Looking back at the 2018 NBA Draft feels like examining a time capsule where some franchises struck gold while others completely missed the mark. I've spent years analyzing draft classes and player development patterns, and what fascinates me most about this particular draft is how dramatically our perceptions have shifted in just a few years. When I first watched these players enter the league, I had my own predictions about who would flourish and who might struggle to find their footing in the NBA. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, we can reconstruct that entire selection process with much greater accuracy, though I'll admit even my revised board contains some controversial placements that might surprise readers.

The obvious starting point has to be Luka Dončić, who in my professional opinion should have been the undisputed first overall pick rather than falling to Atlanta at number three. I remember watching his EuroLeague performances before the draft and thinking he was the most pro-ready international prospect I'd seen in a decade, yet somehow Phoenix and Sacramento passed on him. Dončić has since averaged 28.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists through his first five seasons while making four All-NBA First Teams – numbers that dwarf what any other player from this class has accomplished. The Suns selecting Deandre Ayton instead will likely haunt their franchise for years, especially considering they could have built their entire future around a generational talent like Dončić. Meanwhile, Trae Young, who went fifth originally, remains a fascinating case study in my re-evaluation – his offensive brilliance is undeniable, but his defensive limitations keep him just outside my top three in this revised draft order.

What truly makes this draft class remarkable in retrospect is the depth of talent that emerged beyond the lottery picks. Players like Jalen Brunson, selected 33rd originally, have dramatically outperformed their draft position in ways that force us to reconsider how we evaluate college productivity versus NBA readiness. Brunson's development from solid college player at Villanova to All-Star caliber guard for the Knicks exemplifies why teams should prioritize basketball IQ and winning pedigree more heavily in their evaluations. Similarly, Michael Porter Jr., who slipped to Denver at 14 due to injury concerns, would likely go much higher in our redraft despite his ongoing health management – his scoring efficiency and size make him a coveted modern forward when available.

The international contingent beyond Dončić also deserves closer examination. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, originally picked 11th by Charlotte before being traded to the Clippers, has developed into a legitimate MVP candidate in Oklahoma City, averaging over 30 points per game in his age-25 season. His ascent reminds me of how patient development and the right organizational fit can transform a raw but talented prospect into a superstar. Meanwhile, I'd argue Mikal Bridges belongs much higher than his original 10th selection – his two-way versatility and incredible durability make him one of the most valuable role players in the entire league, the kind of foundational piece every contender needs.

As I reconstruct the first round, I'm struck by how many teams misevaluated the long-term trajectory of certain player archetypes. The league's shift toward positionless basketball and three-point shooting has dramatically increased the value of versatile wings like Miles Bridges and Kevin Huerter, while diminishing the value of traditional big men who can't space the floor or switch defensively. This context makes selections like Marvin Bagley III at second overall particularly puzzling in retrospect, especially when more adaptable forwards like Jaren Jackson Jr. were available. Jackson's Defensive Player of the Year season in 2022-23 demonstrates exactly the kind of modern big man skills that translate to winning basketball in today's NBA.

The later stages of the first round contain several players who've dramatically outperformed their draft positions, forcing me to move them up significantly in my redraft. Mitchell Robinson, originally selected 36th, would likely go in the mid-first round given his elite rim protection and offensive rebounding – skills that have made him one of the league's most efficient centers. Similarly, Gary Trent Jr., picked 37th originally, has developed into a reliable three-point shooter and capable defender who would command much earlier selection with the benefit of hindsight. These success stories highlight the importance of thorough scouting beyond the obvious college standouts and one-and-done prospects.

When I step back and look at the complete redrafted first round, several patterns emerge that should inform future draft strategies. The most successful selections tended to be players with diverse skill sets who could impact the game in multiple ways, rather than specialists with clear limitations. This explains why Dončić, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Young – all primary creators with versatile offensive games – occupy the top spots in my revised order. Meanwhile, the biggest disappointments were often players with significant defensive concerns or limited offensive games that prevented them from staying on the court in crucial moments.

Reflecting on this exercise, I'm reminded that draft evaluation remains equal parts science and art, with plenty of room for unexpected developments that defy conventional wisdom. The 2018 class has produced at least eight All-Stars and several franchise cornerstones, making it one of the stronger drafts of the past decade despite the high-profile misses at the very top. If teams could revisit their decisions with current knowledge, the landscape of the NBA would look remarkably different, with several franchises building around entirely different cornerstones. While we can't change history, this redraft provides valuable lessons about player evaluation, development patience, and the importance of fitting prospects to modern NBA demands rather than traditional positional expectations.