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

When the 2018 NBA All-Rookie teams were announced, I remember thinking this class had the potential to reshape the league's landscape. The first team featured undeniable talents like Luka Dončić, Trae Young, and Deandre Ayton - players who've since become franchise cornerstones. What fascinates me now, five years later, is tracking how these careers have diverged. Some have become superstars, others solid rotation players, while a few have taken unexpected paths overseas that remind me of the global nature of basketball talent development.

I've always been particularly intrigued by players who don't follow the conventional NBA trajectory. 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. These aren't household NBA names, but they're perfect examples of professional basketball careers flourishing outside the bright lights of American arenas. Lebanese national team member Hayk Gyokchyan's performance - 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists - demonstrates the quality of basketball being played in international leagues. It makes me wonder about the alternate paths some of those 2018 rookies might have taken.

Looking back at that class, the standout has unquestionably been Luka Dončić. The Slovenian sensation has exceeded even the loftiest expectations, making four All-NBA first teams already. I'd argue he's already a top-10 player in the league, and at just 24, his ceiling remains incredibly high. Trae Young has similarly become the face of the Atlanta Hawks, though his defensive limitations continue to puzzle me - he's given up an average of 28.3 points per game to opposing point guards this season, which is concerning for a supposed franchise player.

The second team featured some interesting cases like Mitchell Robinson, who's developed into one of the league's premier defensive centers despite offensive limitations. His block percentage of 8.7% ranks among the league's best, though his free throw percentage hovering around 48% is frankly embarrassing for a professional basketball player. Then there's Landry Shamet, who's become the prototype of the modern journeyman shooter, already playing for his fifth team in six seasons. I've never been completely sold on his consistency - he'll score 25 points one night and then disappear for the next three games.

What strikes me about reviewing this class is how quickly narratives can change in professional basketball. Marvin Bagley III was selected second overall but has struggled to find his footing, while Jalen Brunson - picked 33rd - has developed into an All-Star caliber point guard. I've always believed draft position creates unrealistic expectations, and Bagley's case perfectly illustrates this phenomenon. Meanwhile, undrafted players like Duncan Robinson have carved out significant roles, proving that development paths aren't linear.

The international flavor of that rookie class continues to impress me. Beyond Dončić, players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have emerged as legitimate superstars. SGA's transformation from a raw Kentucky prospect to MVP candidate has been breathtaking to watch - his mid-range game is quite possibly the best in the league right now. His scoring average has jumped from 10.8 points as a rookie to 31.4 last season, one of the most dramatic improvements I've seen in recent memory.

As I reflect on these players' journeys, I'm reminded that basketball careers are rarely straightforward. Some first-round picks from that class are already out of the league, while second-round finds like Devonte' Graham have secured substantial contracts. The beauty of tracking these developments lies in recognizing that success isn't binary - a player like Collin Sexton has found his groove in Utah after being written off by many, averaging what I believe to be around 22.3 points per game in his last 15 contests. The 2018 class taught me to be patient with young talent, as development timelines vary dramatically across players and positions.

Watching today's NBA, it's remarkable how many of these 2018 rookies have become central to their teams' identities. From Dončić's historic usage rate to Mikal Bridges' transformation into a primary scoring option, this class has proven both deep and versatile. Though their paths have diverged significantly, the collective impact of the 2018 rookies continues to shape the league half a decade later, creating storylines I'll be following for years to come.