As March Madness approaches, it’s time to refresh our top 30 prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft class.
We’re almost to the most exciting month of college basketball and we’re finally getting a good sense of where players stand with regards to the 2018 NBA Draft.
In what is arguably the most talented lottery crop since 2003, you can argue that six players would have been in the No. 1 discussion last season. There’s also some promising depth in the bottom of the first round, with a number of upperclassmen carving out their niche on draft boards in recent months.
As always, this big board is ranking each individual prospect based on a variety of factors. It is not a prediction of where certain prospects will end up or which teams they’d fit best on. You can read our mock draft for that.
While the Philadelphia 76ers are fighting for a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Lakers currently hold the 11th worst record in the league. That puts Philly in a position to grab another lottery-level talent, as well as a mid-first round pick. In fact, we now have new projections of the Philadelphia 76ers 2018 Draft picks in the aftermath of the trade deadline transactions.
For a team that already has one of the league’s best young cores, those could be valuable additions. Here are the top 30 prospects as things currently stand.
(Stats as of 2/8/2018)
30. Jarred Vanderbilt, PF, Kentucky
Vanderbilt hasn’t done much since returing from injury, but his upside is worth a late-first round gamble. He’s a plus athlete at 6-9 with legitimate point guard skills and nice energy on the glass, something that should pique the interest of several teams.
Prior to the season, I had Vanderbilt hanging around the lottery discussion. That was higher than the consensus, but the talent and upside is there assuming everything checks out medically.
He isn’t much of a shooter and is far from a finished product, but there’s clear value in his versatility and physical tools. If he’s able to max out his ceiling as an auxiliary playmaker who can get out in transition and defend multiple positions, he could easily outperform his draft spot.
29. Gary Trent Jr., SG, Duke
Trent has been a flamethrower this season, and that alone gives him some NBA appeal. In conference play, the 6-5 freshman is averaging 18 points on 49.3 percent shooting from deep. He’s doing that on 7.5 attempts per game, I might add.
While not a great athlete or skilled playmaker, Trent has solid size for the two-guard spot and is still just 19. Getting a high-end shooter with some upside moving forward is something teams will covet, especially late in the first round.
If he does commit for the draft — which isn’t a given — Trent could be one of five potential first rounders from Duke, although Grayson Allen is trending towards the second round.
28. Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky
After redshirting the spring semester in 2017, Diallo is struggling in his first full season with the Cats. His shots aren’t falling and he’s showing minimal progress from a developmental standpoint, averaging just 7.2 points in conference play while shooting 20 percent from deep.
Diallo is an insane athlete at 6-5. That alone gives him some potential in transition and as a slasher, while his defense might come around under NBA coaching. His inability to shoot with consistency hurts, though, and he’s not much of a creator off the bounce.
Essentially, Diallo is more potential than anything else. Somebody late in the first round will (reasonably) take a flier, but he’s extremely flawed at the moment.
27. Shake Milton, PG/SG, SMU
Milton has been on first round radars for a while, and this season hasn’t changed that. He profiles as an excellent defender, boasting a 7-foot wingspan and solid instincts on that side of that ball. Add his 43.4 percent clip from deep, and you have a solid 3-and-D floor to build on.
While he’s probably best suited alongside another ball handler at the next level, Milton is a capable facilitator as well. Comboguards of his ilk, who can space the floor and create when needed, are in high demand nowadays.
As the draft edges closer and folks begin to declare or return to school, expect Milton to steadily establish himself as a first round talent by June (assuming he commits to the draft himself).
26. De’Anthony Melton, PG/SG, USC
Melton won’t play this season due a suspension stemming from the FBI’s investigation into impermissible benefits. Another lengthy comboguard and high-end defender, Melton showed enough in his freshman campaign with the Trojans to warrant first round consideration.
He wasn’t a dynamic scorer and only shot 28.4 percent from deep last season, but Melton’s playmaking chops and transition prowess are appealing. His jumper is a swing skill of sorts, but his ability to impact the game in other ways should still keep teams interested.
This is a league that hinges on guard play and versatility, which is what makes prospects like Melton so valuable outside the lottery. He can become an immediate impact player on both ends, making smart plays within the offense and guarding a handful of positions defensively.
