What happened to top 10 picks of 2018 NBA Draft ?

The 2018 NBA Draft produced stars like Luka Doncic, Trae Young and Mikal Bridges, while others struggled with inconsistency and injuries.

Rajat Srivastava
October 21, 2025
4 min read

What happened to top 10 picks of 2018 NBA Draft ? — Imagn Images

The 2018 NBA Draft delivered a mix of franchise-changing stars and disappointing picks. Luka Doncic emerged as a generational superstar, while Trae Young and Jaren Jackson Jr. became cornerstone players for their teams. Mikal Bridges developed into an elite two-way wing, and Deandre Ayton helped lead Phoenix to the Finals. However, Marvin Bagley, Kevin Knox and others fell short of expectations. This class perfectly illustrates the unpredictability of NBA draft outcomes.

10. Mikal Bridges (Suns)

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Bridges became one of the most dependable two-way wings in the league. Drafted by the Sixers but traded to Phoenix on draft night, he shined as a defensive stopper and reliable shooter. His breakout came after being traded to Brooklyn, where he showed star scoring potential. By 2025, Bridges is considered one of the most complete players from the class, known for his durability and consistency.

9. Kevin Knox (Knicks)

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Knox entered the league with high hopes, but his career never took off as expected. Struggles with consistency, defense, and shooting efficiency saw him quickly fall out of the Knicks’ long-term plans. He bounced between teams and has been more of a role player than a core piece. By 2025, Knox is largely seen as a draft miss compared to others taken after him.

8. Collin Sexton (Cavaliers)

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Sexton made a name as a fiery scorer in Cleveland, averaging over 20 points in multiple seasons. However, injuries, including a torn meniscus, slowed his rise. After being traded to Utah, he embraced a scoring role off the bench and occasional starter. By 2025, Sexton remains a dynamic guard with energy and scoring punch, though questions remain about his ability to be a long-term franchise cornerstone.

7. Wendell Carter Jr. (Bulls)

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Carter was drafted by Chicago but found his stride after moving to Orlando. A skilled center with good rebounding and passing instincts, he overcame early injuries to become a steady presence in the Magic’s young core. By 2025, he’s valued as a reliable starter who can stretch the floor a little and anchor the defense, proving himself to be one of the steadier picks of this class.

6. Mo Bamba (Magic)

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Bamba entered the league with incredible physical tools but struggled to translate them into consistent production early in his career. Flashes of rim protection and three-point shooting kept teams intrigued, but he bounced around as a role player. By 2025, he remains a depth option rather than a star, but his size and versatility still make him a useful piece for teams needing defense and spacing.

5. Trae Young (Hawks)

Trae Young quickly became Atlanta’s franchise star with his deep shooting and crafty playmaking. He led the Hawks to a surprising Eastern Conference Finals run in 2021 and has been an All-Star multiple times. Though his size and defense draw criticism, his offensive brilliance makes him one of the NBA’s most exciting guards. By 2025, Trae is still the face of the Hawks and a scoring machine.

4. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)

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Jackson has built his reputation as one of the league’s best defenders. Known for his elite shot-blocking, versatility, and ability to stretch the floor, he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023. While injuries slowed him early, his presence is key for Memphis. By 2025, Jackson is firmly a core piece of the Grizzlies’ future and a top young big man in the NBA.

3. Luka Doncic (Mavericks)

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Luka is easily the biggest star from the 2018 draft. Drafted third and traded to Dallas, he quickly became an NBA sensation with his incredible scoring, passing, and clutch play. Already a multiple-time All-Star and All-NBA player, Luka is considered a generational talent and one of the faces of the league. By 2025, he’s still leading the Mavericks, chasing championships while rewriting record books at just 26 years old.

2. Marvin Bagley III (Kings)

Bagley came into the NBA with big expectations, but constant injuries and inconsistency slowed his career. While he has shown glimpses of offensive skill and rebounding ability, he hasn’t developed into the franchise cornerstone Sacramento hoped for. By 2025, he’s carved out a rotation role, but his selection at second overall is often remembered as one of the weaker choices of the draft’s top picks.

1. Deandre Ayton (Suns)

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Ayton entered the league as a strong rebounder and inside scorer. He quickly established himself as a reliable double-double player. While he hasn’t blossomed into a superstar, he has been a consistent starter and helped Phoenix reach the NBA Finals in 2021. In 2025, he remains an important piece for the Suns, though fans still hope for more dominance from the big man picked first overall.