Redrafting the 2018 NBA Draft: Who do Mavericks select after Luka Doncic goes No. 1?
By Austin McGee
12. Los Angeles Clippers select Collin Sexton
Original draft position: 8
A unanimous lottery talent, Collin Sexton's game was praised, while also harshly critiqued. Sexton's scoring ability was well-known while playing for the Crimson Tide, but the undersized guard only averaged 3.6 assists to 2.8 turnovers in college.
Upon entering the NBA, Sexton's scouting report held true. A premier scoring talent, with a lack of playmaking abilities. He plays with great intensity and shoots the ball well for a volume-scorer, but doesn't provide much facilitating, rebounding, or playmaking on the defensive end.
Entering his sixth season, now with the Utah Jazz, Sexton projects as a lead scorer off the bench. His ability to man the point has never materialized and he's too undersized to guard opposing shooting guards.
13. Los Angeles Clippers select Gary Trent Jr.
Original draft position: 37
Gary Trent Jr. was drafted because of one elite skill, sharpshooting. Trent Jr. played one season at Duke and averaged 14.5 and 2.6 threes per game while shooting above 40 percent from beyond the arc.
After not receiving much playing time as a rookie, he parlayed his improved sophomore season into a starting role in year three. Trent Jr. split time between Portland and Toronto where he continued to knock down threes.
Over the past two seasons, the former Blue Devil has upped his scoring averages and become a pest on defense. He has averaged 1.67 steals per game since the beginning of the 2021 season. If Trent Jr. were to add another skill, on offense or defense, he'd potentially go higher in a redraft.
14. Denver Nuggets select Wendell Carter Jr.
Original draft position: 7
The last player to grace the redraft, Wendell Carter Jr. The former Duke big man was tabbed as a prospect with few holes in his games and a high upside. Carter Jr. played the part in college, as he averaged 13.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.1 blocks per game, and made 19-of-46 three-pointers.
Carter Jr. looked the same in the NBA as he did in Durham. While playing for the Bulls, Carter Jr.'s offense nor defense truly took off. He remained a fifth option on offense and didn't block shots or rebounds like he did as a Blue Devil.
After a trade to the Orlando Magic, Carter Jr. has revived his value. Over the course of the past two seasons, Carter Jr. has averaged 15.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while also knocking down 150 three-pointers.