NBA Draft Rumors: ‘Strong vibe’ Andrew Wiggins goes number one

There are several reports surfacing that indicate former Kansas Jayhawks’ center Joel Embiid is going to be the top-overall pick in the draft with one scout describing Embiid as a “franchise superstar.” 

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The Cleveland Cavaliers, who hold that number one pick, have been dying to return to the postseason since LeBron James left the Cavaliers to “take his talents to South Beach” where he is currently trying to lead the Miami Heat to a third straight NBA title. They would probably prefer to trade the pick and are said to be interested in Minnesota Timberwolves’ power forward Kevin Love, Chicago Bulls’ center Joakim Noah, Portland Trail Blazers’ power forward LaMarcus Aldridge and Atlanta Hawks’ big man Al Horford.

The Cavaliers are a long shot to acquire any of those players and will likely wind up making the pick. However, Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio is getting a “strong vibe” that Embiid’s college teammate, forward Andrew Wiggins, is going to go number one overall rather than Embiid.

Wiggins averaged 17.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game for the Jayhawks last season while shooting 44.8% from the field, 34.1% from beyond the arc and 77.5% from the free throw line. Wiggins is ranked as the top prospect in the draft by Jonathan Givony of Draft Express and is projected to go number one overall. Embiid put up 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 1.4 assists and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 62.6% from the field, 20.0% from beyond the arc and 68.5% from the free throw line. Givony ranks him as the draft’s second-best prospect.