NBA Draft 2014 Rumors: Lakers would consider drafting Joel Embiid
The stress fracture suffered by former Kansas center Joel Embiid was devastating news for the 7-foot center, but it could be great news for the Los Angeles Lakers who reportedly would consider drafting the Cameroon native if he is available when the Lakers are on the clock with the seventh pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
More from Los Angeles Lakers
- NBA rumors: Hawks trade candidate, Sixers miss out, Lakers almost lose Reaves
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- Bronny James collapses at practice, taken to ICU with cardiac arrest
- NBA Rumors: Lakers nearing another savvy minimum signing
- Lakers projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
Embiid was the favorite to be the top overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers prior to the news of his foot fracture which required two screws to repair the navicular bone in his right foot on Friday and is expected to be for four-six months.
According to Marc Medina of Inside the Lakers, the team would “consider” drafting him because of his immense upside.
"“The Lakers would consider selecting Embiid should he become available, according to a person familiar with the Lakers’ thinking. But such an idea would hinge on Embiid’s recovery.”“The Lakers are mindful there would be risk in selecting Embiid considering his recent back injury and his current foot fracture. But they are also aware of Embiid’s upside with various draft experts likening him to Hall of Famer center Hakeem Olajuwon. It is unclear what information in Embiid’s medical report and progress the Lakers would need to see that would make them feel comfortable picking Embiid assuming he stays undrafted before the seventh pick.”"
Such a move would be the classic risk vs. reward move as he is talented enough to be the top prospect in the draft, but whoever takes him does so with the risk that he could be the next Andrew Byuum or Greg Oden rather than the next Olajuwon.
The Lakers have a number of questions as it is as they still are without a head coach, are coming off their worst season since moving to Los Angeles and Kobe Bryant is coming back from Achilles and knee surgeries.
Can the Lakers afford to make such a gamble?
If they get assurances that Embiid will be able to make a full recovery, absolutely they can, and they may.