8. Knicks: Precious Achiuwa, SF/PF, Memphis
With Knicks fans calling for Cole Anthony, team president Leon Rose pulls a stunner, selecting a different local, the 6-foot-9 Bronx native, an immediate difference-maker around the basket and on the defensive end. The lone college freshman to average a double-double, Achiuwa can team with Frank Ntilikina and Mitchell Robinson to give Tom Thibodeau the makings of a vastly improved defensive unit.
9. Wizards: Devin Vassell, SG, Florida State
With Bradley Beal potentially on the block, Vassell is a natural fit in the nation?s capital. Even if the Wizards keep Beal, Vassell can play on the wing at 6 feet 6 and take advantage of the attention given to Beal and returning point guard John Wall.
10. Suns: Killian Hayes, PG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Narrowly missing out on the postseason will be a plus in the long run for the on-the-rise Suns, who add Hayes, Ricky Rubio?s long-term replacement on the ball. Although his long-range jumper remains a work in progress, the 6-foot-5 Hayes, born in the US but raised in France, is a terrific playmaker and distributor and will be surrounded by skilled shot-makers in Phoenix.
11. Spurs: Cole Anthony, PG, North Carolina
The Spurs are too smart to let Anthony, the son of former NBA point guard Greg Anthony, fall further. While some teams may have been scared off by his freshman year at North Carolina ? when a knee injury and poor shooting percentages dropped his stock ? San Antonio will see his strengths, from his high-level scoring ability to relentless work ethic and alpha-male character traits.