Joel Embiid

[SilkkTheShocker]

Anyone get the feeling this dude is going to be problem for the NBA? Could legit see him leap-frogging KD for best player in the league once LeBron declines. I know the he has questions about his back, but I don't see how he isn't the #1 pick. I see a legit 2-way center in the near future.

[Kiddlovesnets]

Oh come on, you dont pick anyone over Wiggins in this draft as a GM unless you want to get fired immediately afterwards.

[Akrazotile]

Lebron is a 6'8 MJ. Embiid is a 6'11 Lebron. It just keeps gettin better.

What a time to be alive. :applause:

[Marlo_Stanfield]

yeah he could become nr.2 behind lebron but lebron wont decline till hes 34-35.
it depends on how guys like KD, Davis and Griffin develop tho.:coleman:

[salwan]

yeah he could become nr.2 behind lebron but lebron wont decline till hes 34-35.
it depends on how guys like KD, Davis and Griffin develop tho.:coleman:

I thought lin was the nr.2 :biggums:

[SilkkTheShocker]

Oh come on, you dont pick anyone over Wiggins in this draft as a GM unless you want to get fired immediately afterwards.

I like Wiggins, but I don't think he will impact the games like Embiid will. And lets not act like Wiggins is the sure fire #1 pick in this draft.

[Marlo_Stanfield]

I thought lin was the nr.2 :biggums:
nah lin is only the second best PG and barely top 10

[Trollsmasher]

Embiid vs Davis for years to come:bowdown:

Durant will fade into obscurity:coleman:

[ralph_i_el]

Oh come on, you dont pick anyone over Wiggins in this draft as a GM unless you want to get fired immediately afterwards.
:facepalm no one is getting fired for taking embiid come on

[salwan]

nah lin is only the second best PG and barely top 10

he is right behind Rondo. I agree :cheers:

[secund2nun]

Oh come on, you dont pick anyone over Wiggins in this draft as a GM unless you want to get fired immediately afterwards.

Wiggins is overrated and will bust. Even in HS he was unimpressive. The guy is pure hype and no results.

[PleezeBelieve]

Embiid is 6'11 without shoes

[Im Still Ballin]

KD will always be 2nd because his game doesn't measure up in the Playoffs. Davis and Embiid will have more impact in the playoffs. I think Embiid has all the pieces (finesse, strength, athleticism) to be one of those rare players that play better in the playoffs. Can't shut him down like KD. Unstoppable like Lebron and Shaq.

Joel is gonna be a 24/12 DPOY guy.

[Inferno]

KD will always be 2nd because his game doesn't measure up in the Playoffs. Davis and Embiid will have more impact in the playoffs. I think Embiid has all the pieces (finesse, strength, athleticism) to be one of those rare players that play better in the playoffs. Can't shut him down like KD. Unstoppable like Lebron and Shaq.

Joel is gonna be a 24/12 DPOY guy.

Did people forget KD averaging 30 PPG on 50+%FG in the Finals?

[Joel Embiid]

It's gonna be between him, AD, and Durant for the next 10 years or so.

[SwishSquared]

I think if Cleveland's medical staff can do a private in-depth evaluation he's #1 for sure. I would actually like to see Embiid and Drummond both improve and face off in the playoffs soon (that is if Detroit and Cleveland improve enough in next 1-2 years to make it happen). Davis vs. Embiid rivalry a few years down the road? That would be amazing honestly. I like watching Davis and I feel Embiid, if healthy, can make an impact quickly.

[HeyIt'sMe]

Embiid is going to bust really, really hard.

[KobesFinger]

Embiid is going to bust really, really hard.

Will he look like this when it happens?

http://i41.tinypic.com/15y6dxs.jpg

[AnaheimLakers24]

Embiid is going to bust really, really hard.
:roll: :roll: omg so funny dude. :roll:

you see i posted 3 rolling smileys

you postedit that way so someone can make a gay joke. totally funny man

[AnaheimLakers24]

too late

[Take Your Lumps]

Oh come on, you dont pick anyone over Wiggins in this draft as a GM unless you want to get fired immediately afterwards.

Lol, I have a feeling some people are going to have fun bumping this post in a year or two.

[J Shuttlesworth]

Did people forget KD averaging 30 PPG on 50+%FG in the Finals?
That's about his only impact though is his scoring... nobody says "remember KD's elite defense in the finals?" or "remember the way he drew double teams and disrupted the defense?"

It's always "remember his PPG?"

[SilkkTheShocker]

That's about his only impact though is his scoring... nobody says "remember KD's elite defense in the finals?" or "remember the way he drew double teams and disrupted the defense?"

It's always "remember his PPG?"

This. He got torched on defense all series, did zero playmaking, etc. Still remember Brooks trying to hide KD on Chalmers and him getting DESTROYED :oldlol:

[Milbuck]

That's about his only impact though is his scoring... nobody says "remember KD's elite defense in the finals?" or "remember the way he drew double teams and disrupted the defense?"

It's always "remember his PPG?"
He was 23 years old dude.

Yeah, his impact wasn't Shaq-like, and his all-around game was nowhere to be found. He was a pure scorer that series, no doubt. But are you really gonna discredit 30ppg on 50%+ shooting?

What monstrous numbers did Lebron put up in his first finals series, around the same age (22 going on 23)? 22/7/7/1/1 on 36% shooting in a sweep? Yeah he was the singular offensive threat on that team...but the Spurs literally dared him to shoot. And he wasn't exactly Pippen on defense himself, either.

[Take Your Lumps]

Anyone get the feeling this dude is going to be problem for the NBA? Could legit see him leap-frogging KD for best player in the league once LeBron declines. I know the he has questions about his back, but I don't see how he isn't the #1 pick. I see a legit 2-way center in the near future.

