Sources: Cavs target Joel Embiid

[LeBron 06]

Former Kansas C Joel Embiid is atop Cavs' draft board, but team still seeks information about his back injury.




The Cleveland Cavaliers have 7-footer Joel Embiid at the top of their draft board, but it's still early in the process and the team needs to obtain medical information on the Cameroon native's back injury, sources told ESPN.com on Wednesday.


Sources also told ESPN.com that while Embiid is first on the organization's wish list, that doesn't mean that Cavs general manager David Griffin -- who had the interim tag lifted earlier this month -- isn't also considering Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker with the first pick.

Cleveland, which went into the draft lottery with a 2.4 percent chance of landing one of the top three picks, was far more focused in the process on players who were likely to go in the middle or back end of the lottery than having to decide between Embiid, Wiggins and Parker.

The Cavs most pressing needs are that of a skilled small forward who can shoot the ball with the likely departure of free agent Luol Deng. However, Cleveland -- which has Tristan Thompson and Anderson Varejao up front, could also sorely use a skilled big man who is able to score in the post and also step out and make shots from the perimeter.

The Cavaliers, who have yet to name a coach to replace Mike Brown, also can offer a five-year max extension in July to All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, the team's best player. If he does decline the offer, the Cavs could put him on the trade market.

Embiid, who played at Kansas, is also an effective two-way player who can rebound and block and alter shots.

Sources told ESPN.com that Embiid is the early frontrunner for the top pick as long as his back is OK when the team's medical personnel is able to get an in-depth look at him in the coming weeks.

http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2014/story/_/id/10963370/2014-nba-draft-cleveland-cavaliers-joel-embiid-top-draft-board-no-1-pick-per-sources?ex_cid=SportsCenter

[Marlo_Stanfield]

lol if lebron would go back, which i dont hope would rather see miami reload a good roster with a true Center, they would have this line up
Embiid
Varejao/Thompson/Bennet
LeBron
Waiters
Irving
:biggums: :biggums: :biggums: :bowdown:

[uber]

lol if lebron would go back, which i dont hope would rather see miami reload a good roster with a true Center, they would have this line up
Embiid
Varejao/Thompson/Bennet
LeBron
Waiters
Irving
:biggums: :biggums: :biggums: :bowdown:

and you would become the biggest Cleveland homer because deep down you've always been a Cavs fan?

[navy]

lol if lebron would go back, which i dont hope would rather see miami reload a good roster with a true Center, they would have this line up
Embiid
Varejao/Thompson/Bennet
LeBron
Waiters
Irving
:biggums: :biggums: :biggums: :bowdown:
Lebron is 30. Who has time to wait for them to develop?

[plowking]

If Embiid goes first, Wiggins is going 3rd, since I'm pretty sure Bucks have been saying they want Parker.

[Haymaker]

They should take Parker or Wiggins. Embiid is good, but they need a go-to guy. Irving is too inconsistent to carry the team's offense.

[Akrazotile]

This could just mean theyre open to trading the pic and this is being leaked so teams interested in Embiid will call the Cavs with their best offer. I cant see them trading down lower than 3 but they might be trying to get milwaukee and philas best trade offers if they think either team wants embiid

[Akrazotile]

They should take Parker or Wiggins. Embiid is good, but they need a go-to guy. Irving is too inconsistent to carry the team's offense.

Honestly if they take one of those two they should trade Irving. Hes too ball dominant and it would make them redundant. Throw in Waiters and youll just have a bigger mess next year than you did this year.

[PleezeBelieve]

That's the thing about all these people saying the Cavs should take Wiggins... Kyrie doesn't pass and Wiggins can't consistently create his own shot and he's not dead-eye shooter.

Kyrie + Wiggins is not a good combo.... Kyrie needs a good, passing low-post Center who forces him to give the ball up in pivotal game situations. It would allow the offense to flow for Kyrie and the rest of the team off ball. Drafting Wiggins won't do sh*t to stop Kyrie pounding the rock for 20 seconds of the shot clock.

[DukeDelonte13]

That's the thing about all these people saying the Cavs should take Wiggins... Kyrie doesn't pass and Wiggins can't consistently create his own shot and he's not dead-eye shooter.

