2014 NBA Draft Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers expected to select Joel Embiid
In what came a surprise to not only the rest of the league, but everyone else as well, the Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2014 NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday night.
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The Cavaliers are obviously happy but were probably taken a little off-guard by winning. They would clearly like to put together a deal that would net them Minnesota Timberwolves’ power forward Kevin Love, but that seems like a bit of a long-shot considering Love likely won’t agree to a long-term deal with the Cavaliers.
According to Mitch Lawrence of The New York Daily News, unless something comes up with Embiid’s back, the Cavaliers are expected to select Embiid.
"The Cavs know they can’t get Love in a deal for the No. 1 overall pick they secured with their third lottery win in the last four seasons. If they keep the pick, they’re expected to take Kansas big man Joel Embiid, unless the stress fracture in his back injury from last season has the chance to become a long-term issue. . . . Embiid’s agent, Arn Tellem, might not make his client’s medical records, including reports on the back, available to certain teams where he doesn’t want Embiid to play."
Embiid put 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 1.4 assists and 0.9 steals per game for the Jayhawks last season.