:applause: Joel Embiid's offensive game is more polished than Dwight Howard's ever will be and he's only been playing for 3-4 years. Incredible.

[Meticode]

I think if Cleveland's medical staff can do a private in-depth evaluation he's #1 for sure. I would actually like to see Embiid and Drummond both improve and face off in the playoffs soon (that is if Detroit and Cleveland improve enough in next 1-2 years to make it happen). Davis vs. Embiid rivalry a few years down the road? That would be amazing honestly. I like watching Davis and I feel Embiid, if healthy, can make an impact quickly.
I'm not exactly sure, but not releasing the medical records was something regarding Milwaukee. He apparently doesn't want to go there. I think he plans on releasing the records to Cleveland and Cleveland will be doing their own physical anyway. I could be totally wrong on this, but this is what I've read posted around.

[MrC1991]

Embiid vs Anthony Davis has so much potential.

[Meticode]

Great talented big men scare me. Just one thing goes wrong with their knees or ankles and you automatically think of Sam Bowie, or Greg Oden.

[Milbuck]

Great talented big men scare me. Just one thing goes wrong with their knees or ankles and you automatically think of Sam Bowie, or Greg Oden.
:oldlol: You have no idea how badly I hope this is what the Cavs scouts/FO thinks.

[Meticode]

:oldlol: You have no idea how badly I hope this is what the Cavs scouts/FO thinks.
I want them to take Embiid. I felt they should've taken Noel last year, even with the bummed knee. Ideally what I want is a decent coach (not VDN) draft Embiid, go after Gordon Hayward if possible or try to lure Deng back.

[secund2nun]

Great talented big men scare me. Just one thing goes wrong with their knees or ankles and you automatically think of Sam Bowie, or Greg Oden.

Great talent wing players scare me. Just one thing goes wrong with their knees or ankles and you automatically think of Grant Hill, or Tracy McGrady.

[Meticode]

Great talent wing players scare me. Just one thing goes wrong with their knees or ankles and you automatically think of Grant Hill, or Tracy McGrady.
At least those players actually played half of their careers at an extremely high level and it's not like they didn't have a prime. McGrady started piling up the injuries right towards the end of his prime, Grant Hill just started to enter his prime, but still had some decent years in Orlando following.

[lilgodfather1]

I lije Embiid, but a back injury that young is not good. That isn't just a red flag, that's a red building.

Still if the Cavs think he checks out, then I am 100% on board with the pick he could be the next GOAT big. This generations Shaq, and when LeBron comes back, it's game over NBA for 5 or 6 years.

[SwishSquared]

I'm not exactly sure, but not releasing the medical records was something regarding Milwaukee. He apparently doesn't want to go there. I think he plans on releasing the records to Cleveland and Cleveland will be doing their own physical anyway. I could be totally wrong on this, but this is what I've read posted around.
Apparently Embiid did not want to play for the Bucks and assumed Milwaukee would get the #1 pick, like you said. His agent has taken him to a specialist and had him checked out (he's seemingly ok). He will provide those records to Cleveland. That's from a story I read in last 12 hours from ESPN, I think.

All this time I thought Exum would dictate where he wants to end up and Embiid is the one prospect actively dodging a team this early lol. I hope he's ok because I really want to watch this guy continue honing his craft.

[RedBlackAttack]

Embiid vs Anthony Davis has so much potential.
I've been thinking about both Embiid vs. Davis and Embiid vs. Drummond.

What makes Embiid such a special prospect, to me, is that he matches up with each of those guys for completely different reasons. He's very light on his feet and fluid in his movements (Davis) while also remaining physically big and strong enough for centers like Drummond (he's already up to 265 and not even close to fully filled out).

No one knows if he'll reach his ceiling, but he's an incredibly rare specimen.

Footwork:

http://rockchalkblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/embiid-gif.gif

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/20131219/4928858/embiid-hook-o.gif

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view3/20140121/4958448/embiid-post-o.gif

Athleticism:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nRvkRXnXi7E/UrXmDuULncI/AAAAAAAAAiM/KXpL-E9maaM/s1600/d1.gif

http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/dso820.gif


Natural instincts:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/br-cdn/temp_images/2013/12/21/embidblock1.gif

http://cdn.sneakhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/joel-embiid-gifs-11.gif


He's a basketball purist's wet dream.

[RedBlackAttack]

Apparently Embiid did not want to play for the Bucks and assumed Milwaukee would get the #1 pick, like you said. His agent has taken him to a specialist and had him checked out (he's seemingly ok). He will provide those records to Cleveland. That's from a story I read in last 12 hours from ESPN, I think.
He's also going to allow the Cavs' own doctors to examine him, per a story released yesterday. These medical records were being used by his agent as a barrier, as you said, in case someone got the No. 1 pick that he didn't want to play for.

Watching him practice yesterday, I'm almost to the point of saying f#ck the medical records. You can't do the things he was doing if you've got a serious back injury. I guess there could be something weird structurally, but it sure as hell didn't look like it.

[secund2nun]

At least those players actually played half of their careers at an extremely high level and it's not like they didn't have a prime. McGrady started piling up the injuries right towards the end of his prime, Grant Hill just started to enter his prime, but still had some decent years in Orlando following.

Brandon Roy, Derrick Rose, Penny Hardaway.

[Meticode]

Brandon Roy, Derrick Rose, Penny Hardaway.
Yao Ming, Al Horford, Tyson Chandler.

Horford is weird tho, Dude keeps tearing muscles in his arm.

[SwishSquared]

He's also going to allow the Cavs' own doctors to examine him, per a story released yesterday. These medical records were being used by his agent as a barrier, as you said, in case someone got the No. 1 pick that he didn't want to play for.

