Embiid's Injury

Most people assumed that Joel Embiid was on track to go #1 to Cleveland in this week's NBA draft. That was, of course, until reports surfaced that he was injured and had to have surgery. Doctors say he'll be out 4-6 months, which means he'd be ready at some point this season, but there is still major concern. First, he had back issues that ended his freshmen year at Kansas prematurely. This injury is with the foot. Big men with injury issues are scary selections... just look at Greg Oden. So now the question is how far will he fall? Let's break it down:

1. Cleveland will almost certainly pass on him, seeing as they are really trying to push into the playoffs. Jabari Parker and even Andrew Wiggins are considered the new favorites.

2. Milwaukee have loved Embiid all season, and if Parker goes #1 they aren't that in love with Wiggins.  Still, they are high on Dante Exum and would likely take him, or even Wiggins, over Embiid. The co-owner said today they aren't considering Embiid that much now.

3. Philadelphia would love Embiid... with their second selection at #10. #3 will clearly be Andrew Wiggins if available, and they also would take Exum or Noah Vonleh ahead of an injured center (since they have one of those from last year in Noel). So that means Embiid will fall out of the top 3.

4. Orlando could take Embiid, since they covet a rim protector, but with a promising young center on the squad already in Vucevic, I doubt they end up pulling the trigger. They love Exum and Vonleh, and one would still be available here for sure.

5. Utah is intriguing because they don't really have a spot for any of the guys valued this high. They could be a trade candidate for a team looking to move up, or they themselves could be a team looking to move up into the top 3 (for Parker, Wiggins, or Exum). If they end up picking here, I think they go a different route in the end, maybe taking a player like Aaron Gordon or Marcus Smart.

6. Then there is Boston, a team that is in need of a center, is in a clear rebuilding stage (unless they get Kevin Love), have taken injured stars recently in drafts (Sullinger, Bradley), and possess multiple first rounders so they can afford a risk. Due to those reasons, I doubt Embiid slips past the Celtics at #6. The reward is well worth the risk at this point.

You agree? Where do you think he'll end up?

By: The Sports Guys