NBA Draft Rumors: Orlando Magic could select Joel Embiid

Now that former Kansas Jayhawks’ center Joel Embiid has had surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot.

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Now that former Jayhawks’ forward Andrew Wiggins, former Duke Blue Devils’ forward Jabari Parker and Australian point guard Dante Exum are expected to be the top three picks (in no particular order), the Orlando Magic, who hold the fourth-overall pick, may bite the bullet on Embiid.

According to Josh Robbins of The Orlando Sentinel, who spoke with Magic General Manager Rob Hennigan, the Magic are gathering as much information on Embiid as they can.

"As they prepare for the 2014 NBA Draft next week, the Orlando Magic are attempting to obtain as much data as possible about Joel Embiid’s right foot injury so they can make an informed decision if Embiid is available when the team picks fourth overall. The Magic currently don’t know any specifics about Embiid’s injury other than what already has been reported through the news media: that Embiid suffered a stress fracture to the foot’s navicular bone and was scheduled to undergo surgery today. “We’re going to try to gather as much information as we can, and we’re going to continue to do so right up until the draft,” Magic general manager Rob Hennigan told the Orlando Sentinel when asked about Embiid. “We have some information now, and we’re always looking to acquire more information that can help us make a decision.”"

Embiid is ranked second among all prospects by Jonathan Givony of Draft Express (behind former Kansas teammate, forward Andrew Wiggins). 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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