Watching him practice yesterday, I'm almost to the point of saying f#ck the medical records. You can't do the things he was doing if you've got a serious back injury. I guess there could be something weird structurally, but it sure as hell didn't look like it.
:cheers:
He looks just fine and the injury has hopefully fully healed and there's no lingering structural issues. Granted it wasn't the same as a true NBA game, but I agree, he just looks ready. I remember Drummond had a back issue, not as publicized IIRC, but I wasn't worried about him either. If he pans out even "just ok," this Cleveland team improves tremendously imo. Crazy thing is, with all the potential attention he draws in the post, Bennett might be wide open for Js all day long. He could actually help AB develop a ton (as long as they give him consistent minutes really). I think Embiid might have the type of impact that elevates his teammates' play.

[RedBlackAttack]

Yao Ming, Al Horford, Tyson Chandler.

Horford is weird tho, Dude keeps tearing muscles in his arm.
You don't pass on a talent like this because you're afraid of drafting bigs. I think part of Embiid's injury is related to the fact that he's still not done growing.

When he gets on the NBA level and with the Cleveland Clinic, they'll pinpoint exactly what where he needs to focus his training to ensure he's well protected. They'll probably bring him along slowly so his body can adjust.

Regardless, I might seriously lose my mind if we pass on him. I'm not even joking. Lock me in a padded room for a few years.

[RedBlackAttack]

:cheers:
He looks just fine and the injury has hopefully fully healed and there's no lingering structural issues. Granted it wasn't the same as a true NBA game, but I agree, he just looks ready. I remember Drummond had a back issue, not as publicized IIRC, but I wasn't worried about him either. If he pans out even "just ok," this Cleveland team improves tremendously imo. Crazy thing is, with all the potential attention he draws in the post, Bennett might be wide open for Js all day long. He could actually help AB develop a ton (as long as they give him consistent minutes really). I think Embiid might have the type of impact that elevates his teammates' play.
Just having a "new No. 1 pick" on the roster will help AB tremendously. He was overwhelmed with all of the attention last year. Could you imagine being a teenager and suddenly every time you miss a shot, it's a story on SportsCenter and the world is laughing at you?

That was AB's reality for his first handful of games in the NBA and it really took almost the whole season for him to regain his confidence (started to look nice toward the end of the season before he got hurt).

Yeah, Embiid will help him in a lot of ways.... that weight will be off of his shoulders and they fit together almost too perfectly.

[chocolatethunder]

Yao Ming, Al Horford, Tyson Chandler.

Horford is weird tho, Dude keeps tearing muscles in his arm.
Horford tore his pec on each side (not his arm) which is a classic steroid injury.

[RedBlackAttack]

Horford tore his pec on each side (not his arm) which is a classic steroid injury.
It's a classic steroid injury because juiced up guys in the weight room put too much on the bar. He did it by extending his arm for a basketball. It was a freak injury. I was actually watching the game live when it happened (against the Cavs).

I seriously doubt steroids are at play. :oldlol:

[ralph_i_el]

Just having a "new No. 1 pick" on the roster will help AB tremendously. He was overwhelmed with all of the attention last year. Could you imagine being a teenager and suddenly every time you miss a shot, it's a story on SportsCenter and the world is laughing at you?

That was AB's reality for his first handful of games in the NBA and it really took almost the whole season for him to regain his confidence (started to look nice toward the end of the season before he got hurt).

Yeah, Embiid will help him in a lot of ways.... that weight will be off of his shoulders and they fit together almost too perfectly.


Embiid and AB do seem to fit together well if AB starts producing. New Larry Johnson-Zo???

[moe94]

If we get robbed of another potential HoF C, I'll probably legit shed a tear.

[chocolatethunder]

It's a classic steroid injury because juiced up guys in the weight room put too much on the bar. He did it by extending his arm for a basketball. It was a freak injury. I was actually watching the game live when it happened (against the Cavs).

I seriously doubt steroids are at play. :oldlol:
Actually it's a classic steroid injury because it weakens the tendon and I don't doubt for a second that it's a result of steroid use. It's really unlikely that he had a freak injury occur to each side of his chest that cause a pec tear without pec tendon already being compromised from steroid use. Wake up. They're all juiced.

[secund2nun]

Yao Ming, Al Horford, Tyson Chandler.

Horford is weird tho, Dude keeps tearing muscles in his arm.

Never denied that big men get injured...but wing players also get injured.

[RedBlackAttack]

Actually it's a classic steroid injury because it weakens the tendon and I don't doubt for a second that it's a result of steroid use. It's really unlikely that he had a freak injury occur to each side of his chest that cause a pec tear without pec tendon already being compromised from steroid use. Wake up. They're all juiced.
Why doesn't it happen more often, then? This is a very common injury in the world of bodybuilding and it almost always happens in the weight room. It's incredibly rare in basketball.

[RedBlackAttack]

Embiid and AB do seem to fit together well if AB starts producing. New Larry Johnson-Zo???
Let's hope... only better.

I love me some Zo, but Embiid... :eek:

[RedBlackAttack]

Never denied that big men get injured...but wing players also get injured.
It really bugs me that Greg Oden is brought up every time a big guy is about to be drafted, but no one ever mentioned Brandon Roy when it's a guard/forward.

Basketball can be a dangerous game and every guy on the court is in constant danger of suffering an injury. It isn't limited to big men and you don't pass on a talent like this for that reason.

[brantonli]

Brandon Roy, Derrick Rose, Penny Hardaway.

