Bleacher Report re-ranks 2018 NBA Draft class, placing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of Luka Dončić
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now ranked No. 1, surpassing Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić, who is placed at No. 2 following a review of their respective careers and recent performances.
Bleacher Report has officially re-ranked the 2018 NBA Draft class, a move that sees Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander placed at No. 1 and Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić at No. 2. The decision by the media outlet prioritises overall impact and trophy hauls rather than relying solely on raw statistical output to determine the superior choice between the two guards.
The shift in ranking is driven largely by Gilgeous-Alexander's recent accolades, specifically his two MVP awards, which include the 2025 Finals MVP. This achievement places him alongside an elite group of players who have led the league in scoring while winning both regular season and Finals MVP awards in a single year. In contrast, Dončić is noted for having won zero MVP awards despite his prolific scoring record.
While Dončić holds historic raw statistics, having accumulated 15,021 points, 4,376 rebounds, and 4,230 assists in his first 514 games, the new ranking emphasises efficiency. Since 2022, Gilgeous-Alexander has matched Dončić's production while surpassing him in shooting percentages, box plus/minus, and wins over replacement. Gilgeous-Alexander is also the only guard to average 30 points on 50 per cent shooting for four consecutive seasons.
Dončić's season was impacted by a hamstring injury sustained while his daughter was born, which saw him miss 64 games. Although the NBA granted him eligibility to compete for awards, the absence highlighted a difference in postseason momentum compared to Gilgeous-Alexander. The ranking reflects this disparity in availability and sustained performance over the recent years.
Looking ahead, the Lakers and Thunder are set to meet in the second round of the playoffs on Tuesday, May 5. Dončić's return from injury remains in doubt, with reports suggesting his hamstring recovery is slow and that he has not yet started contact drills. Oklahoma City enters the series having swept the Suns and won six of their last seven games against Los Angeles.
Ultimately, the Bleacher Report assessment concludes that Gilgeous-Alexander's combination of trophies and efficiency secures his position as the top pick of the 2018 class for now. The debate may reopen if Dončić leads a comeback, but the current ranking stands based on the criteria of overall impact.
