Last year’s consensus No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, Markelle Fultz, was, to put it nicely, a bust.
Hurt for much of the season and ineffective when he wasn’t, Fultz couldn’t even crack the rotation for the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs when they could have desperately used scoring – something he was projected to be able to provide.
The point? Actually, not to dump on Fultz, but rather to point out that there are no sure things in the NBA, even at No. 1 overall.
As often as they get it right, NBA teams get it wrong on draft night, as do the experts that are paid to cover them.
Since that’s the case, we thought it’d make sense to look at all 30 first-round picks from last night’s draft along with what blue-checkmarked NBA experts Kevin O’Connor, Adrian Wojnarowski, Jeff Goodman, Matt Norlander, Jeremy Woo and The Ringer had to say about ’em directly afterward.
That way, when this year’s Fultz shows himself during the season, we’ll know who was right, who was wrong and maybe even who to blame.
Let’s see what we got:
No. 1: Phoenix Suns – Deandre Ayton, Center
Deandre Ayton from when I first saw him play 3 years ago. Remarkable how he has filled out and become a physical specimen. pic.twitter.com/7ODaOGPzyn
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 21, 2018
Deandre Ayton to the @Suns@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: A-
Deandre Ayton’s offensive upside is tantalizing and he’s a wonderful fit alongside Devin Booker. But he needs to buy in as a rim protector to reach his upside. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/pO2fEc1DAf— The Ringer (@ringer) June 21, 2018
#NBATwitter ??? https://t.co/KojfwT1uo3
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
No. 2: Sacramento Kings -Marvin Bagley III, Power forward
The Sacramento Kings are about to make it official, league sources say, and draft the player they’ve been calling “their guy” … Marvin Bagley III
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 21, 2018
The Sacramento Kings have selected Marvin Bagley III. Our instant analysis on the selection of the Duke star.#RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/IWRcovt5yU
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
No. 3: Atlanta Hawks – Luka Doncic, Shooting guard (traded to Mavericks)
As expected, Doncic is on the way to Dallas and Young to Atlanta. https://t.co/DxLVnAyVT1
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 21, 2018
Luka Doncic to the @DallasMavs (from @ATLHawks)@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: A+
Doncic is an elite playmaker who’s won everything at 19 years old. His only weakness is defense—but other than that, he does everything. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/rDD4ZUe1aT— The Ringer (@ringer) June 21, 2018
In his final NBA season, Dirk Nowitzki will be mentoring Luka Doncic. Good theater …
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 21, 2018
No. 4: Memphis Grizzlies – Jaren Jackson Jr., Power forward
Jaren Jackson Jr. to the @memgrizz@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: B
He’s only 18 years old, and there’s no denying his potential elite defensive ability. But can he play more than 20 minutes per game as a rookie without getting in foul trouble? #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/nEVl64oX9A
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 21, 2018
No. 5: Dallas Mavericks – Trae Young, Point guard (traded to Hawks)
Trae Young’s best workout came with the Hawks, his father told me yesterday. His camp kept out hope that Atlanta might move out if the three spot to get him. Now it’s nearing reality. https://t.co/oOrR1bIA9j
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) June 21, 2018
Dallas will select Trae Young, per source. The point guard will go to Atlanta — and Dennis Schroder will likely be dealt.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 21, 2018
Trae Young to the @atlhawks (from the @dallasmavs)@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: D
They’re chasing Steph Curry dreams, and it’s going to turn into a nightmare. Trae Young might be a great shooter, but doesn’t have Steph’s elite ability. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/astB9USlOS
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
I believe Trae would have been off the board to Orlando at six if Atlanta hadn’t made a move. Young’s camp was optimistic about the Magic for weeks as well.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) June 22, 2018
LOL Trae Young’s family’s table was adjacent to Doncic’s and the two just swapped Mavs and Hawks hats.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) June 22, 2018
No. 6: Orlando Magic – Mo Bamba, Center
Mo Bamba to the @OrlandoMagic@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: A
A 7-foot-10 wingspan means that Bamba has the foundation to be a quality NBA player … even if his 3-point shot doesn’t develop. If his shot DOES develop, he can become a player on a whole new level. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/w1S35boTkX
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
No. 7: Chicago Bulls – Wendell Carter Jr., Center
I have always viewed Wendell Carter as the ideal pick for Chicago at No. 7 — if you’re going to go big up front, you have to go skilled, and grown-up Carter and Markkanen will be a pain in the ass to defend.
