The 2018 NBA Draft fell nothing short of what it was expected to be. There weren’t many big draft trades, especially involving current NBA players. However, this draft was filled with many former college stars. We take a look at the winners and losers of last night.
Winners:
DeAndre Ayton: Ayton gets to play on a Phoenix Suns team that already has a rising star in Devin Booker. The Suns also picked up Mikal Bridges in a draft night trade, as well as two other 2nd round picks. Lots of young talent for Ayton to gel with.
Marvin Bagley III / Gary Trent Jr: Normally, falling to Sacramento would be a negative thing, but Bagley and Trent will get to play with each other, which could be enough to put the Kings in an uphill trend.
Jaren Jackson Jr: Jaren got drafted by the Grizzlies, who an experienced center in Marc Gasol. Expect Gasol to be a mentor to Jackson, which could prove to be very scary.
Collin Sexton: Sexton is headed to the Cavs, and could very well start at point guard in the near future, after George Hill virtually disappeared in the 2018 playoffs. No matter what, he’ll be playing with Kevin Love, and maybe LeBron if he doesn’t decide to jump ship. That’s always a positive.
Michael Porter Jr: Porter fell to the last pick in the lottery, but got picked up by the best one. The Nuggets have talent all up and down their roster, and the addition of a healthy Porter should make them a playoff team. Porter will win right away.
Lonnie Walker IV: San Antonio Spurs. Enough said.
Robert Williams: The Celtics needed a big man, and got one of the best in the draft. Williams will win right away, and could play some big minutes.
Losers:
Trae Young: Young got drafted by Dallas, but then traded to Atlanta. The Hawks already have Dennis Schroder. This will either mean that Young will have to come off the bench, or Schroder is out. If it’s the latter, then good for Young, but until then, it’s not.
Kevin Knox: Talk about not feeling wanted. Knox got booed on his draft night, which can never feel good.
Mikal Bridges: Being paired up with Ayton and Booker should turn out well. However, it happened right after Bridges thought he’d be playing for his hometown 76ers. Ouch.
Landry Shamet: Not really sure where he’ll fit in on a loaded 76ers roster, especially if they add a superstar in the off season.