The 2018 NBA Draft marked the inception of a promising cohort, each player carrying the potential to shape the league's future. Today, several years into their professional journeys, it's intriguing to observe the diverse trajectories these athletes have navigated. In this analysis, we categorize these players into different Tiers, assessing their impact, development, and contributions over the course of their NBA careers.
Tier 6
Marvin Bagley III, Mo Bamba, Lonnie Walker IV, Josh Okogie, Mo Wagner, Devonte’ Graham, Gary Trent Jr., De’Anthony Melton, Aaron Holiday, Jevon Carter, Hamidou Diallo
Across six seasons split between the Sacramento Kings and the Detroit Pistons, Marvin Bagley has struggled a lot in the earlier years of his career as a second pick in the Draft. Averaging 13.1 points and 7.0 rebounds in 222 regular-season games, he saw a move to the Pistons that changed his career. In Detroit, his resurgence has been notable, playing 20 minutes per game and contributing 11 points this season.
Mo Bamba has always been an intriguing player. He’s played for six seasons across the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and his current stint with the Philadelphia 76ers. Averaging 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds over 280 regular-season games, Bamba's role has been diminished, seeing limited action in only six games this season after failing to reach the early expectations.
Lonnie Walker IV was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs, and last season played a part in the Los Angeles Lakers Conference Finals run. Boasting averages of 10.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 269 regular-season games, Walker IV has recently thrived with the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing an impressive 16.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 12 games this season.
Josh Okogie's six-season journey, split between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns, has been defined by defensive prowess. Averaging 6.6 points and 3.0 rebounds over 328 regular-season games, Okogie's role with the Suns emphasizes his value, particularly for his tenacious defense on a superteam that needs a perimeter defender.
Moritz Wagner found his way to the Orlando Magic after starting his career on the Washington Wizards. Averaging 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in 267 regular-season games, Wagner has found a significant role off the bench with the Magic, especially this season alongside his younger brother, contributing to their promising young core that is in the top 5 of the Eastern Conference at the moment.
Devonte' Graham played a big role on the Charlotte Hornets to start his career and then was an important piece for the New Orleans Pelicans. Averaging 11.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds over 315 regular-season games, Graham's transition to the San Antonio Spurs has seen a shift in his playing time and is a big trade candidate for a contending team that needs scoring off the bench.
Gary Trent Jr. has fitted seamlessly into the Toronto Raptors' 3-and-D system. Averaging 14.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 278 regular-season games, Trent Jr. continues to be a consistent performer, logging 26 minutes per night with 10 points this year. After the Blazers traded him for Norman Powell, he became an important player for Toronto.
De'Anthony Melton built his reputation as a defensive stalwart, contributing to the Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers, and Phoenix Suns over six seasons. Averaging 8.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over 324 regular-season games, Melton plays a crucial role for the 76ers, currently at the higher spots in the Eastern Conference.
Aaron Holiday is a reliable role player spanning six seasons with five teams, most notably with the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks. Averaging 6.6 points and 2.2 assists in 312 regular-season games, Holiday embraces a bench role in Houston right now.
Jevon Carter provided stability across five teams in six seasons. Averaging 5.4 points over 319 regular-season games, Carter's recent move to the Bulls signifies potential changes, with a slight uptick in numbers, averaging 7.2 points, 1.2 assists, and 0.5 rebounds in 11 games. With Chicago looking to rebuild, he could be on the trading block as a good bench point guard for a contender.
Our Tier 6 exploration concludes with Hamidou Diallo, who played four seasons between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Detroit Pistons. Averaging 7.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in 174 regular-season games, Diallo currently awaits a team after his stint with the Pistons last year.
Tier 5
Miles Bridges, Kevin Huerter, Grayson Allen, Anfernee Simons, Robert Williams, Jarred Vanderbilt, Bruce Brown, Collin Sexton, Donte DiVincenzo
Kicking off Tier 5 is Miles Bridges, back with the Charlotte Hornets this season. Over five seasons and 294 regular-season games, Bridges has been contributing with averages of 13.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. His versatile playstyle has been instrumental in shaping the offensive identity of the Hornets in past seasons, especially in 2021-22 when Charlotte made the Play-In game.
