NBA Draft Rumors: Jabari Parker topped Cavaliers big board

Although the Cleveland Cavaliers are examining and working out former Kansas star Joel Embiid today, the big man hasn’t topped their big board as that spot has been the home of Duke’s Jabari Parker.

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Seemingly thrust behind both Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins, Parker was at a time the likely top overall pick before Embiid and Wiggins emerged onto the scene pushing him into more of a consolation prize.

But according to Sam Amico, Parker has been a favorite of the Cavaliers all season which includes owner Dan Gilbert.

When pressed on who he believes the Cavs would target with the No. 1 pick, Embiid or Wiggins, Amico replied with a one word answer – ‘Parker’.

Amico was quick to point out that while Parker has been atop Cleveland’s draft board, he is now in a tie with both Embiid and Wiggins though Gilbert seems to have a favorite of the three (Parker) but GM David Griffin seems a bit more perplexed.

“He hasn’t made up his mind. But Parker has been on top of the Cavs’ draft board for most of the year. The other two just recently tied it up.”

The Cavaliers haven’t exactly played the draft in a traditional form the last couple seasons, opting to select both Anthony Bennett and Dion Waiters a bit earlier than most pundits expected. Could they do it again, this time with Parker? Certainly seems as if they have legit interest in him, though given the amount of intrigue around the league with both Wiggins and Embiid, if they really want Parker it might make the most sense to trade down to the No. 2 or No. 3 selection in effort to secure more assets.