An MVP, and two players who were arguably top 5 in their position at their peak. Compared to complete and utter busts like Oden, Kandiman, Bowie, Thabeet, I'd take the few seasons of incredible production over a bust straight away. Also for injuries, they just keep piling up. At first, I always thought Yao's injuries were freak accidents (by and large they were, he'd step on a foot, fall awkwardly, land on somebody else's foot etc), but then you realise that once they had that one, BIG major injury, then overall they become more fragile and just get more and more injured (of course, a nice counterpoint of Blake Griffin who missed his whole rookie season).

Also, I'm extremely hesitant on judging big men from college highlights. I saw the GIFs on the previous page, but seriously, that footwork looks good not because of Embiid's actual footwork, but because the defender is just crap. They need to put these guys through a proper workout with NBA level defenders to see how they cope.

[Cocaine80s]

Watch Cleveland pick Wiggins and ****ing milwaukee f*cks steal embiid :banghead:

[moe94]

Also, I'm extremely hesitant on judging big men from college highlights. I saw the GIFs on the previous page, but seriously, that footwork looks good not because of Embiid's actual footwork, but because the defender is just crap. They need to put these guys through a proper workout with NBA level defenders to see how they cope.

Uhhh what? I'm looking purely at him and he looks great. Hell are you talking about?

[RedBlackAttack]

An MVP, and two players who were arguably top 5 in their position at their peak. Compared to complete and utter busts like Oden, Kandiman, Bowie, Thabeet, I'd take the few seasons of incredible production over a bust straight away. Also for injuries, they just keep piling up. At first, I always thought Yao's injuries were freak accidents (by and large they were, he'd step on a foot, fall awkwardly, land on somebody else's foot etc), but then you realise that once they had that one, BIG major injury, then overall they become more fragile and just get more and more injured (of course, a nice counterpoint of Blake Griffin who missed his whole rookie season).

Also, I'm extremely hesitant on judging big men from college highlights. I saw the GIFs on the previous page, but seriously, that footwork looks good not because of Embiid's actual footwork, but because the defender is just crap. They need to put these guys through a proper workout with NBA level defenders to see how they cope.
His footwork is amazing, especially when you consider he's been playing basketball for exactly four years. They've been trying to teach Dwight Howard to pivot like that for a decade.

[secund2nun]

It really bugs me that Greg Oden is brought up every time a big guy is about to be drafted, but no one ever mentioned Brandon Roy when it's a guard/forward.

Basketball can be a dangerous game and every guy on the court is in constant danger of suffering an injury. It isn't limited to big men and you don't pass on a talent like this for that reason.

I find that big men are just underrated and disrespected by a large amount of fans...probably because they are not as sexy and not as hyped. Any joe schmo wing player is quickly heralded as star like Brandon Jennings as a rookie, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Rose, Harrison Barnes, Paul George etc but young big men, even prodigious talents like Anthony Davis have to do so much more to get the same amount of recognition. Andrew Wiggins is an example of this. He has done nothing to earn the hype he has. Even in HS he disappeared and had a lack of production, let alone college.

There is a big double standard on the criteria for recognition, analysis, and criticism between big men and wing players.

[chocolatethunder]

Why doesn't it happen more often, then? This is a very common injury in the world of bodybuilding and it almost always happens in the weight room. It's incredibly rare in basketball.
Yes, half of pec tears happen in bodybuilding. They are also common in football (from blocking) wrestling and rugby. It's not common in the NBA because those type of movements/collisions don't normally happen during a basketball game. It's very suspicious that a player would have that injury happen to each side of his chest. In addition, PEDs in the Dominican Republic are widely used and not stigmatized the way they are here. Friends of mine who played in MLB told me that Dominican infielders used to juice and wouldn't even lift. They would think of it as almost a vitamin. Of course Horford went to high school here but nonetheless in the DR where he spent his youth, they are viewed differently. Does that mean he uses steriods or HGH? No, but it makes me suspicious for sure. I know plenty of athletes who have played in the NFL, MLB, NBA and overseas and they all say the same thing. That although no one suspects it because people associate PEDs with big football players or jacked power hitters, that PED use in the NBA is rampant. Remember they still are not testing for HGH and the NBAs steroid testing is an actual joke. There's all the incentive to use and very little not to.

[Draz]

It's a hard selection to make. We don't know how anyone of them is going to pan out. It's always a gamble.

[poido123]

There's a really small chance Embiid could slip to 6 pick.

Cavs might avoid him and pick a safer pick from their previous mistakes.

Bucks already have a decent centre.

Philly has Noel

Orlando has Vucevic

Utah has Favors/Kanter

which leaves Boston...

[RedBlackAttack]

Yes, half of pec tears happen in bodybuilding. They are also common in football (from blocking) wrestling and rugby. It's not common in the NBA because those type of movements/collisions don't normally happen during a basketball game. It's very suspicious that a player would have that injury happen to each side of his chest. In addition, PEDs in the Dominican Republic are widely used and not stigmatized the way they are here. Friends of mine who played in MLB told me that Dominican infielders used to juice and wouldn't even lift. They would think of it as almost a vitamin. Of course Horford went to high school here but nonetheless in the DR where he spent his youth, they are viewed differently. Does that mean he uses steriods or HGH? No, but it makes me suspicious for sure. I know plenty of athletes who have played in the NFL, MLB, NBA and overseas and they all say the same thing. That although no one suspects it because people associate PEDs with big football players or jacked power hitters, that PED use in the NBA is rampant. Remember they still are not testing for HGH and the NBAs steroid testing is an actual joke. There's all the incentive to use and very little not to.
You seem pretty schooled on the topic, so I'm not going to assert too much of an opposition. Would it surprise me if Horford was juicing? Not completely. Do I think PEDs are used by a lot of NBA players? Probably.

I don't know... I've never been outraged by PED use personally. Where it becomes a problem in sports is when one guy is using them and tilting the competitive balance. If everyone is accessing the same performance enhancers, it's not something I'm going to rail against.

This issue is going to become more and more complicated as we continue advancing in medicine. Very targeted and precise gene therapy is not as far off as people think. That opens a whole host of questions about competition, the rights of a person to make their own choices, etc.

[RedBlackAttack]

There's a really small chance Embiid could slip to 6 pick.

Cavs might avoid him and pick a safer pick from their previous mistakes.

Bucks already have a decent centre.

Philly has Noel

Orlando has Vucevic

Utah has Favors/Kanter

which leaves Boston...
In trying to "avoid a mistake," that would be the biggest mistake of all. I don't see any possibility he falls that far. Milwaukee is taking him 2nd if the Cavs are too afraid to pull the trigger.

I don't see this becoming a Drummond situation.

[chocolatethunder]

You seem pretty schooled on the topic, some I'm not going to assert too much of an opposition. Would it surprise me if Horford was juicing? Not completely. Do I think PEDs are used by a lot of NBA players? Probably.

I don't know... I've never been outraged by PED use personally. Where it becomes a problem in sports is when one guy is using them and tilting the competitive balance. If everyone is accessing the same performance enhancers, it's not something I'm going to rail against.

This issue is going to become more and more complicated as we continue advancing in medicine. Very targeted and precise gene therapy is not as far off as people think. That opens a whole host of questions about competition, the rights of a person to make their own choices, etc.
I don care about it either. I just hated Armstrong destroying peoples lives over his lies and guys like Clemens being holier than thou when was a steroid abuser. I don't blame any of them. If one of the only things standing between me and $50 million was a cycle or two of roids, you bet your ass I'd be doing them. I was just pointing that out because that kind of tear is common with steroid use.

This is kind of a funny story. A friend of mine was a catcher. He started using steroids when he was in college and continued throughout his pro career. When he was in college, he tore his hamstring off the bone which is a common steroid injury. My friend did not look very muscular but he could squat 500lbs. In an exercise science class, his professor was talking about injuries and then referred to my friends injury and said "that almost always only happens to people who use steroids but obviously he doesn't." When in fact that was how the injury occurred haha.

[MavsPoke]

Embiid is a beast. He was by far KU's best player last year. No one in college could handle him.

Wiggins could be great or he could be just OK. But Embiid is without a doubt going to be a beast in the NBA.

All you have to do is watch him for a 5 mins and its obvious. If I were a GM I would trade my first born to get him on my team.

[bigt]

There's a really small chance Embiid could slip to 6 pick.

Cavs might avoid him and pick a safer pick from their previous mistakes.

Bucks already have a decent centre.

Philly has Noel

Orlando has Vucevic

Utah has Favors/Kanter

which leaves Boston...

As much as I'd dearly love for this to happen (because there's no way Boston doesn't jump at getting somebody of Embiid's potential at 6) I don't see him dropping that far. I could understand him dropping to 3, given there are legitimate concerns regarding his back in a draft with good talent, I think those teams with prior centers are going to recognise his talent.

Heck they can ease him if they're that concerned because of their prior talent, but Embiid will if healthy be far better than any of those guys (and I wouldn't write off possibly playing both Noel and Embiid given Joel has a decent midranger and Noel's apparently been working on it too)

[chocolatethunder]

Embiid is a beast. He was by far KU's best player last year. No one in college could handle him.

Wiggins could be great or he could be just OK. But Embiid is without a doubt going to be a beast in the NBA.

All you have to do is watch him for a 5 mins and its obvious. If I were a GM I would trade my first born to get him on my team.
This is true. I'm nervous and don't really want the Sixers to get him because of his back and Philly is cursed. However, if he's healthy, he is the only choice you can make at #1. Neither Wiggins not Parker have the upside of him. He's 7fg and is skilled and gets better by the month. It's a no brainer. The only thing that will keep him from being the next truly great big man is an injury. Dude is a monster.

[plowking]

I'm not sold on the guy like everyone else is on here.

People are talking about him as if he is going to be the next big thing in terms of centers... I'm not so sure.
Doesn't have enough power in his game for my liking. People rag on Howard on here, and say he isn't among the great centers, and I honestly don't think Embiid will fare any better in the league than Howard. He might have a 20/10 season, and reach a similar level, but I just don't see him as that next big thing, like a Ewing, Hakeem, Robinson or Shaq level center.

I could be wrong, in fact, I hope I am. I hope he comes in the league and starts dropping 20/10 from the get go. I'm just cautious, and not going to buy into all the hype like most have on here.

I think Wiggins on the other hand will be sure fire from the get go, unlike Embiid who will take time to settle in.

[moe94]

I think Wiggins on the other hand will be sure fire from the get go, unlike Embiid who will take time to settle in.

What does sure fire mean? Do you see RotY? All-star by second season?

[Nash]

Joel Embiid - Nerlens Noel

pls god let him end up in Philly and not Milwaukee

[DukeDelonte13]

this guy must go number 1. he's worth rolling the dice on.

[chocolatethunder]

I'm not sold on the guy like everyone else is on here.

People are talking about him as if he is going to be the next big thing in terms of centers... I'm not so sure.
Doesn't have enough power in his game for my liking. People rag on Howard on here, and say he isn't among the great centers, and I honestly don't think Embiid will fare any better in the league than Howard. He might have a 20/10 season, and reach a similar level, but I just don't see him as that next big thing, like a Ewing, Hakeem, Robinson or Shaq level center.

I could be wrong, in fact, I hope I am. I hope he comes in the league and starts dropping 20/10 from the get go. I'm just cautious, and not going to buy into all the hype like most have on here.