Now, turning to Kevin Huerter, a seasoned player with six campaigns split between the Atlanta Hawks and the Sacramento Kings. Across 362 regular-season games, Huerter has carved out his place as a reliable scorer and 3-point specialist, boasting averages of 12.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. His transition to the Kings in the 2022 offseason has proven vital in fueling Sacramento's resurgence.
A unique journey unfolds with Grayson Allen, a well-traveled player among four teams—the Jazz, Grizzlies, Bucks, and now the Suns. Spanning six seasons and 274 regular-season games, Allen has showcased adaptability, maintaining an average of 9.8 points and 2.8 rebounds. His gritty mindset makes him a valuable asset as a 3-and-D player for the Suns’ superteam this season.
Moving on to Anfernee Simons, a staple in the Portland Trail Blazers' backcourt for the future. Over 274 regular-season games, Simons has matured into a key figure, displaying averages of 12.7 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds. His growth as a player mirrors the Trail Blazers' commitment to developing homegrown talent after Damian Lillard was traded to the Bucks this offseason.
With Robert Williams III, the transition from the Boston Celtics to the Trail Blazers followed the Jrue Holiday trade. Williams has been a consistent presence in the frontcourt, contributing over six seasons and 215 regular-season games with averages of 7.3 points and 6.9 rebounds. His role as a rim protector and rebounder adds defensive stability to his team but with a lengthy injury, his value on the Blazers is still pending to be seen at the fullest.
Jarred Vanderbilt has been a reliable force in the paint and as a perimeter defender for four different NBA teams since he was drafted by the Nuggets. Over 244 regular-season games, Vanderbilt has maintained averages of 6.6 rebounds and 6.2 points, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court. The versatile wing is currently on the Lakers, where he was traded after a short stint with the Jazz.
Bruce Brown's story unfolds across six seasons and four teams. With averages of 8.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 361 regular-season games, Brown's versatility extends beyond traditional statistics. His recent championship win with the Nuggets and current stint with the Indiana Pacers underscore his adaptability and contributions to successful teams.
Stepping into the spotlight is Collin Sexton, a scoring force with six seasons split between the Cavaliers and Jazz. Averaging 18.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.9 rebounds over 273 regular-season games, Sexton's involvement in the Markkanen deal for Donovan Mitchell gave him a team where he can provide his scoring prowess, averaging 14.7 points last season.
Concluding the Tier 5 is Donte DiVincenzo, a player with six seasons across four teams, including the Bucks and Warriors. Over 287 regular-season games, DiVincenzo has demonstrated versatility with averages of 9.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. His championship experience with the Warriors in 2022 paved the way for his current role with the New York Knicks as a 3-and-D player with proven playoff success.
Tier 4
Deandre Ayton, Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Brunson, Mitchell Robinson
Embarking on Tier 4, we first turn our attention to Deandre Ayton, a dominant force who has spent six seasons weaving his basketball narrative between the Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers. Across 317 regular-season games, Ayton has been a consistent double-double machine, boasting averages of 16.5 points and 10.4 rebounds. This offseason marked a significant chapter for Ayton, as he donned the Portland jersey following the blockbuster trade involving Damian Lillard's move to the Milwaukee Bucks. In his debut season with the Trail Blazers, Ayton has demonstrated his versatility, averaging 12.2 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in the current season.
Shifting the spotlight to Wendell Carter Jr., the big man has made his presence felt over six seasons split between the Orlando Magic and the Chicago Bulls. Averaging 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 265 regular-season games, Carter Jr.'s journey took a turn when he became part of the trade that sent Nikola Vucevic to Chicago. Since arriving in Orlando, Carter Jr. has been on an upward trajectory, posting impressive numbers of 14.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 146 games for the Florida franchise.
Now, let's explore the evolution of Jalen Brunson, a Dallas Mavericks draft pick. Initially occupying a secondary role, Brunson's narrative took a dramatic turn during the 2022 playoffs, where the Mavericks made a deep run to the Western Conference Finals. Post that impactful postseason, Brunson made a pivotal move to the New York Knicks, where he has not only grown into a star but currently averages an impressive 24.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 82 games, showcasing his journey from a role player to a cornerstone of the Knicks' offense.
