NBA Draft Rumors: Jabari Parker now the favorite to go No. 1?
There have been several reports that the Cleveland Cavaliers were leaning towards selecting former Kansas Jayhawks’ center Joel Embiid with the number one overall pick in next week’s NBA Draft.
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Now that more and more information regarding Embiid’s foot injury (he already had a few red flags because of his back) and he could miss up to four-to-six months because of surgery, the Cavaliers will likely be going in a different direction and will almost certainly choose from a group of three consisting of Embiid’s college teammate, forward Andrew Wiggins, former Duke Blue Devils’ forward Jabari Parker and Australian point guard Dante Exum.
Alex Lee of Hoops Rumors believes Parker is not the favorite to go number one overall.
"With Embiid going under the knife, Parker becomes the favorite to land in Cleveland. Andrew Wiggins is undoubtedly a possibility as well, and the Cavs are reportedly bringing in Dante Exum for a workout. But Parker remains the most NBA-ready prospect in this draft, which could be the deciding factor for owner Dan Gilbert."
Parker went for 19.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 47.3% from the field, 35.8% from beyond the arc and 74.8% from the free throw line last season. The last time Parker was officially measured, he came in at 6’8.5 and 240 lbs. with a wingspan of 6’11.5 at the Kevin Durant Camp in 2013. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express ranks Parker as the third-best prospect (behind Wiggins and Embiid, but with the recent news on Embiid, Parker is probably first or second on nearly every draft board).