Who Made the 2018 NBA All-Rookie Team and Where Are They Now?

I still remember watching the 2018 NBA draft class with such anticipation—there was this electric feeling that we were witnessing the emergence of future superstars. When the All-Rookie teams were announced that season, it felt like witnessing the beginning of special careers. The first team featured Luka Dončić, Trae Young, Deandre Ayton, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Marvin Bagley III—names that would soon become fixtures in basketball conversations. What fascinates me now, looking back, isn't just where these players ended up, but how their journeys reflect the unpredictable nature of professional basketball careers.

Luka Dončić has arguably become the face of the Dallas Mavericks and one of the most dominant offensive forces in the league. I've followed his career closely, and his progression from EuroLeague MVP to NBA superstar has been nothing short of remarkable. Trae Young, with his deep range and playmaking flair, has transformed the Atlanta Hawks into perennial playoff contenders, though I'll admit his defensive limitations still concern me. Deandre Ayton's path has been more complicated—from Phoenix to Portland, his traditional big man game sometimes feels out of sync with today's pace-and-space NBA, yet he remains a double-double machine when motivated.

The second team featured some equally intriguing stories. Collin Sexton's scoring bursts in Utah, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's shocking ascent to MVP conversations—these developments have been fascinating to track. What strikes me about these players is how their rookie season was merely the opening chapter. Some, like Gilgeous-Alexander, have exceeded all expectations, while others have settled into valuable rotation roles rather than stardom.

This reflection on career trajectories reminds me of how global basketball careers often unfold. Just last week, I was watching highlights from Al Riyadi's recent game where Maurice Kemp dropped 24 points and 11 rebounds, while fellow import Ivan Buva added 18 points and seven rebounds. Lebanese national team member Hayk Gyokchyan contributed 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists in that same contest. These numbers—24, 11, 18, 7, 19, 4, and 3—represent the kind of professional journey many players experience outside the NBA spotlight. It's a reminder that while we focus on the All-Rookie team members, hundreds of professional basketball careers develop along parallel paths worldwide.

Looking at the 2018 class today, about 60% have secured long-term NBA roles, while others have found success internationally or in different leagues. Dončić has already accumulated four All-NBA First Team selections—an astonishing achievement for someone his age. Jackson Jr. won Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, proving his two-way impact. Meanwhile, Bagley III has become somewhat of a journeyman, currently with his third team despite being drafted second overall. This disparity in outcomes fascinates me—how some players maximize their potential while others plateau.

The international flavor of that rookie class particularly stands out to me. Dončić (Slovenia), Ayton (Bahamas), Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada)—their success underscores basketball's global growth. This worldwide talent pipeline continues to produce players who make immediate impacts, much like those performers for Al Riyadi I mentioned earlier. Professional basketball has truly become a global ecosystem where careers can flourish in various contexts.

As I reflect on these players five years later, what strikes me most is how their rookie season was just the starting line. The true measure of their careers extends beyond that initial recognition—it's in their development, adaptability, and longevity. The 2018 All-Rookie team members have given us everything from MVP candidates to role players, illustrating the diverse ways basketball careers can unfold. Their journeys continue to evolve, and I'm genuinely excited to see where the next five years take them.