I think Wiggins on the other hand will be sure fire from the get go, unlike Embiid who will take time to settle in.

I want Wiggins on the Sixers but I have to say that he has very little skill. He can shoot a little but and defend but he has gaping holes in his game. He can't dribble at all which is a problem. When he is able to get by someone he's awful at finishing at the rim in spite of his athleticism. He's passive at times and kinda checks out of games. His upside is great but he's gonna take a few years.

Embiid, while raw, improves rapidly and measurably. He has skills. He has post moves and can shoot some and is a good defender as well. Is he a physical brute like howard? No way but he's more skilled already. He's a less explosive Hakeem but he's still very athletic. If he doesn't do well it will be because of injuries.

Pretty much the only guy in this draft class who can go to a team and start scoring like crazy is Parker. I have not interest in him whatsoever. He's a good rebounder and pathetic defender who is already a black hole on offense. I don't care if people say he can pass, the fact is he doesn't. He can def add scoring to a team immediately and he'll prob average 16-20pts next year. Neither Embiid not Wiggins will come close to that. I could also be terribly wrong and I hope all of them play well next year but that prob won't happen.

[plowking]

I want Wiggins on the Sixers but I have to say that he has very little skill. He can shoot a little but and defend but he has gaping holes in his game. He can't dribble at all which is a problem. When he is able to get by someone he's awful at finishing at the rim in spite of his athleticism. He's passive at times and kinda checks out of games. His upside is great but he's gonna take a few years.

Embiid, while raw, improves rapidly and measurably. He has skills. He has post moves and can shoot some and is a good defender as well. Is he a physical brute like howard? No way but he's more skilled already. He's a less explosive Hakeem but he's still very athletic. If he doesn't do well it will be because of injuries.

Pretty much the only guy in this draft class who can go to a team and start scoring like crazy is Parker. I have not interest in him whatsoever. He's a good rebounder and pathetic defender who is already a black hole on offense. I don't care if people say he can pass, the fact is he doesn't. He can def add scoring to a team immediately and he'll prob average 16-20pts next year. Neither Embiid not Wiggins will come close to that. I could also be terribly wrong and I hope all of them play well next year but that prob won't happen.

You don't think Wiggins will put up 16ppg in his rookie season?

He has a perfect game for the pros. People really seem to be blinded by college statistics. Wiggins had smaller guys guarding him all season long due to his insane first step and ability to get to the ring. Not to mention teams were loading up on his side of the court.
He isn't going to be getting that type of attention in his first year in the NBA. He has an insanely quick first step, more space to work with in the pros, will be guarded by bigger and slower guys than he is, and will most definitely improve prior to the season starting.

He will be a good player as soon as he steps onto an NBA court. So much more room for him to work with.

[Jameerthefear]

There's a really small chance Embiid could slip to 6 pick.

Cavs might avoid him and pick a safer pick from their previous mistakes.

Bucks already have a decent centre.

Philly has Noel

Orlando has Vucevic

Utah has Favors/Kanter

which leaves Boston...
There is no way in hell he goes past 3rd, and if there is then Orlando is sure as hell gonna take him at 4.

[Meticode]

Joel Embiid - Nerlens Noel

pls god let him end up in Philly and not Milwaukee
They both play the same position. I think they'll pick Wiggins or Parker, whoever is leftover.

[chocolatethunder]

You don't think Wiggins will put up 16ppg in his rookie season?

He has a perfect game for the pros. People really seem to be blinded by college statistics. Wiggins had smaller guys guarding him all season long due to his insane first step and ability to get to the ring. Not to mention teams were loading up on his side of the court.
He isn't going to be getting that type of attention in his first year in the NBA. He has an insanely quick first step, more space to work with in the pros, will be guarded by bigger and slower guys than he is, and will most definitely improve prior to the season starting.

He will be a good player as soon as he steps onto an NBA court. So much more room for him to work with.
Offensively, apart from being fast as hell and jumping high, what are his skills? He has the beginnings of a jumper. I'm not blinded by statistics, I watched him play and I'm talking about how he played and how he will play. He can't dribble. That's a huge problem and unless he's leaking on every missed shot, that will be something that's difficult to cover up. I think that he will be good but I'm not sure it'll happen this year. I hope I'm wrong, I'm just trying to be honest and not buy into the hype.

Edit: I want to add that although he can't dribble well, when he does beat his man, he had a hard time finishing at the rim. This is in college. When he runs into dudes who are 6'10" how much harder is it gonna be for him? Those are my concerns which are legitimate. These are things he can overcome and maybe even next year but they could also slow him down.

[brantonli]

They both play the same position. I think they'll pick Wiggins or Parker, whoever is leftover.

The Sixers will be smart about this. If Wiggins and Parker are taken 1 and 2, I'm sure they'll have a back up trade in place for a team that desperately wants Embiid and they can trade down a few spots.

[Nastradamus]

It really bugs me that Greg Oden is brought up every time a big guy is about to be drafted, but no one ever mentioned Brandon Roy when it's a guard/forward.

Basketball can be a dangerous game and every guy on the court is in constant danger of suffering an injury. It isn't limited to big men and you don't pass on a talent like this for that reason.

When you are 7 feet tall, it puts a lot of stress on your back and lower legs, so there is a greater concern when there is a pre-existing injury.

[chocolatethunder]

The Sixers will be smart about this. If Wiggins and Parker are taken 1 and 2, I'm sure they'll have a back up trade in place for a team that desperately wants Embiid and they can trade down a few spots.
Hinkie knows what he's doing. I think that he prob gonna trade up for wiggins because apparently that's who he wants. I want him too, I just don't expect him to be awesome next year.

