8. Devin Vassell, wing, Florida State
Another bastion of 3-and-D versatility, Devin Vassell is what most every NBA team looks for in a wing. He’s 6-foot-7, has a pterodactyl-esque wingspan, and can shoot 3s at a healthy clip. He’s also one of the draft’s elite defenders — lump him in with Okoro, Okongwu.
Vassell’s I.Q. on the defensive end is next-level. He’s a great off-ball defender, using his length to disrupt passing lanes. On the ball, he’s both spindly and coordinated, bottling up the point of attack and making life difficult for wannabe scorers. Add in a relentless approach to the game, and Vassell is almost guaranteed to pan out defensively in the NBA — especially if he bulks up.
On offense, Vassell’s core attribute is his shooting. That said, he can also attack errant closeouts and work the in-between game, with a fair amount of success. He’s a whip-smart passer and he doesn’t dominate the ball. If he improves his handle, then it becomes easy to make out a star trajectory.