June 15, 2026, 3:16 p.m. ET
The 2018 NBA draft saw the Dallas Mavericks wind up with Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson.
The Atlanta Hawks drafted Doncic and then traded him to the Mavs in a deal that involved fifth overall pick Trae Young. With the 33rd pick overall, in the second round, Dallas drafted a guard out of Villanova named Jalen Brunson.
Fast forward and Doncic now stars for the Lakers and Brunson was just MVP of The NBA Finals.
Dallas somehow had two great guards and wound up with none. How did the players taken before Brunson grade out?
1. DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
Has been on three teams, including the Lakers as his current one. He is oft-criticized but actually averages a double-double at 15.8 points per game and 10.1 rebounds. He has regressed in scoring in each of the last four years. Grade: C
Has played for five teams in a mediocre to unimpressive NBA career. Grade: D
3. Luka Doncic, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks might have been best off keeping Doncic. They had a good run with Young but eventually went nowhere before trading him to the Wizards. Terrible decision to make the deal. As for Doncic, as a player his Grade: A+
Solid player and pick for Memphis. He averaged 18.5 points per game for the Grizzlies before being traded to Utah. A nice pick. Grade: B
5. Trae Young, Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs got the better of the deal in acquiring Doncic. Young had some great years in Atlanta before being part of a lot of the team’s turbulence. He averaged 25 points per game and almost 10 assists per contest. Too bad Atlanta couldn’t figure a way to make it work. Grade: A
6. Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic
Has bounced around from team to team in an ordinary career. Grade: D
Decent numbers while playing for the Bulls and Magic. Fills a role nicely. Grade: C+
8. Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers
The point guard was actually third in Rookie of the Year voting. Has averaged better than 18 points per game and only 3.6 assists while playing for four teams. Grade: B-
9. Kevin Knox, New York Knicks
Another Knicks pick that went awry. He played for five teams before being out of the league after 2024-25. Grade: D
10. Mikal Bridges, Phoenix Suns
Has become a great role player on the champion Knicks as a starter. Good for 12-15 points a game and can be depended on game-in and game-out. Grade: B
11. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Charlotte Hornets
So, the Hornets drafted Kobe Bryant and SGA and traded both. Have to worry about that kind of scouting department. Gilgeous-Alexander went to the Clippers and then on to the Thunder, where he has become of the best players in the game. Terrible decision to trade him for both prior teams. SGA Grade: A+
12. Miles Bridges, Los Angeles Clippers
Went to Charlotte in trade for SGA. Has done okay for Hornets, averaging 16 points and 6 rebounds per game. Has had issues off the court, which take away. Grade: C
13. Jerome Robinson, Los Angeles Clippers
Forgettable career. Played for three teams and was done after 2023-24. Grade: F
14. Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets
Dropped in draft due to injury questions. Nuggets were rewarded with the risk as he was big contributor when they won title and continues to play well. Now a Net. Grade: B+
15. Troy Brown, Washington Wizards
Another journeyman. Played for five teams and was out of league after 2023-24. Grade: F
16. Zaire Smith, Phoenix Suns
Played 13 games for the 76ers over two years. Grade: F
17. Donte DiVincenzo, Milwaukee Bucks
Another of the Villanova guys from this draft. Has played for five teams but is better than that looks. Good guard and contributor. Grade: B-
18. Lonnie Walker IV, San Antonio Spurs
Had some nice games in NBA career. Some were actually highlight-filled. Overall, average. Grade: C
19. Kevin Huerter, Atlanta Hawks.
Another journeyman who has played for four teams. Grade: C-
20. Josh Okogie, Minnesota Timberwolves
Bench guy who continues to find a home in the NBA. Has played for four teams.
21. Grayson Allen, Utah Jazz
Never the most popular guy on the opponents. The Duke guard can provide a spark on offense and irritate the opposition. Grade: C+
22. Chandler Hutchinson, Chicago Bulls
Bounced from team to team and was out of league after a few years. Grade: F
23. Aaron Holiday, Indiana Pacers
Has played for five teams and never delivered much in stats. Grade: D
24. Anferenee Simons, Portland TrailBlazers
Nice pick who manages to fill the hoop to tune of 15 points per game in his career. Those are good numbers in this draft. Grade: B-
Has become a nice player for Orlando. Needs to stay healthy. Only played 66 games over last two years. Grade: C+
26. Landry Shamet, Philadelphia 76ers
Just earned himself a ring with the Knicks. Strong shooter and does well with every team. Good player. Grade: B
27. Robert Williams, Boston Celtics
Had a few good seasons with the Celtics. Has not been as strong in Portland. Grade: C+
28. Jacob Evans, Golden State Warriors
Out of league in 2020. Grade: F
29. Dzanan Musa, Brooklyn Nets
Played 49 games over two seasons. Grade: F
30. Omari Spellman, Atlanta Hawks
One of the rare Villanova guys who did not cut it in NBA.
31. Elie Okobo, Phoenix Suns
Lasted two years with Phoenix. Grade: F
32. Jevon Carter, Memphis Grizzlies
Another journeyman who has bounced from team to team. Grade: C-
33. Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks
How did he last to 33? Becoming an all-time great. Grade: A+