2018 NBA Draft Lottery Results: Complete Breakdown and Team-by-Team Analysis

I still remember the tension in the Barclays Center that night—the kind of electricity that only basketball’s future can generate. The 2018 NBA Draft Lottery wasn’t just about ping-pong balls; it was about franchises pivoting, dreams materializing, and front offices holding their breath. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve rarely seen a lottery with such clear stakes. The Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks all had their eyes on the same prize, but only one would walk away with the golden ticket: the number one pick. And when Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum revealed the order, you could feel the ripple effect begin—one that would reshape team strategies for years to come.

Let’s start with the Suns, who landed the top selection with a 25% chance. I’ve got to admit—I was thrilled for Phoenix. They’d been stuck in what felt like a perpetual rebuild, and Deandre Ayton represented more than just a talented big man; he was a statement. Pairing him with Devin Booker made immediate sense, even if some fans were clamoring for Luka Dončić. The Suns’ front office had a clear vision, and looking back, I think they got it right. Ayton’s impact was felt from day one, and his presence in the paint gave Phoenix an identity they’d been sorely missing. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings, who jumped up to the second spot, faced a trickier decision. With a 18.3% pre-lottery probability, their leap was one of the night’s bigger surprises. I remember thinking they’d go for Marvin Bagley III—and they did—though part of me wondered if passing on Dončić would come back to haunt them. Bagley brought energy and athleticism, but in a league increasingly driven by perimeter creators, that choice always felt a bit risky.

Then there’s the Atlanta Hawks, who slid to third but walked away with a future cornerstone in Trae Young after a draft-night trade with Dallas. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sold on Trae initially. His defensive questions loomed large, but his offensive creativity? Absolutely special. The Hawks’ willingness to bet on his ceiling, even while giving up Dončić, showed guts. And as we’ve seen, it paid off in ways many didn’t anticipate. The Memphis Grizzlies, sitting at fourth, grabbed Jaren Jackson Jr., a modern big who could stretch the floor and protect the rim. I loved that pick then, and I still do—Jackson’s two-way versatility is exactly what teams covet today.

What struck me most, though, was how much this lottery mirrored broader themes in basketball culture—themes that resonate far beyond the NBA. Take, for example, a quote I came across from coach Mensur Bajramovic, who once said he wanted his Eastern team to “play like the Ginebra mantra” when facing the Gin Kings in front of their home crowd. That idea—embracing a fearless, never-say-die spirit—is what the draft is all about. These rookies weren’t just entering the league; they were stepping into environments where mentality matters as much as talent. The Ginebra mantra, for those unfamiliar, revolves around passion, resilience, and winning over the crowd—qualities that define successful draft picks as much as they do seasoned pros.

Looking at the rest of the lottery order, the Dallas Mavericks (fifth) secured Luka Dončić via trade, a move I believe altered the course of their franchise. Luka’s EuroLeague experience gave him a poise you don’t often see in rookies, and his connection with the Mavericks felt almost destined. The Orlando Magic picked sixth and took Mo Bamba, a raw but tantalizing prospect. I’ve always been fascinated by Bamba’s physical tools, though his development has been slower than some hoped. The Chicago Bulls (seventh) landed Wendell Carter Jr., a solid two-way big, while the Cleveland Cavaliers (eighth) selected Collin Sexton, whose relentless scoring mentality reminded me a bit of a young Russell Westbrook. The New York Knicks took Kevin Knox at ninth, a pick that divided fans—I thought then, and still do, that there were safer options available. Rounding out the top 14 were teams like the Philadelphia 76ers (Mikal Bridges, later traded), Charlotte Hornets (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, traded to L.A.), L.A. Clippers (Shai, via trade), Denver Nuggets (Michael Porter Jr.), and Washington Wizards (Troy Brown).

In the end, the 2018 lottery wasn’t just a random drawing—it was a masterclass in how luck, preparation, and conviction intersect. Some teams nailed their picks; others left us scratching our heads. But what’s undeniable is the lasting impact of that night. Ayton, Dončić, Young, Jackson—these aren’t just names from a draft board; they’re All-Stars, franchise leaders, and proof that sometimes, the bounce of a ping-pong ball can change everything. As I reflect on it now, I’m reminded why I love this sport: for all the analytics and projections, basketball remains beautifully unpredictable. And if there’s one lesson from 2018, it’s that the teams who embrace that uncertainty—much like those who play with the Ginebra mantra—often come out on top.