NBA Draft 2018: Updated Draft Order and Latest News on Hottest Prospects
The 2018 NBA draft is fast approaching, giving each team an opportunity to find that missing championship puzzle piece—although the NBA Finals-winning Golden State Warriors will simply be looking to strengthen further.
Some teams have a longer road to relevancy than others, while a few might just need the right young prospect to help everything else fall into place.
A few blue-chip players have separated themselves from the rest of the pack and are guaranteed to hear their names called early on draft night, while others are getting greater attention and a few could see their stock falling in the days ahead.
The draft is on Thursday, June 21, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. Here's a look at the updated draft order for the first round followed by some of the latest news on the top players to keep an eye on.
2018 NBA Draft Order 1st Round
1. Phoenix Suns
2. Sacramento Kings
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Memphis Grizzlies
5. Dallas Mavericks
6. Orlando Magic
7. Chicago Bulls
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets)
9. New York Knicks
10. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)
11. Charlotte Hornets
12. Los Angeles Clippers (via Pistons)
13. Los Angeles Clippers
14. Denver Nuggets
15. Washington Wizards
16. Phoenix Suns (via Heat)
17. Milwaukee Bucks
18. San Antonio Spurs
19. Atlanta Hawks (via Timberwolves)
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Thunder)
21. Utah Jazz
22. Chicago Bulls (via Pelicans)
23. Indiana Pacers
24. Portland Trail Blazers
25. Los Angeles Lakers (via Cavaliers)
26. Phialdelphia 76ers
27. Boston Celtics
28. Golden State Warriors
29. Brooklyn Nets (via Raptors)
30. Atlanta Hawks (via Rockets)
The full draft order can be found at NBA.com
Latest News on Top Prospects
The top high school player in the class of 2017 did next to nothing in college, but not because he struggled on the court.
Michael Porter Jr. ended up only playing in three games at Missouri last season because of a lower-back injury in the season opener that required surgery. Despite the lost season, Porter declared for the draft anyway, because, well, he's just that talented.
However, Porter's health continues to be a problem, and it will likely give a few teams pause on draft night.
According to Yahoo Sports' Shams Charania, Porter canceled a workout planned for Friday due to hip spasms:
The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported the same cancellation, though he did not give a specific reason why.
If Porter can't get healthy enough for teams to evaluate him ahead of the draft, it might be a longer-than-expected night for the tall, gifted wing player. Porter has all the physical tools and skills to play in the modern NBA, and his stock has been rising lately. But this latest news might kill that momentum.
USA Today's Sam Amick thought Porter had a chance to go high as the No. 2 pick, but he is questioning that with the latest development:
Some teams will be loath to go all-in on a player like Porter, especially in what is a deep draft class with some excellent prospects at the top like Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Mohamed Bamba, Marvin Bagley III and others.
Back injuries can create all kinds of long-term, compounding problems. Hopefully Porter can avoid that fate and reach his full potential at the next level.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Another player in the top-10 mix looking to make sure he's taken in the top five is forward Jaren Jackson Jr.
He's on the workout circuit right now, showing teams that he has what it takes to be a star in the league.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski dropped this tidbit about Jackson on Monday:
On Wednesday, Jackson worked out for the Atlanta Hawks, who have the No. 3 pick in this year's draft.
Here's a video of that process, via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
According to Yahoo Sports' Jordan Schultz's sources, Jackson is also going to workout for the Dallas Mavericks (No. 5 overall).
In his lone season at Michigan State, Jackson averaged 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game. He projects as a defensive stopper, though his offensive game left something to be desired in college. Still, he shot nearly 40 percent from three as a Spartan, so there are signs he can be an asset to teams at both ends of the floor. Shoot threes and play defense, and you can have a long career in today's NBA.
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