NBA Draft Rumors: Cavaliers will not be taking Joel Embiid no. 1 overall following bad physical
By Jack Crosby
It’s been widely speculated recently that the Cleveland Cavaliers may be completely sold on former Kansas center Joel Embiid; sold just enough that they will use their no. 1 overall draft pick on him later this month in the 2014 NBA Draft. However, after his physical with the team, those plans might be changing, according to a report from ESPN Cleveland.
.@TheRealTRizzo: Sources tell me Joel Embiid's physical w/ the #Cavs did not go well. Enough red flags that they won't take him #1 overall.
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 13, 2014
While Embiid has shot up a lot of people’s draft boards, the big red flag coming into this entire process has been the health of Embiid’s back, which is a legitimate concern.
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The injury caused the Kansas star to miss the postseason last year, and who knows, could have been a good reason for the team’s failed run at the national championship as they were bounced in the second round.
Of course, it is completely possible that the Cavaliers were leaning heavily toward taking Embiid, especially following his recent showing at workourts which drew some good reviews.
However, following the disaster that was taking Anthony Bennett no. 1 overall last season, there is literally no room for error this time around. So if there is any doubt in management’s mind that Embiid’s back could hinder his future with the organization going forward, then it would be wise to just move on with someone else in that top spot.