on the other end. However, his effort levels are incredibly inconsistent. Regardless, his level of talent still earns him a place in the lottery.

Pick #10: Anfernee Simons
Actual Pick: Mikal Bridges

Anfernee Simons takes a major jump from 24th to 10th in this redraft, taking the spot Bridges used to occupy. Simons takes this spot due to his ability to score the basketball from anywhere on the court. Since the 2021-2022 season, Simons has averaged 17 points or more while being efficient. Not only that, but he has also developed into a better playmaker as well. Due to his offensive talent and potential, Simons jumps to 10th.

Pick #11: Robert Williams
Actual Pick: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Similar to Simons, Robert Williams takes a major jump from 27th to 11th, filling in the spot that Gilgeous-Alexander once held. His jump is due to his defensive abilities. Williams has shown that he can anchor a defense for a playoff team when he is on the floor. He has been a great shot blocker and overall rim protector. His defense has been so good that he even made an All-Defensive team in 2022. Unfortunately, Williams has been injury-prone for much of his career. However, his talent is undeniable and for that, he earns a major jump to 11th in this redraft of the 2018 NBA Draft lottery.

Pick #12: Miles Bridges
Actual Pick: Miles Bridges

Miles Bridges is the second player in this ranking to retain their original draft position. Bridges gets to keep his spot due to his versatile skill set and his athleticism. He has shown himself to be a Swiss army knife in terms of what he brings to the court. He has been a double-digit scorer for most of his career and he even averaged 20 points or more in two seasons. Bridges has also been a good rebounder and decent defender in his career. Due to his versatility, Bridges can keep his position.

Pick #13: Donte DiVincenzo
Actual Pick: Jerome Robinson

Donte DiVincenzo moves into the lottery as he replaces Jerome Robinson in this redraft. DiVincenzo makes this jump due to his development as a great 3-and-D swingman. His abilities as a shooter and defender have helped multiple playoff teams. That includes the 2021 championship Milwaukee Bucks, however, he did not play much in the playoffs due to an injury. Most of his acclaim stems from his time in New York, where he averaged his career high in points and three-point percentage. Due to his development as a 3-and-D player, DiVincenzo earns his way into the lottery.

Pick #14: Wendell Carter Jr.
Actual Pick: Michael Porter Jr.

Wendell Carter Jr. takes the former spot of Porter Jr. as he falls from 7th to 14th in this redraft. This isn’t a knock on him, though, as he is a very good center in his own right. However, there are better players than him. What he does well that keeps him in the lottery is his two-way play. Carter Jr. has been a talented scorer at the center position and can stretch out to the three-point line. He has been a double-digit scorer his entire career outside of this season, which is impressive. Not only that, but Carter Jr. has been a good defender in the middle as well. Despite being placed lower in this redraft, Carter Jr. still deserves to be in the 2018 NBA Draft lottery.