25. Dzanan Musa, SF, Cedevita
Musa’s wingspan is a hair shorter than his listed height of 6-9, so his athletic tools aren’t exactly impressive. Still, he’s a natural scorer who can fill it up in bunches, something teams will value once the lottery talent dies out.
Relative to his situation, Musa has been putting up impressive numbers with Cedevita. His instincts are improving offensively, while his fluid, three-level scoring ability should translate to the NBA.
Musalooks like a capable shooter, while his craftiness from mid-range and around the rim should allow him to work successfully off the dribble, even against superior athletes. He’ll bring a competitive edge to the defensive end, if nothing else.
24. Khyri Thomas, PG/SG, Creighton
Thomas is another talented comboguard who can play both sides of the ball. He’s also the best perimeter defender in college basketball not named Jevon Carter, which will hold some weight with scouts come June.
At 6-3 with long arms, Thomas has the ability to bother opposing ball handlers on a regular basis. His offensive game is less brilliant, but he’s a 39.6 percent 3-point shooter who’s capable of working off the ball and making smart passes within the offense.
3-and-D guys who can function as auxiliary playmakers are, again, always valuable. Expect Thomas to remain in the first round conversation all summer.
23. Keita Bates-Diop, SF/PF, Ohio State
Bates-Diop has always been on the draft radar, but spent most of his first three seasons as a fringe second round prospect. Now, he’s making a serious push for the first round.
Ohio State in general has overperformed this season, and Bates-Diop is a big reason why. His shot-making at the four spot has been invaluable to their offense, as he’s crafty around the interior and can hit 3-pointers at a 36.4 percent clip.
Standing around 6-7 with a 7-4 wingspan, Bates-Diop’s physical tools and defensive upside are what’s going to draw scouts’ attention at the next level. He may be hovering in the second round for most, but expect him to be a constant riser as March Madness rolls around.
22. Mitchell Robinson, C, N/A
Robinson was originally commited to Western Kentucky before an odd fallout this summer, which means he’ll attempt to enter the draft sans college experience. He’s somebody who could have benefited from some extra developmental minutes, but his physical tools and defensive upside should keep him firmly in the first round conversation.
Mitchell is an impressive athlete, standing at 7-1 with a 7-4 wingspan and plenty of ups around the rim. His offensive game has shown flashes of versatility in the past, but he’s mostly a roll man and finisher at this point.
His defensive upside, which will understandably get overlooked due to some of the names in front of him, is what will keep Mitchell’s stock in the first round come June. How well he performs in individual workouts will obviously mean a lot as well.
21. Trevon Duval, PG, Duke
I really want to believe in Duval, which is why he’s still firmly in the top 25. He has everything you’d want in a primary ball handler, except a jumper.
Duval’s shot is bad, and his 26.7 percent clip from deep doesn’t do that justice. His release might be more broken than Lonzo Ball‘s from an aesthetic standpoint. Still, he’s 6-3 with a 6-9 wingspan and all the athleticism you can ask for, making explosive drives to the rim and thriving in transition.
Defense has been an issue for Duval (re: Duke) all season, but he profiles as a plus defensive prospect. His length, aggression and athleticism should make him a pesk against opposing ball handlers, something that — ideally — gives him a solid floor at the next level.
20. Bruce Brown, PG/SG, Miami
Brown has had an up-and-down year, but he remains a solid mid-first round prospect. His physical tools and two-way potential should be something scouts covet, even with his uninspiring performances during strethces this season.
While not a primary ball handler at the next level, Brown can initiate the offense. He projects well as a secondary ball handler who can spot-up successfully and make strong cuts to the rim, while he quietly remains one of the better perimeter defenders in this class.
At 6-5 with a 6-9 wingspan, Brown already has a strong frame and the ability to guard a handful of positions. That versatility, when paired with his offensive skill set, should keep the Miami guard in the top-20 discussion come June.
19. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG, Kentucky
Gilgeous-Alexander was a four-star recruit, but the Kentucky freshman has exceeded expectations on a regular basis this season. As things currently stand, he’s the best player on a Wildcats team that’s loaded with five-star talent.
While not an overly impressive athlete, Gilgeous-Alexander’s size and craft gives him some unique advantages as a lead guard. He’s killer in the pick-and-roll especially, using his length to shoot over defenders and showing plenty of finesse when finishing around the rim.