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 22, 2018
Wendell Carter Jr. to the @ChicagoBulls@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: A
He’s been knocked for average athleticism, but Wendell Carter Jr. has very few weaknesses. He might be the best passer in the draft and can space the floor at 3. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/4huJZAXor6
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
they’re doing a “social media moment” where they ask draftees about social media
HOST: Wendell Carter Jr., what’s your favorite part of Instagram?
CARTER: “uh… to take pictures and leave a caption at the bottom”— Rodger Sherman (@rodger_sherman) June 22, 2018
No. 8: Cleveland Cavaliers – Collin Sexton, Point guard
Collin Sexton to the @cavs@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: B-
Sexton had an all-time great moment during the college basketball season, but his decision-making is a concern. Shooting is iffy for him, and he’s a little bit lean. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/VG4I6soHky
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
No. 9: New York Knicks – Kevin Knox – Power forward
Knicks fans are apoplectic over their franchise bypassing Michael Porter Jr. for Kevin Knox. What a scene.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) June 22, 2018
I love the Kevin Knox pick for the Knicks. Great fit next to Kristaps Porzingis. Knicks fans will be cheering, not booing, once they actually watch him play in MSG.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 22, 2018
Kevin Knox to the @nyknicks@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: B+
Knox is a great athlete who can shoot off the dribble and create his own shot. He’s really risen up the draft boards and will grow into a guy who can complement Kristaps at a high level. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/xtAOFbR5Tu
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
Kristaps kid is not a fan of the #Knicks pick#RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/oAOvH3iS5x
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
No. 10: Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers) – Mikal Bridges – Small forward (traded to Suns)
Sixers have former Villanova assistant Billy Lange on staff. https://t.co/zZvLBOc1UB
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 22, 2018
Mikal Bridges to the @sixers@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: B
He’s got a long, 7-foot-2 wingspan. He can defend and shoot 3s. On defense, his quickness is average. What happens when he’s up against elite NBA players? #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/ZWcOGEwPAP
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
No. 11: Charlotte Hornets – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Point guard (traded to Clippers)
Charlotte is discussing trade possibilities with the 11th pick, league sources tell ESPN. Phoenix has wanted to get back into lottery to get one of elite point guards. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is focus here.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the @LAClippers (from @hornets)@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: B+
SGA is an excellent defender with versatility to defend multiple positions, and is also a smooth pick-and-roll ball handler. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/t846aiPDfB
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
Like the move by the Clippers here. Team has been high on Gilgeous-Alexander all along, and worked him out privately in Los Angeles. Acted aggressively to get a guy who many teams coveted.
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 22, 2018
No. 12: Los Angeles Clippers (via Pistons) – Miles Bridges, Swingman (traded to Hornets)
League sources say the Clippers have been trying to lure the Spurs into Kawhi Leonard trade talks with an offer featuring their two lotto picks and Tobias Harris, but it appears they’ll be making the 12th and 13th pick for themselves — with Michael Porter Jr. still on the board.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 22, 2018
Miles Bridges to the @hornets (from @LAClippers)@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: B+
Miles Bridges is a great athlete who can defend multiple positions. He’s gonna throw down lob dunks and make highlight reels. At this point in the draft, he’s a bit of a steal. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/0WXZKiIFCT
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
No. 13: Los Angeles Clippers – Jerome Robinson, Point guard
Clippers really wanted a point guard, but Trae Young, Sexton and Shai all off the board. Don’t be surprised if they go with Jerome Robinson with one of their two back-to-back picks.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 22, 2018
Jerome Robinson to the @LAClippers@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: D+
This is too high. Jerome Robinson is a spark-plug scorer who can score and get buckets off the bench, but he’s a very poor defender. What level can he take his playmaking to? #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/gdxfWMi9Iz— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
Jerome Robinson just went ahead of Michael Porter Jr. Things no one would have thought at the beginning of the season, or even a few weeks ago.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 22, 2018
No. 14: Denver Nuggets – Michael Porter Jr., Power forward
Eight months ago, and for the two years prior to that, Michael Porter Jr. was a favorite, if not the most popular choice, to go No. 1 in the 2018 NBA Draft.