[hawksdogsbraves]

Hinkie knows what he's doing. I think that he prob gonna trade up for wiggins because apparently that's who he wants. I want him too, I just don't expect him to be awesome next year.

Well the 6ers plan is to be awful again next year anyway and get another top pick, so that would work out perfectly

[BoutPractice]

The biggest misconception about Joel Embiid is that he's "raw" in the same way a Hasheem Thabeet was raw.

His feel for the game is elite for a center. Some of the stuff he does you just can't teach. If you're a student of the post, the first thing you notice is how fluid his moves are.

He's the opposite of a mechanical player (such as Olowokandi, or in fact Oden, who was never that skilled offensively... again comparing him to past busts so we can see what the difference is). Most of what he does is in reaction to the defense, with a certain sense of timing and a knack for finishing the play. That's absolutely HUGE because it's very rare for young centers: most have already made up their mind before they make their move. It's the difference between a Dwight and a DeMarcus Cousins. And these reactions are very quick and subtle, it's not just the (excellent) footwork as shown in his now famous on-the-fly, picture perfect dream shake: he'll contort his body a certain way, etc. He seems to have a sixth sense for where his defender is and even where he's headed, even if he's neither touching him nor in his field of vision.

He's got all the countermoves, but his future primary moves (fadeaway, hook) also look good and potentially reliable down the line. He's got a midrange jumper and more anecdotally but just a way to show his many skills, range out to the college 3 point lines. He even makes his free throws.

But the most impressive skill he possesses for such a young player is undoubtedly his passing. He's already a better passer than Hakeem was for almost all of his career, much closer to a Duncan in this area. I've seen him throw perfect passes out of the double team just like that, not thinking about it until I remembered that 99% of NBA centers currently aren't able to throw those passes at all. Perfect cross-court pass off the double team in a split second, one was so quick it almost seemed like a touch pass. He'll also make bizarre turnovers passing the ball at times, but they're a sign of his vision and potential: he sees things a Dwight Howard would never even be aware of.

Young centers rarely come into the NBA with such a complete package.

[RedBlackAttack]

The biggest misconception about Joel Embiid is that he's "raw" in the same way a Hasheem Thabeet was raw.

His feel for the game is elite for a center. Some of the stuff he does you just can't teach. If you're a student of the post, the first thing you notice is how fluid his moves are.

He's the opposite of a mechanical player (such as Olowokandi, or in fact Oden, who was never that skilled offensively... again comparing him to past busts so we can see what the difference is). Most of what he does is in reaction to the defense, with a certain sense of timing and a knack for finishing the play. That's absolutely HUGE because it's very rare for young centers: most have already made up their mind before they make their move. It's the difference between a Dwight and a DeMarcus Cousins. And these reactions are very quick and subtle, it's not just the (excellent) footwork as shown in his now famous on-the-fly, picture perfect dream shake: he'll contort his body a certain way, etc. He seems to have a sixth sense for where his defender is and even where he's headed, even if he's neither touching him nor in his field of vision.

He's got all the countermoves, but his future primary moves (fadeaway, hook) also look good and potentially reliable down the line. He's got a midrange jumper and more anecdotally but just a way to show his many skills, range out to the college 3 point lines. He even makes his free throws.

But the most impressive skill he possesses for such a young player is undoubtedly his passing. He's already a better passer than Hakeem was for almost all of his career, much closer to a Duncan in this area. I've seen him throw perfect passes out of the double team just like that, not thinking about it until I remembered that 99% of NBA centers currently aren't able to throw those passes at all. Perfect cross-court pass off the double team in a split second, one was so quick it almost seemed like a touch pass. He'll also make bizarre turnovers passing the ball at times, but they're a sign of his vision and potential: he sees things a Dwight Howard would never even be aware of.

Young centers rarely come into the NBA with such a complete package.
...and, when you take these things and factor in that he's been playing basketball for exactly four years, it's almost scary to think about how good he could become.

I agree with you. From what I've seen so far, his passing is the most impressive thing not being talked about. And, it's vitally important in today's league (look at the Spurs).

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/20140116/4954498/embiid-pass-o.gif

http://sportsgif.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Joel-Ibiid-GIF.gif

http://nbccollegebasketballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/embiid-double-team1.gif


Like I said earlier in the thread, there isn't a phase of the game where this kid isn't oozing with elite potential. It's so incredibly exciting to see a center prospect come around with this kind of ceiling.

[Trollsmasher]

Joel Embiid's measurements at the workout on Fri: 7' 1" in shoes, 7' 5.75" wingspan, 9' 5.5" standing reach.

Guy is long as **** too. He has every single tool.

[Dengness9]

Guy is long as **** too. He has every single tool.


Impressive measurements....anxious to see how he works out in the pros.

[Uncle Drew]

There's no way even the Cavs can fcuk this one up.

[raprap]

Watch the cavs pick parker :lol

[Meticode]

Guy is long as **** too. He has every single tool.
He's grown since the 2013 Hoop Summit then. A full inch and 0.75 in the wingspan.

[russwest0]

those measurables are ridiculous.... his standing reach is like 9'6...

now if he could clear up the concerns on his back he'd be by far the best choice for the #1 pick

[Meticode]

those measurables are ridiculous.... his standing reach is like 9'6...

now if he could clear up the concerns on his back he'd be by far the best choice for the #1 pick
He's letting the Cavs evaluate him.

[DukeDelonte13]

...and, when you take these things and factor in that he's been playing basketball for exactly four years, it's almost scary to think about how good he could become.

I agree with you. From what I've seen so far, his passing is the most impressive thing not being talked about. And, it's vitally important in today's league (look at the Spurs).

