The 2018 NBA draft is finally here! In addition to all the coverage of prospects, rumors, picks and trades, we created this thread as single space where the Stiffs community can come hang out and chat about the draft, and follow along as one of the most exciting nights of the year unfolds.
As always, all of our complete coverage and new updates will be added to the Denver Stiffs 2018 NBA Draft Story Stream. Be sure to follow along for the latest Nuggets updates!
1. PHX – DeAndre Ayton
C – University of Arizona.
Mikash: No surprises, will Ayton be the Olajuwon to Doncic’s Jordan? Or will he be the Oden to Doncic’s Durant?
2. SAC – Marvin Bagley III
PF – Duke
Mikash: KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANGGGGGGZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Now the fun begins.
3. ATL – Luka Doncic
SF – Real Madrid
TRADE: The Hawks trade pick 3 to the Dallas Maverick for pick 5 and a 2019 1st rounder, protected picks 1-5 per Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports.
Mikash: Dallas is setting themselves up nicely for the post Dirk Nowitzki era. Doncic with Dennis Smith Jr is an intriguing combo
4. MEM – Jaren Jackson Jr
C – Michigan St
Mikash: I like Jackson’s versatility, he’s going to be a good player in the NBA. He’ll be able to play next to Marc Gasol and eventually take over for him.
5. DAL – Trae Young
PG – University of Oklahoma
TRADE: The Mavericks trade pick 5 and a 2019 1st rounder (protected 1-5) to the Hawks for pick 3.
Mikash: Atlanta now prepares to fully move on from Dennis Schroeder. Young is a nice piece, but the Hawks still have a long way to go.
6. ORL – Mo Bamba
C – University of Texas
Mikash: There’s no more intriguing prospect in the draft than Bamba, he has the potential to become the next great center to wear an Orlando Magic uniform.
7. CHI – Wendall Carter Jr
PF – Duke
Mikash: The Bulls hope to have their front court of the future locked down with Carter and Lauri Markkanen and if Kris Dunn turns out to be a late bloomer they’ll have a solid core.
8. CLE – Collin Sexton
PG – University of Alabama
Mikash: Sexton works both ways for the Cavs, Cleveland was sorely lacking in point guard depth so he will be a help for them whether or not LeBron JAmes is back. He could be George Hill’s backup if LBJ returns or he could be the starter for a rebuilding team and getting solid NBA experience.
9. NYK – Kevin Knox
SF – University of Kentucky
Mikash: The Knicks fans boo Know as he comes onto the stage! Knox is the first prospect that potentially could have gone to the Nuggets at 14 to come off the board.
10. PHI – Mikal Bridges
SF – Villanova University
TRADE: The 76ers trade pick 10 to the Suns for pick 16 and a 2021 1st rounder (via Miami) per Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports
Mikash: The perfect player for the Nuggets goes off the board. I have no idea how the 76ers end up passing on Bridges for Smith and a 1st rounder three years down the road. Mikal seemed like such a perfect fit for them. Got to like this draft so far for the Suns.
11. CHA – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
PG – University of Kentucky
Trade: The Hornets trade pick 11 to the Los Angeles Clippers for pick 12 and two future 2nd round picks per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Mikash: In a 180 reverse Woj bomb we find out that SGA is going to the Clippers, not the Suns and not the Hornets. Clippers pay two 2nd rounders to move up one slot. Clippers have a hole at point guard with Patrick Beverly recovering from injury and aging, good get for them.
12. LAC – Miles Bridges
SF – Michigan State
Trade: Clippers trade pick 12 and two future 2nd rounders to the Hornets for pick 11
Mikash: Nugglife.
13. LAC – Jerome Robinson
SG – Boston College
Mikash: So that means…crazy, just crazy, if he’s healthy man, thats going to be huge for Denver.
14. DEN – Michael Porter Jr.
SF – University of Missouri
Mikash: Look, you have to like this. If Porter never gets healthy its a bust of pick, that happens all the time, but if he gets right you just altered the course of your franchise for the better.
15. WAS – Troy Brown
SG – University of Oregon
Mikash: Brown gives the Wizards yet another option on the wing, he’ll round out their rotation there with Bradley Beal, Otto Porter Jr and Kelly Oubre Jr.
16. PHX – Zhaire Smith
SF – Texas Tech
TRADE: The Suns trade pick 16 and a 2021 1st rounder (via Miami) to the Philadelphia 76ers for pick 10.
Mikash: Smith is an athletic project player who will have time to develop in Philly. I stil think they were better off with Bridges though.
17. MIL – Dante DiVincenzo
SG – Villanova University
Mikash: DiVincenzo parlays a strong final four into a mid first round selection. Not a bad bit of work for the kid. Just make sure to scrub your twitter.
18. SA – Lonnie Walker
SG – Miami
Mikash: The Spurs are in a weird spot with the rumors that Kawhi Leonard wants out, they could be headed for a long rebuild. What we know for sure, Manu Ginobli’s receding hairline can only hold out so long so good idea by San Antonio to start looking for help at the guard spot.
19. ATL – Kevin Huerter
SG – Maryland
Mikash: Atlanta rebuilds their backcourt overnight. Huerter is dealing with a hand injury but he can undoubtedly shoot the rock.
20. MIN – Josh Okogie
SG – Georgia Tech
Mikash: Poor Josh Okogie, he’s at least three years from cracking minutes in practice with Tom Thibodeau. No doubt his defensive prowess played a big role in the TWolves selecting him.
21. UTA – Grayson Allen
SG – Duke
Mikash: Grayson Allen does give a very Utah vibe, here’s hoping he doesn’t trip any Nuggets.
22. CHI – Chandler Hutchinson
SG – Boise State
Mikash: Hutchinson to the Bulls has been almost as much of a guarantee as Ayton to Phoenix.
23. IND – Aaron Holiday
PG – UCLA
Mikash: The Pacers can’t rely on Darren Collison forever, Holiday gives them a prospect to groom for the future to play next to Victor Oladipo and Collison will surely take him under his wing as a fellow UCLA alum.
24. POR – Anfernee Simons
PG – IMG Academy
Mikash: Simons went an alternative route to the NBA by attending IMG Academy, an athletic training facility, in lieu of regular college. Simons is probably the biggest mystery in the draft but could pay off huge if he works out. Also, are we having fun with Woj coming up with different terms to technically not say a team is drafting someone yet?
25. LAL – Moritz Wagner
C – Michigan
Mikash: Because when I think what can I sell to LeBron, I think Mo Wagner.
26. PHI – Landry Shammet
PG – Wichita State
Mikash: The Sixers pick up an insurance policy on Markelle Fults and Woj is full on churning out gems.
27. BOS – Robert Williams
PF/C – Texas A&M
Mikash: The rich get richer. Unbelievable Williams fell this far, even more unbelievable that Boston gets him. I’m sure Williams will be a defensive monster in no time.
28. GSW – Jacob Evans
SG – Cincinnati
Mikash: I like this pick for the Warriors. Obviously Golden State isn’t lacking in star power or scoring and Evans is that prototypical glue guy. With all the talent around him I expect him to be a solid player very quickly.
29. BKN – Dzanan Musa
SF – Cedevita
Mikash: Musa slid a little here so nice value for the Nets. No doubt the young Bosnian can score, but will he have the athleticism to be successful at the NBA level?
30. ATL – Omari Spellman
PF – Villanova University
Mikash: Three first round picks for Villanova, goes to show that winning a national title is good for business.
