2018 NBA Draft: Instant reaction and grades from the first round; 60 picks

2018 NBA Draft: Instant reaction and grades from the first round; all 60 picks

TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after scoring against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half of the college basketball game at McKale Center on December 9, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 17: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles against Phil Booth #5 of the Villanova Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

8. Cleveland Cavaliers – Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama

Collin Sexton could be the point guard that they have been missing every since they traded Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics. Sexton isn’t the prolific offensive player that Irving is, but he’s a bulldog on the defensive end and showed great leadership skills during his freshman season at Alabama.

This was a pick that needed to be made independent of what may or may not happen with LeBron James in free agency this summer.

Grade: B-

9. New York Knicks – Kevin Knox, F, Kentucky

Even though most Knicks fans wanted Michael Porter Jr. here at No. 9, New York elects to take Kevin Knox who is a much safer bet than the former. Even though he’s not a sexy pick, Knox is a player that can transform into a superstar.

During his rookie season at Kentucky, Knox averaged 16 points and six rebounds per game.

Grade: B