Concluding our Tier 4 is Mitchell Robinson, a defensive stalwart who has anchored the paint for the New York Knicks. Known for his shot-blocking prowess and tenacious rebounding, Robinson's impact is clear as a defensive monster with 8.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in his career for the Knicks. As he continues to be a defensive linchpin for the Knicks, his presence in the frontcourt remains a vital component of the team's success.
Tier 3
Jaren Jackson Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Mikal Bridges
Kicking off the Tier 3 is Jaren Jackson Jr., a cornerstone for the Memphis Grizzlies throughout his six-season tenure. Across 280 regular-season appearances, Jackson has been a defensive stalwart, showcasing his prowess with averages of 16.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. His contributions extend beyond mere statistics, earning him an All-Star nod and the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year award last season, solidifying his integral role in the Grizzlies' success.
Shifting our focus to Michael Porter Jr., the versatile forward for the Denver Nuggets has weathered a journey defined by resilience and triumph. Averaging 15.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game over 201 regular-season contests, Porter Jr. played a pivotal role in the Nuggets' recent NBA championship. His story mirrors an intriguing narrative from high school, where initial Top 5 projections were derailed by a back injury, paralleling the unpredictable trajectory of his NBA career. However, despite these setbacks, Porter Jr. has emerged as a player with All-Star potential, showcasing his scoring versatility and impact on the court.
Mikal Bridges had his impact on the Phoenix Suns and, more recently, the Brooklyn Nets. Over six seasons and 405 regular-season games, Bridges has become an elite defensive player in the league. In a significant move last February, he found himself on the Brooklyn roster, traded for none other than Kevin Durant. This trade catapulted Bridges into the spotlight as the franchise player for the Nets, where he not only maintained his defensive prowess but also showcased a newfound offensive dimension, averaging an impressive 20 points per game. Bridges' journey is symbolic of adaptability and growth.
Tier 2
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Trae Young
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a first stint on the Clippers and is currently the main superstar of the Oklahoma City Thunder following the blockbuster trade that sent Paul George to Los Angeles. In the aftermath, Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as an unexpected superstar, showcasing a level of skill and leadership that few saw coming.
His ability to navigate the intricacies of the game, coupled with his impressive stat line of 21.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game over 325 regular-season appearances, positions him as a cornerstone for the Thunder's present and future. The recognition with an All-Star appearance and a place on the All-NBA Team in 2022-23 is a testament to his rapid ascent in the ranks of the league.
On the other side of the spectrum is Trae Young, the dazzling point guard for the Atlanta Hawks, whose six-season journey has been nothing short of spectacular. Often measured against the likes of Luka Doncic after their Draft Night trade, Young has not only lived up to the comparisons but has carved out a unique identity in the league.
With averages of 25.5 points, 9.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game over 366 regular-season outings, Young's flair for the dramatic and penchant for clutch performances have endeared him to fans and analysts alike. While Doncic may be considered a unique talent in NBA history, Young stands firm, unyielding to the pressure, and continues to assert his influence as a key player for the Atlanta Hawks. The 2021 Conference Finals run serves as a testament to Young's ability to elevate his game when it matters most, solidifying his status as a franchise player for the Atlanta Hawks.
Tier 1
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic has etched an impressive narrative in his six-season NBA journey, transforming into the linchpin of the Dallas Mavericks. Boasting averages of 27.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game across 345 regular-season appearances, Doncic's on-court prowess extends well beyond conventional expectations.
A four-time All-Star, Luka's consistent excellence has not only earned him individual accolades but has also elevated the Mavericks' status in the highly competitive Western Conference. His impact was immediate, clinching the Rookie of the Year award in a debut season that hinted at the prodigious talent that lay ahead.
The playoffs have become a familiar terrain for Luka, where his performances have further validated his standing among the league's elite. As Doncic continues to refine his craft, the Mavericks find themselves in the midst of a compelling resurgence, with Doncic serving as the orchestrator, as his trajectory suggests a player destined for prolonged greatness in the NBA.
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