On Thursday, Bill Simmons of ESPN and Grantland reported that former Knasas Jayhawk’s center Joel Embiid, who missed both the Big 12 and NCAA Tournament due to a back injury, was “fine.” [category-related]
During the college basketball regular season, many believed Embiid was the top player in the draft, but nearly everyone has cooled on him because of his injury. Back injuries in big men seem especially scary, especially when you are considering using the top-overall pick on one, but there is no reason to believe Embiid can’t get (or possible already is) 100% healthy.
In fact, if healthy, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders believes Embiid will be the top pick.
If Joel Embiid is completely healthy, almost no chance he does not go #1 overall...
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) May 23, 2014
Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski can’t see Embiid not going number one.
Watching Joel Embiid in workout for league executives in Santa Monica. Impossible to imagine passing on him at No. 1.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 23, 2014
ESPN’s Chad Ford seems to agree.
Embiid quickly re-asserting claim to # 1 pick here. Added muscle, still has quick feet & a beautiful jumper. No evidence of back issues
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) May 23, 2014
Just spoke with Embiid. Told me his back is 100 percent. Been working out hard for last 3 weeks.
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) May 23, 2014
Embiid averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.4 assists per game last season.