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/20140116/4954498/embiid-pass-o.gif

http://sportsgif.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Joel-Ibiid-GIF.gif

http://nbccollegebasketballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/embiid-double-team1.gif


Like I said earlier in the thread, there isn't a phase of the game where this kid isn't oozing with elite potential. It's so incredibly exciting to see a center prospect come around with this kind of ceiling.


on top of the measurements and the fluidity and the passing...

he has great intangibles. All reports say he is a good guy, hard worker, and takes a very cerebral approach to his development.

[russwest0]

Watch the cavs pick parker :lol

parker wouldn't be a bad pick at all....

embiid still has his BIG injury concerns and is a work in progress

[abuC]

those measurables are ridiculous.... his standing reach is like 9'6...

now if he could clear up the concerns on his back he'd be by far the best choice for the #1 pick

Did you see the measurements for Wiggins and Parker? Parker is 6'9" in shoes with a 6'11" wingspan, and Wiggins is 6'8.75" in shoes with a 7'0" wingspan

[Meticode]

Did you see the measurements for Wiggins and Parker? Parker is 6'9" in shoes with a 6'11" wingspan, and Wiggins is 6'8.75" in shoes with a 7'0" wingspan
Those are okay. When Kawhi Leonard was measured he was 6'6" without shoes with a 7'3" wingspan. LOL

[BoutPractice]

If confirmed, Embiid's measurements put him closer to the "freak" category of Wilt, Shaq, and Kareem (falls just a bit short but comes close enough in all 3 cases) than Duncan, Hakeem, Dwight, Moses... he's both taller and longer than Greg Oden and Anthony Davis.

More specifically, he's about as tall as Vlade Divac/Dikembe Mutombo, with wingspan and standing reach similar to DeAndre Jordan and JaVale McGee.

So in addition to being the most talented young center in the world, he'd be one of the biggest physical specimens in the league right now.

Weight wise some put him at 240, others at 250. That's a bit thin if he wants to play a power game (which I believe he can) but not alarmingly so, and he can definitely put on some muscle. Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel were at 222 and 216 respectively.

In short, there is not even one red flag here.

[JohnMax]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bogg8vhCcAAFqJI.jpg

[JohnMax]

Weight wise some put him at 240, others at 250. That's a bit thin if he wants to play a power game (which I believe he can) but not alarmingly so, and he can definitely put on some muscle. Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel were at 222 and 216 respectively.

Embiid added 15 pounds and is now 265. I don't know if the 15 pounds thing is accurate or not but scouts there said he definitely looked bigger than he did in a KU uniform.

[Cocaine80s]

He looks a lot bigger than Davis is already.


He looks as big as Dwight Howard when he was coming into the league

[BoutPractice]

In the Kansas games he had a thin body shape, but he did look a bit bigger in that recent workout video.

265 pounds you say? That's Hasheem Thabeet's rookie weight. Actually, his measurements are almost exactly the same across the board... And Thabeet was pretty much selected based on those measurements + the ability to block shots alone. Another close comparison body wise taking the full picture into account is Brendan Haywood... which is tremendous. If Brendan Haywood had any vague idea how to catch a basketball, he would've been a force in the league. Put actual skills on that body and it's over.

[nycelt84]

Embiid added 15 pounds and is now 265. I don't know if the 15 pounds thing is accurate or not but scouts there said he definitely looked bigger than he did in a KU uniform.

Adding 15 pounds of muscle in such a short period and people think these guys aren't on steroids?The NBA needs to start doing serious testing.

[j3lademaster]

Adding 15 pounds of muscle in such a short period and people think these guys aren't on steroids?The NBA needs to start doing serious testing.15 lbs of muscle isnt that much if you take into consideration:
1. The density of muscle
2. The height and length of the player.
3. A 19 year old still filling out his frame

It's not anything that cant be achieved without a little hardwork. Honestly most of the listed weights are more exaggerated than listed heights.

[maybeshewill13]

If he's healthy, he's no doubt the guy you take at number one no matter your needs. I don't believe in Wiggins, I think he'll be a bust.

[sd3035]

Embiid is the next greg oden

[nycelt84]

15 lbs of muscle isnt that much if you take into consideration:
1. The density of muscle
2. The height and length of the player.
3. A 19 year old still filling out his frame

It's not anything that cant be achieved without a little hardwork. Honestly most of the listed weights are more exaggerated than listed heights.

19 year olds don't fill out that rapidly especially in adding muscle while simultaneously coming off a back injury. Any other sport especially baseball people would know what's up with such a report.

[DukeDelonte13]

Embiid is the next greg oden




Different injuries, and Embiid has better physical tools and intangibles then Oden.


It's totally possible that the back gives him issues for the rest of this career, but IMO his ceiling is so high he's worth rolling the dice on.

Everything i'm reading says that his back isn't really so much of a big deal. Drummond had the same injury his rookie season.

[maybeshewill13]

Different injuries, and Embiid has better physical tools and intangibles then Oden.


It's totally possible that the back gives him issues for the rest of this career, but IMO his ceiling is so high he's worth rolling the dice on.

Everything i'm reading says that his back isn't really so much of a big deal. Drummond had the same injury his rookie season.
Agreed. Ceiling is so high it's worth the risk.

[j3lademaster]

19 year olds don't fill out that rapidly especially in adding muscle while simultaneously coming off a back injury. Any other sport especially baseball people would know what's up with such a report.baseball players aren't 7' with 7'5 wingspans. Someone 6'2 will have huge changes just appearance-wise adding 15 lbs, whereas it's not nearly as noticable on someone embiid's size. And it's a fact teenagers naturally fill out their bodies as they come into adulthood and weigh more.