NBA Draft Rumors: Joel Embiid could be a 'franchise superstar'

It came as a shock to many when the Cleveland Cavaliers landed the number one overall pick in the draft lottery last month.

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The Cavaliers wanted to turn their team into a winner in the 2013-2014 season and signed former Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers’ center Andrew Bynum. Bynum was a disaster for the Cavaliers and they eventually dealt him to the Chicago Bulls (who subsequently released him and he signed with the Indiana Pacers) for forward Luol Deng. They then made a move for 76ers’ center Spencer Hawes, sending forward Earl Clark and center Henry Sims, along with a couple of picks to the 76ers.

That still didn’t get the Cavaliers into the playoffs and they finished with a record of 33-49, the ninth-worst record in the league.

Many believe the Cavaliers will try to land a big fish and use the top pick as bait. They reportedly have interest in Minnesota Timberwolves’ power forward Kevin Love, Chicago Bulls’ center Joakim Noah, Portland Trail Blazers’ power forward LaMarcus Aldridge and Atlanta Hawks’ big man Al Horford, but are a long shot at best to acquire any of them.

If they do hang on to the top pick, most pundits will take former Kansas Jayhawks’ center Joel Embiid and that could be the right move. In Yahoo Sports‘ Marc J. Spears’ latest mock draft, he reports that one scout believes Embiid can be a franchise superstar.

"1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Joel Embiid, Kansas, C, 7-0, 240, Fr. – Assuming there are no serious back issues, one NBA scout says Embiid has chance to be a franchise superstar."

Embiid averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 1.4 assists and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 62.6% from the field, 20.0% from beyond the arc and 68.5% from the free throw line.

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NBA Draft Rumors: Joel Embiid could be a ‘franchise superstar’

By Andrew Melnick | Jun 9, 2014