His table is a bit stoic at the moment.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) June 22, 2018
Zhaire Smith would’ve been the pick had Michael Porter not been there. It’ll be interesting to see how this choice unfolds over the years. Good pick for the Nuggets. https://t.co/6SO1Oe3KzJ
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 22, 2018
Denver Nuggets taking Michael Porter Jr. with the 14th pick, per source. Still feel he’s the second most-talented player in the draft, but tumbled due to concerns about the back.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 22, 2018
Michael Porter Jr. to the @nuggets@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: B
MPJ has go-to scoring upside and needs to improve his ball-handling. Don’t think he’ll ever be the guy he thinks he’ll be—not Kobe, not Giannis, and not KD. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/KUjvK3boop
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
Porter says his first contact with Denver management came earlier today.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) June 22, 2018
No. 15: Washington Wizards – Troy Brown, Small forward
No one tweeted anything about this pick. Good sign? Bad sign? We’ll see.
No. 16: Phoenix Suns (via Heat) – Zhaire Smith, Shooting guard (traded to 76ers)
Suns are acquiring Mikal Bridges in a deal that will send Smith to Sixers, league source tells ESPN. Suns will send 2021 first-round pick via Miami in deal too.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
Crazy final minutes Suns were selecting DiVincenzo but got trade call from Philly and instead made trade with Philly for Mikal Bridges
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) June 22, 2018
So, Suns grab Zhaire Smith and then make a deal for Mikal Bridges (also giving up 2021 first-rounder) — who will help on the defensive end. Suns needed help on that end of the floor.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 22, 2018
Excellent trade for the Sixers. Zhaire Smith is a better prospect than Mikal Bridges, and that 2021 Miami pick is a great trade chip. What a deal. https://t.co/WAZnynGycB
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 22, 2018
No. 17: Milwaukee Bucks – Donte Divencenzo, Small forward
Donte DiVincenzo to the @Bucks@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: B+
This feels early—would have been more comfortable with him going in the 20s. But as we saw in the national title game, he can get buckets! #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/Yw2lB5NIDl
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
No. 18: San Antonio Spurs – Lonnie Walker, Shooting guard
Nabbing another talented player at a bargain price point who other teams shied away from is so Spurs. Lonnie Walker ends up a big winner tonight after falling out of the lottery. https://t.co/Nbd2v8Uhob
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 22, 2018
Lonnie Walker IV to the @spurs@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: B+
Good athlete, but not a great athlete.
Good defender, but not a great defender.
Good shooter, but not a great shooter. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/4YMD9KF8Yv— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
So much chaos is happening that I’m guessing not everyone has seen these sick @realGM billboards modeled after old Fleer hoops cards … https://t.co/Z144k4DzvJ
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 22, 2018
No. 19: Atlanta Hawks (via Timberwolves) – Kevin Huerter, Shooting guard
Hawks GM Travis Schlenk out here building Warriors Lite with Trae Young and Kevin Huerter lol. Too fun. https://t.co/0PYq9NNvWx
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 22, 2018
Kevin Huerter to the @atlhawks@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: B+
Huerter absolutely killed it at the NBA combine this year. He and Trae Young will be a bootleg Steph and Klay for the Hawks. #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/4KT39xre4G
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
No. 20: Minnesota Timberwolves (via Thunder) – Josh Okogie, Shooting guard
Josh Okogie to the @Timberwolves@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: B+
Okogie is big and strong and can defend multiple positions. He may have untapped potential, but needs to get his ballhandling under control. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/x5dIDKUanM
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
No. 21: Utah Jazz – Grayson Allen, Shooting guard
NO PLANS https://t.co/4oUf49EsSg
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 22, 2018
Grayson Allen winds up going in the first round after all … following an interesting, up and down four-year college career.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 22, 2018
Grayson Allen to the @utahjazz@kevinoconnornba’s instant grade: B-
Who cares about him tripping players?! He’s a competitor, and he can stroke 3s! #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/KNVRVH6rOR
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
No. 22: Chicago Bulls (via Pelicans) – Chandler Hutchinson, Shooting guard
The Bulls promised Chandler Hutchinson. This pick has been set in stone for about a month.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 22, 2018
The Bulls are the team that promised Chandler Hutchison prior to the draft combine, as we reported. No shocker coming here.