Kyrie + Wiggins is not a good combo.... Kyrie needs a good, passing low-post Center who forces him to give the ball up in pivotal game situations. It would allow the offense to flow for Kyrie and the rest of the team off ball. Drafting Wiggins won't do sh*t to stop Kyrie pounding the rock for 20 seconds of the shot clock.

Kyrie is a SG that masquerades as a PG. He can eventually learn to be a floor general, but he just isn't at this point.

Wiggins and Parker won't be able to reach their full potential on the roster, not with Dion and Kyrie on the squad. I think Embiid fits them best. He doesn't need the ball in his hands to impact the game in a major way.

[SilkkTheShocker]

Which players does Cleveland trade this offseason? Thompson and Varejao probably goners. Any chance of working things out with KI and Waiters?

[alenleomessi]

irving would make lebron a loser.. the dude is incapable of winning.. its in his blood.. same as kevin love

[DukeDelonte13]

Which players does Cleveland trade this offseason? Thompson and Varejao probably goners. Any chance of working things out with KI and Waiters?


they wouldn't trade both thompson AND varejao. KI and Waiters are fine and the new GM was heavily involved in both the thompson and waiters picks. I especially doubt waiters gets moved.

[Jailblazers7]

Embiid is a really good passer and is a guy who can have the offense run through him on the block. If you want to build a contending team, then you draft him and teach Kyrie to stop being a tw*t. I'd be nervous about his back but you have to trust your team doctors.

[PleezeBelieve]

Embiid is a really good passer and is a guy who can have the offense run through him on the block. If you want to build a contending team, then you draft him and teach Kyrie to stop being a tw*t. I'd be nervous about his back but you have to trust your team doctors.
Its a no brainer if the guy is healthy.

[BoutPractice]

This is a tricky situation for the Cavs, actually...

Everyone senses that there are future HOFers in this draft, but there may also be future busts among the biggest prospects. Those who get their pick "wrong" will get ridiculed for all of history, even though in reality it's a difficult call to make right now.

Embiid is the perfect example of this problem. Maybe you pick him and he's Greg Oden all over again. Or you pick him, he's just Marc Gasol and Wiggins turns out to be the next great superstar. Or you don't pick him, and he becomes the new Tim Duncan. It's a big responsibility...

[PleezeBelieve]

Where are you people getting this Wiggins being a superstar talk??

You dudes keep saying this and its infuriating. The guy doesn't have a superstar game. Guy is a longer Demar Derozan with better defense.

[I<3NBA]

Where are you people getting this Wiggins being a superstar talk??

You dudes keep saying this and its infuriating. The guy doesn't have a superstar game. Guy is a longer Demar Derozan with better defense.
now that you've said this, i believe Wiggins will be good provided he can stay healthy.

[PleezeBelieve]

My man Embiid averaged 11.2 PPG on 6 shots per game in 23 MPG :eek:

[PleezeBelieve]

Embiid averaged 5.1 FTA a game in 23 MPG :eek: :eek: :eek:

Wiggins averaged 6.5 FTA a game in 34 MPG

[Lakers_Kobe_Fan]

Kyrie is a SG that masquerades as a PG. He can eventually learn to be a floor general, but he just isn't at this point.

Wiggins and Parker won't be able to reach their full potential on the roster, not with Dion and Kyrie on the squad. I think Embiid fits them best. He doesn't need the ball in his hands to impact the game in a major way.

this is where the Cavs thinking is FCUKED UP.

you take the best player available. not what your needs are. u guys did the same with T Thompson, Bennet, Waiters.

draft the dude with the highest potential.

is it that hard to understand? :facepalm

[Real Men Wear Green]

Where are you people getting this Wiggins being a superstar talk??

You dudes keep saying this and its infuriating. The guy doesn't have a superstar game. Guy is a longer Demar Derozan with better defense.
Unless he is drafted by the Cavs, in which case you will be calling him T-Mac up until the point he refuses to resign and then you'll call him Derozan again.

[SilkkTheShocker]

Cavs fans are notoriously terrible at judging talent.

[PleezeBelieve]

Embiid put up a 28 PER on a .655 TS%

All these stats and I'm not even talking about the guy's defense!!

This dude is the absolute no-brainer #1 pick. Guy is a beast @ 20 years old. Wheeew...

[PleezeBelieve]

Look at the stats I'm posting. All the advance stats, in addition to the eye test, says Embiid is the more impactful player.