Defensively, his size and length allows him to guard either guard position with success. His frame is thin, but that’s something NBA strength and conditioning can improve. Barring any sharp drop in production, Gilgeous-Alexander is the clear-cut second-best prospect on this Kentucky squad.
18. Chandler Hutchison, SF, Boise State
A lengthy 6-7 forward with excellent instincts as both a scorer and passer, Hutchison has quickly emerged as the best senior in this year’s class. He’s only shooting 35.2 percent from deep, but the stroke is projectable and the rest of his game is good enough to warrant optimism.
With long arms, a solid frame and excellent fluidity, Hutchison should find success on both ends. He can defend across the positional spectrum on the perimeter, while his ability to get to the rim and underrated passing acumen should make him a productive complimentary piece offensively.
A competitive team in search of immediate help on the wing should give Hutchison a look. Hey Bryan Colangelo, sound familiar?
17. Daniel Gafford, PF/C, Arkansas
Gafford, like Hutchison and Gilgeous-Alexander, has been a big riser all season. Much akin to Zach Collins in 2017, he’s an under-the-radar freshman who quickly emerged as one of the best non-elite bigs in this class.
The names in front of Gafford might hurt him, but he still has a shot at the lottery. Standing around 6-11 with long arms and plenty of athleticism, his defensive upside is something teams will be willing to gamble on — especially given the perceived drop-off outside the top 10 or so prospects.
Offensively, Gafford is still a work in progress. He’s an aggressive finisher around the rim and somebody who runs the floor well for his size, but his skill set is still relatively basic on that end.
16. Anfernee Simons, SG, IMG Academy
Simons is going through a post-graduate season at IMG Academy, meaning he can make the jump to NBA basketball without going through college. Like most players in his situation, there is an inherent risk with drafting somebody who lacks that kind of experience entirely.
With that said, Simons has all the tools of a high-end prospect long term. He’s an impressive athlete at 6-5, boasting fluid handles and plenty of burst off the bounce. Capable go-to scorers are hard to come by and Simons already has the makings of a viable isolation bucket-getter when called upon.
We’re likely a few years away from seeing where Simons stands amongst NBA competition, but he’s a worthwhile risk for a team that’s willing to wait. He could have one of the higher upsides outside the top six.
15. Lonnie Walker IV, SG/SF, Miami
Walker was slow out of the gates this season, but he has since rounded into a lottery-level prospect. He’s one of those wings who fits the 3-and-D mold nicely, thriving off the ball on offense and showing immense promise defensively.
Around 6-5 with a 6-9 wingspan, Walker has excellent physical tools on the wing and ample athleticism. He’s a smart cutter who can finish above the rim when given the opportunity, while his 3-point shooting projects well at the next level.
We’ve seen Walker show some scoring off the bounce, but he’s still limited in that regard. His pull-up jumper is fluid, so ideally he’s able to improve his handles and add more layers to his game in the future.
14. Miles Bridges, SF/PF, Michigan State
Bridges hasn’t improved enough in his second season to deserve a higher spot. He’s still an athletic freak at 6-6 and there has definitely been some growth offensively, but he has too many holes to ignore.
Perhaps the biggest concern with Bridges is where he fits into the picture in an NBA offense. He has shown he can hit spot-up jumpers reliably and his passing has improved, but he’s still a limited ball handler who can’t create his own offense efficiently.
On defense, Bridges has plenty of potential. His athleticism and strength alone should allow him to guard three or four positions. Some of his decison-making is questionable, though, so that’s something NBA coaches will have to work through. He’s still a lottery pick for now.
13. Robert Williams, PF/C, Texas A&M
Williams remains one of the top defensive prospects in a class highlighted by elite two-way bigs. At 6-9 with a 7-4 wingspan, his unique blend of mobility and athleticism allows him to alter shots in a variety of ways.
Like Bridges, Williams might have been better off declaring for the draft last season. He hasn’t expanded his range as a shooter and his offensive role has actually diminished. With that said, he’s the kind of difference-maker that’s hard to pass on towards the back end of the lottery.
Teams should value Williams’ rim protection and defensive potential enough to overlook some of his offensive flaws. If he can re-establish his jumper and begin to extend his range, that only improves his outlook long term.
12. Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
Sexton is still the best point guard outside of Trae Young and Luka Doncic, but his stock has cooled off significantly. Even as an impressive athlete and one of the highest-usage players in the SEC, Sexton’s tendency to fade in and out of games in concerning.
Odd cold spells aside, there’s plenty to like about Sexton as a lottery pick. He’s a gritty defender who’s length makes up for his 6-2 frame, while his natural scoring ability should give him a solid floor offensively. His strength allows him to finish through contact at the rim, while his playmaking — albeit not great — has showed up in flashes.
Hustle on both ends will make Sexton an impact player, regardless of how far his skill set develops. He might not be a bona fide star, but he has all the tools of a valuable two-way point guard at the next level.
11. Wendell Carter Jr., PF/C, Duke
Carter has picked things up as of late, showing the kind of well-rounded skill set that NBA teams crave. His defense has left question marks, but a sturdy 6-11 frame and 7-3 wingspan should quell some of those concerns.
Offensively, Carter does a lot of nice things. He’s up to 48.3 percent shooting in 1.3 attempts per game from beyond the arc, while his nifty footwork and underrated passing skills make him extremely effective out of the post.
He doesn’t have the athletic upside that some of his upper-lottery counterparts do, but Carter should remain firmly in the lottery discussion between now and June.
10. Kevin Knox, SF/PF, Kentucky
Knox has had an interesting season, consisting of several peaks and valleys. He’s currently shooting 33.6 percent from deep, something that will play a key role in determining his success at the next level.
Athletically, Knox has everything you’d want in a comboforward. He’s 6-9, runs the floor well and can defend multiple positions. His scoring instincts are there, but the degree to which he can create his own offense off the dribble has underwhelmed at times.
For now, Knox seems locked into the top 10 conversation — and for good reason. If he continues to struggle with inconsistency, though, his stock could eventually take a hit. Kentucky hasn’t placed the best personnel around him either, so it’s not all his fault.
9. Troy Brown, SG/SF, Oregon
I’m buying into Brown more and more, as he checks just about every box on the wing. He’s 6-7, has long arms, is improving his jumper, and is capable of operating as a secondary playmaker at the next level.
Related Story: Top Pac-12 prospects in the draft
Brown is only shooting 32.9 percent from deep, but his stroke in clean and his role has been increasing all season long with the Ducks. He’s already a crafty ball handler, using his frame to finish around the basket and making advanced passes for an 18-year-old forward.
A high-upside defender with a lot of tools in his bag offensively, Brown could be the biggest sleeper in this year’s lottery discussion. Oregon hasn’t been on the national stage much, but he’s quietly putting together a solid campaign.
8. Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova
Bridges has added a lot to his game this season, making him the best upperclassmen in the 2018 crop. He’s the kind of 3-and-D weapon that virtually every team can benefit from.
After playing next to Josh Hart in his first two seasons, Bridges has embraced a bigger role in year three. He’s averaging 16.6 points and doing so with impressive efficiency, hitting on 41.5 percent of his 3-point shots while showing more off the bounce than he has in years past.
Defensively, Bridges is 6-7 with a 7-1 wingspan. That length, combined with his athletic gifts and instincts, should make him an impact defender from day one. He deserves a top-10 nod.
7. Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Michigan State
As somebody who was high on Jackson entering the season, the 18-year-old has done nothing but live up to the hype. He’s currently one of college basketball’s most impactful defenders, rivaling Mo Bamba with 3.4 blocks per contest.
While not a great athlete, Jackson is plenty mobile and boasts an impressive frame. He’s 6-11 with a 7-5 wingspan and ample strength — not to mention the fact that he’s one of the youngest players in this class. His ability to defend the pick-and-roll, stretch outside the paint, and block shots should translate to the NBA.
Offensively, Jackson looks like a legit stretch five. He’s shooting 44.1 percent from deep, making him a dangerous pick-and-pop threat. He’s also skilled around the basket, showing a nice mixture of touch shots in the paint. He’d be a top-five guy in most classes.
6. Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
It’s not often that ESPN has a college player’s stats plastered to their flagship channel every game, but that tends to be the case with Trae Young. He’s an absolute sensation, showing off Stephen Curry-esque range while leading the nation in both scoring and assists.
He should be National Player of the Year.
