NBA Draft 2018: Who were the best second-round selections?
By Logan Butts
Jalen Brunson – Pick 33 – Villanova/Dallas Mavericks
The Villanova Wildcats, winners of two of the last three NCAA titles, had three players drafted in the first round: Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo, and Omari Spellman. As it has been pointed out on Twitter several times, none of those players were the National Player of the Year Jalen Brunson.
The fact that three of Brunson’s teammates went before him in the draft says more about Villanova’s talent level than Brunson’s lack thereof.
Brunson was a first round talent that dropped to the early second round in a loaded draft. Between going up to get Luke Doncic, the potential best player in the draft, and grabbing three second rounders, the Mavs came out of Thursday looking good.
Devonte’ Graham – Pick 34 – Kansas/Charlotte Hornets
The third of three consecutive top-level college point guards to go early in the second round was Brunson’s main competition for player of the year: Devonte’ Graham.
There is some chatter that Kemba Walker may be on the way out if the middling Hornets choose the reboot route. Could Graham be his replacement as the starter?
He is a ready-made point guard who can shoot and fights on defense. He is a bit small but could make it work alongside someone like Malik Monk.