As October comes to an end, let’s look ahead at the 2018 NBA Draft class and who may be relevant next June.
Unpredictability. That’s what makes the NBA Draft so fun. Whether your team’s at the bottom of the standings or vying for a playoff spot, there’s no guarantee as to whether or not the player they draft pans out as expected.
Just look at the early returns from 2017’s rookie class. Markelle Fultz, albeit hindered by a shoulder injury, hasn’t been the same player that soared to the top of draft boards at Washington. Kyle Kuzma flew under the radar as a late first round pick, but has since established himself as a real part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ core.
You never truly know what you’re going to get, and that’s what makes covering the draft such an intriguing task. It’s about projections and assumptions, with team fit and the current trends all facilitating how a player’s value is perceived. Simply put, there’s a certain level of variability that keeps the storylines coming and the possibilities rolling.
While it’s too early to make any worthwhile predictions on a team-by-team basis, it’s never too early to get a grasp on where certain prospects stand at the season’s start. Here is my top 30 as of right now: