NBA Draft Rumors: Orlando Magic could take Joel Embiid

Now that former Kansas Jayhawks’ center Joel Embiid has had surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot, the Orlando Magic have likely had to make big changes to their draft plans.

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The Magic looked set to take Australian point guard Dante Exum with the fourth-overall pick, but he is likely to go in the top three now. The Magic may have to decide between Embiid, former Indiana Hoosers’ power forward Noah Vonleh and former Oklahoma State Cowboys’ point guard Marcus Smart.

Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors believes that four is the spot for Embiid even if it is not the Magic making the pick.

"There is doubt that the Magic want to take a prospect here who might not get on the floor this season, even one with the talent of Embiid.Unless Philly includes its No. 10 selection, the Magic also seemingly have the most enticing trade package for Cleveland. However this shakes out, I don’t buy that Embiid will fall much beyond No. 4. Maybe Hennigan rolls the dice, maybe the Cavs move back for him or maybe someone like Boston moves up, but this is the spot for Embiid."

On argument against the Magic selecting Embiid is that they passed on center Andrew Bynum in the Dwight Howard trade because of his history with knee injuries and decided against selecting Nerlens Noel last season after he tore his ACL (although they reportedly had Victor Oladipo, who they selected second-overall at the top of their board).

Of course, if they can pull of a trade for the top-overall pick, they may simply select Embiid for the Cavaliers.

Embiid was 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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