[PleezeBelieve]

this is where the Cavs thinking is FCUKED UP.

you take the best player available. not what your needs are. u guys did the same with T Thompson, Bennet, Waiters.

draft the dude with the highest potential.

is it that hard to understand? :facepalm
Embiid is the player with the highest potential and best player on the board.

[noob cake]

They should take Parker or Wiggins. Embiid is good, but they need a go-to guy. Irving is too inconsistent to carry the team's offense.

Irving just turned 22.

Embiid has a history of non-serious back injury. But minor injuries can lead up to major ones. Hakeem best case.

Wiggins just doesn't have it imo. No handles, no drive. Rich man's Derozan best case, Brewer/Gay hyrid most likely.

Parker. Pierce in Melo's body best case.

[RedBlackAttack]

Irving just turned 22.

Embiid has a history of non-serious back injury. But minor injuries can lead up to major ones. Hakeem best case.

Wiggins just doesn't have it imo. No handles, no drive. Rich man's Derozan best case, Brewer/Gay hyrid most likely.

Parker. Pierce in Melo's body best case.
He's not as naturally athletic as Melo from what I've seen.

Embiid is the pick if he's deemed healthy. If not, things get more complicated. Wiggins is very raw and needs development, but his athleticism is pretty ridiculous at times. Watching him in the open court and in transition shows a rare combination of speed, coordination and hops... even power at times. I don't think KU used him all that well and I worry it could be an Andre Drummond type situation... hyped guy coming out of high school goes to a team where he doesn't really fit and underperforms, leading to a massive drop in the draft. But his game was much more suited to the NBA level and it was obvious pretty much immediately.

I think it's possible Wiggins has a similar "uh-huh" moment in the NBA. He's very raw, but he also has a combination of very rare physical tools that's hard to find.

Hopefully, things will work out with Embiid so we won't have to make the call between Wiggins and Parker, because it's a tough call imo.

[AnaheimLakers24]

wiggins an parker just gave a big sigh pf repief

[Milbuck]

If they take Embiid and we pick Jabari over Wiggins, I'm gonna be very disappointed.

[russwest0]

Embiid definitely has the most potential and best measurables but it's a perimiter oriented league and that injury has to be a cause for concern.

I don't even like Wiggins but I'd probably take him first. The guy has been hyped so much by the media you know he's going to get the star calls in the league and as long as you give him the floor spacing he'll have more space to use his athleticism in the NBA.

[Fudge]

Cavs fans are notoriously terrible at judging talent.
This.

[secund2nun]

Lebron is 30. Who has time to wait for them to develop?

If that line up happened combined with the Cavs hiring a good/great coach there wouldn't be much development needed. They could win a title in year 1.

[secund2nun]

Where are you people getting this Wiggins being a superstar talk??

You dudes keep saying this and its infuriating. The guy doesn't have a superstar game. Guy is a longer Demar Derozan with better defense.

People are sheep that's why. They are brainwashed to think any overhyped lack of production pure flash wing player is a superstar or superstar in waiting. Wiggins will not be a super star period. He will be lucky to even be a star.

Embiid is by miles the best prospect in the draft.

[secund2nun]

Embiid is the player with the highest potential and best player on the board.

Embiid also has the highest floor. At worst he will turn into a good defensive good rebounding center like a Tyson Chandler. At best his limit is scary. Wiggins and Parker have much lower ceilings than Embiid and their floor is way lower as well. At worst they will end up as a inefficient bench scrub that don't impact the game in any way other than inefficient scoring.

[navy]

If that line up happened combined with the Cavs hiring a good/great coach there wouldn't be much development needed. They could win a title in year 1.
In what universe? Weak bench, rookie center, no chemistry, new coach searching.

Embiid needs at least 3 years to develop in my opinion. He needs to put on size and learn the position on an NBA level. He wasnt even that great in college to be honest, but he has great potential. Kyrie needs a year or two more. Waiters as well. Both need to learn defense.

Nobody else on that team is relevant.

Lebron is in win now mode. Much better teams out there that would make a much better jump.

On an unrelated note:
Id rather Cleveland draft Wiggins and then Lebron mentors him. Would be a site to behold.

[Andrei89]

IF Embiid's back is not a problem anymore, I see no reason why Embiid should not go number 1.

