2014 NBA Draft: Brew Hoop's Finalized Top Ten, except for the whole Joel Embiid thing...

No sooner did it look like we had finalized Brew Hoop's 2014 Draft Board Top Ten than the news of Joel Embiid's foot injury and subsequent surgery smashed it all to tiny bits. Embiid was the overwhelming choice for the number one spot on our draft board, a testament to his obvious talent and immense upside. But with surgery expected to keep him off the basketball court for 4-6 months (many expect him to be held out of the entire 2014-2015 season) and his long-term health now cast in doubt, the calculus has changed.

Nik Stauskas - G, Michigan claimed the 10th spot, narrowly edging out Doug McDermott. Stauskas is one of the best shooters in the draft, showing consistent mechanics and efficiency both off the dribble and spotting-up. He's also a good ball-handler and ran a lot of pick and roll for the Wolverines, taking over much of the half-court offensive initiation after Trey Burke's departure. As such, Stauskas is seen as a nominal SG who could capably share many PG duties. He's only marginal on defense and not particularly athletic, but Stauskas looks like a really valuable offensive player who could fit with any roster.

DraftExpress | Nik Stauskas Pre-Draft Workout and Interview

With that, here's the final Brew Hoop Draft Board Top Ten, as voted at the time.

1. Joel Embiid - C, Kansas
2. Jabari Parker - F, Duke
3. Andrew Wiggins - G/F, Kansas
4. Dante Exum - G, Australia
5. Marcus Smart - PG, Oklahoma State
6. Julius Randle - PF, Kentucky
7. Noah Vonleh - PF, Indiana
8. Aaron Gordon - F, Arizona
9. Dario Saric - F, Croatia
10. Nik Stauskas - G, Michigan

Here's the board with Embiid's injury factored in. He gets bumped to fourth, which is when a majority of our poll respondents said they'd be willing to roll the dice on him.

1. Jabari Parker - F, Duke
2. Andrew Wiggins - G/F, Kansas
3. Dante Exum - G, Australia
4. Joel Embiid - C, Kansas
5. Marcus Smart - PG, Oklahoma State
6. Julius Randle - PF, Kentucky
7. Noah Vonleh - PF, Indiana
8. Aaron Gordon - F, Arizona
9. Dario Saric - F, Croatia
10. Nik Stauskas - G, Michigan

Only three more days! THE LONGEST THREE DAYS EVER.