NBA Draft Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers closing in on Joel Embiid?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have had arguably the best lottery lock of all-time in recent years (with the possible exception of the Orlando Magic who landed the number one pick two years in a row and selected Shaquille O’Neal and Chris Webber, who was traded for Anfernee “Penny Hardaway”).

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In the 2014 NBA Draft Lottery, the Cavaliers won the number one pick for the third time in four years (They selected point guard Kyrie Irving in 2011 and forward Anthony Bennett in 2013). It was believed that the Cavaliers, if they could not trade the pick in a package for a player like Minnesota Timberwolves’ star power forward Kevin Love, would select either former Kansas Jayhawks’ center Joel Embiid, his college teammate, forward Andrew Wiggins, or former Duke Blue Devils’ forward Jabari Parker.

The Cavaliers are reportedly keeping their options open, but may have eliminated Parker from the discussion. Although the Cavaliers are clearly concerned about Embiid’s back issues, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated believes they could be leaning towards selecting Embiid.

"Cleveland isn’t tipping its hand, but league sources continue to believe that the decision is down to Embiid and Andrew Wiggins. Embiid alleviated some concerns about his back during a workout for teams last month, when executives in attendance came away impressed with his superior athleticism and two-way potential. New Cavs general manager David Griffin has the luxury of being able to draft a player who needs time to develop like the 20-year-old Embiid, who started playing at age 16."

Embiid averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.4 assists per game last season.

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