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 22, 2018
No. 23: Indiana Pacers – Aaron Holiday, Point guard
Sources: The Pacers will not not select Aaron Holiday at No. 23.
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 22, 2018
My top 10 prospects remaining from @ringer draft guide:
Robert Williams
Elie Okobo
De’Anthony Melton
Jacob Evans
Aaron Holiday
Dzanan Musa
Khyri Thomas
Anfernee Simons
Bruce Brown
Keita Bates-Diop https://t.co/0PYq9NNvWx— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 22, 2018
No. 24: Portland Trail Blazers – Anfernee Simons, Shooting guard
Anfernee Simons is a bit baffling for the Blazers, given that it will be in his best interest to spend time in the G League next season but Portland has no affiliate. May create a difficult situation to succeed — or he may just occupy a roster spot. I’m skeptical of the fit.
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 22, 2018
No. 25: Los Angeles Lakers (via Cavaliers)- Mo Wagner, Power forward
The Lakers wanted Anfernee Simons and Zhaire Smith. With both off the board, I love the Moe Wagner pick. Wagner is a baller—strokes 3s, plays hard, rebounds. https://t.co/H3QoZFaaVp
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 22, 2018
Don’t love the Wagner fit in L.A. given how much the Lakers already struggle to defend. Did not have a first-round grade on him, personally. That said, the Lakers may look quite a bit different in a month or so – withholding judgment for now.
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 22, 2018
Hey guys — is this the first draft ever to feature two Mo’s in the first round?
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 22, 2018
No. 26: Philadelphia 76ers – Landry Shamut, Point guard
Again, no one tweeted anything about this pick. Good sign? Bad sign? We’ll see.
No. 27: Boston Celtics – Robert Williams,
Robert Williams is a freak athlete who will give the Celtics something different. He struggled this past season on and off the court, but Boston is a perfect spot for him to mature.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 22, 2018
Williams is a lottery-level talent, a player with immense talent. If he can show a commitment to playing hard, this could be a steal of the first-round. ESPN’s @Mike_Schmitz compares him to another 27th overall pick: Clint Capela. https://t.co/9zFvD7MWiM
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
When your team drafts a backup for Al Horford #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/mwZyKGnZZZ
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
No. 28: Golden State Warriors – Jacob Evans, Shooting guard
But have to say I am just as intrigued to see if the Warriors succeed in buying a second-round pick. They can offer up to $5.1 million but have met with a shortage of willing trade partners after all the heat Chicago took for selling them the Jordan Bell pick in 2017 for $3.5 mil https://t.co/Y3mCF1a29F
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 22, 2018
Heard rumblings about Golden State’s affinity for Evans in the past week. Interesting fit for them. https://t.co/ohabsIMMsO
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) June 22, 2018
No. 29: Brooklyn Nets – Dzanan Musa, Power forward
Nets will keep Musa, source say. @Mike_Schmitz calls him “a Bosnian scoring machine.” https://t.co/SQ6nptMwJb
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
The Nets take Dzanan Musa. I’m told he would have been taken much higher had he agreed to be stashed in Europe next year, but his insistence on coming to the NBA right away caused him to slip a bit. I like this pick for the Nets. Musa gets buckets, is competitive and super young.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 22, 2018
No. 30: Atlanta Hawks (via Rockets) – Omari Spellman, Power forward
Round 1 of the #NBADraft is set.
What do you think of @KevinOConnorNBA‘s instant grades? #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/N8SeUDXUL7— The Ringer (@ringer) June 22, 2018
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