Aside from limitless range and an endless green light, Young’s passing gets overlooked too often. He’s easily the most advanced non-Doncic playmaker in this draft, using his tight handles to break down defenders and showing tremendous vision despite his small stature.
Being only 6-2 (maybe) and lacking upper body strength will hurt Young a lot, especially on the defensive end. His game-breaking shooting touch and advanced skill level make him impossible to drop outside the top six, though.
5. Michael Porter Jr., SF/PF, Missouri
Porter’s stock is tied to his health, but there’s still a chance he returns this season. That may or may not be good for his draft stock, but it’d at least dissolve some of the concerns surrounding his back issues.
If healthy, Porter has always been a top-five prospect. Some dubbed him the best perimter scorer since Kevin Durant due to his fluid jumper and impressive isolation repertoire at 6-10.
The athletic tools that make Porter such a dynamic scorer also translate to the defensive end. As his frame fills out, he’s somebody who should be capable of guarding both threes and fours with success. That kind of versatility is something teams crave in their go-to star, which Porter could very well become.
4. Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
Bamba’s motor runs hot and cold, but his physical tools and defensive upside is too much to ignore. He’s currently averaging 4.1 blocks per game, as well as a double-double. He’s not bad.
Listed at 6-11, Bamba’s 7-9 wingspan would rival that of Rudy Gobert, making him the longest player in the NBA. His ability to cover ground and eat up space around the rim is something no other prospect is physically capable of replicating, while Bamba has always been praised for his high I.Q. and willingness to learn on that side of the ball.
Offensively, Bamba is a bit raw. He floats around the perimeter too much sometimes, while his interior game is often relegated to finishing at the rim. He has shown some post moves in the past and is a 27.9 percent 3-point shooter, but that part of his game is a work in progress.
3. Marvin Bagley III, PF/C, Duke
Bagley has been insanely productive for the Blue Devils, averaging 21.2 points and 11.4 rebounds as a freshman who left high school a year early. If it weren’t for Trae Young’s insane production, it would be tough to argue against Bagley for Player of the Year, even with Duke’s recent struggles.
With his motor and athleticism, Bagley has a solid floor in the NBA. He’s a nifty finisher around the rim who’s capable of running the floor, attacking in straight-line drives and getting on the glass consistently. It’s his ceiling that keeps him in the top three.
If Bagley is capable of developing a reliable jumper and fine-tuning his passing skills, there’s a good chance he becomes a multi-time All-Star. Playing with NBA spacing is going to help a lot, while his youth leaves some serious long-term promise.
Some folks are lower on him, but I find it tough to drop Bagley outside of the top three at this point, despite the obvious talent around him.
2. Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona
In a loaded top six, Ayton and Doncic have almost become 1A and 1B. At 7-1 with a 7-5 wingspan, Ayton’s blend of size, strength and lateral quickness is unfair. He has had issues as a rim protector, but that’s fixable. His ability to slide his feet and defend the perimeter is uncanny.
Offensively, Ayton is already a polished weapon in the post. His footwork allows him to manuever around slower defenders, while his strength gives him a perpetual advantage against collegiate competition. He’s Joel Embiid-esque when it comes to physical superiority.
Ayton can also shoot the ball on occasion, hitting 34.6 percent of his shots from deep. His potential as both an offensive and defensive cornerstone is something teams will covet at the top of the lottery — we’re looking at you, Hawks and Magic.
1. Luka Doncic, PG/SG, Real Madrid
While Ayton has made a convincing case, Doncic maintains his grasp on the No. 1 spot. Against the best competition in the world outside of the NBA, the 18-year-old has been putting up consistently great numbers. He’s arguably the best European prospect of all-time.
At 6-8, Doncic is able to make up for his lackluster athleticism with an extremely high basketball I.Q. He’s clearly a skilled passer, while his herky-jerky ball handling allows him to create space and get off shots in isolation. He’s also a crafty scorer around the paint, using his solid frame to absorb conact and finish with touch.
Where Doncic stands defensively is questionable, but his size and smarts should allow him to find some success on that end. He already has the highest floor in this class, but couples that with elite-level skill and plenty of upside as a go-to playmaker.
Just because he’s not on your T.V. every weekend doesn’t mean Doncic isn’t one of the best prospects in recent memory.