[russwest0]

Just trade it for Love. LeBron turns actual stars into spot up shooters anyways so Love is a good fit

Kyrie
3 and D player
LeBron
Love
Rim Protector

Waiters, Tristan, and Bennett off the bench

[NumberSix]

If Embiid goes first, Wiggins is going 3rd, since I'm pretty sure Bucks have been saying they want Parker.
Could be gamesmanship.

[RedBlackAttack]

Embiid also has the highest floor. At worst he will turn into a good defensive good rebounding center like a Tyson Chandler. At best his limit is scary. Wiggins and Parker have much lower ceilings than Embiid and their floor is way lower as well. At worst they will end up as a inefficient bench scrub that don't impact the game in any way other than inefficient scoring.
Actually, at worst these back problems plague his career and he never plays a single healthy season in the NBA. That's the scary part of Embiid. I agree with you... He's easily the best prospect in this draft and I really do think he has Dream level ceiling. But, it is scary taking a big guy No. 1 after he was forced to end his only college season prematurely due to back issues while playing just 22 minutes a game.

I want Embiid. I hope he is cleared medically, but let's not act like there isn't a rather large question mark lingering over him right now.

[DukeDelonte13]

If they take Embiid and we pick Jabari over Wiggins, I'm gonna be very disappointed.

Milwaukee gonna love jabari parker. He can be very productive on the bucks

[secund2nun]

In what universe? Weak bench, rookie center, no chemistry, new coach searching.

Embiid needs at least 3 years to develop in my opinion. He needs to put on size and learn the position on an NBA level. He wasnt even that great in college to be honest, but he has great potential. Kyrie needs a year or two more. Waiters as well. Both need to learn defense.

Nobody else on that team is relevant.

Lebron is in win now mode. Much better teams out there that would make a much better jump.

On an unrelated note:
Id rather Cleveland draft Wiggins and then Lebron mentors him. Would be a site to behold.

Chemistry would be low in year 1, but compare that hypothetical cast to the current Heat cast.

It has the following advantages over the current Heat squad:

*Good/great coach vs pathetic Spoelstra (coaching is huge)

*rookie Embiid will probably be a pretty good center at minimum....as opposed to Miami which has no center and center is the most important position in bball. The Varejao/Embiid front court would be very good even from day 1- Great defense, great rebounding. Throw in Lebron and the defense/rebounding will be scary.

*Wade and Lebron don't even fit well together because of spacing issues. Next year Wade will decline even more. Irving is a great 3 point shooter. Bosh is just overrated.

I think a more realistic scenario is that Lebron opts in and then becomes a free agent in 2015. Then he could see how the Cavs do in their first year together as they gain experience and also look at the other FA destinations in 2015.

[Wavves]

Embiid is worthy of the number 1 pick. Even ahead of Wiggins and Parker.

His back is a MAJOR concern though.

[secund2nun]

Actually, at worst these back problems plague his career and he never plays a single healthy season in the NBA. That's the scary part of Embiid. I agree with you... He's easily the best prospect in this draft and I really do think he has Dream level ceiling. But, it is scary taking a big guy No. 1 after he was forced to end his only college season prematurely due to back issues while playing just 22 minutes a game.

I want Embiid. I hope he is cleared medically, but let's not act like there isn't a rather large question mark lingering over him right now.

He does have the back issue, but how often have back issues ended an athlete's career? It's extremely rare. Also the athletes that were robbed of their potential or prime years like Grant Hill/Tmac/Oden/Sabonis etc usually have non-back related issues.

Even with the health issues it is easily the best choice. I am not impressed with Parker and Wiggins. Parker is basically just a worse version of Melo and Wiggins was very disappointing in college and was overrated and disappeared even in HS.

[navy]

Chemistry would be low in year 1, but compare that hypothetical cast to the current Heat cast.

It has the following advantages over the current Heat squad:

*Good/great coach vs pathetic Spoelstra (coaching is huge)

*rookie Embiid will probably be a pretty good center at minimum....as opposed to Miami which has no center and center is the most important position in bball. The Varejao/Embiid front court would be very good even from day 1- Great defense, great rebounding. Throw in Lebron and the defense/rebounding will be scary.

*Wade and Lebron don't even fit well together because of spacing issues. Next year Wade will decline even more. Irving is a great 3 point shooter. Bosh is just overrated.

I think a more realistic scenario is that Lebron opts in and then becomes a free agent in 2015. Then he could see how the Cavs do in their first year together as they gain experience and also look at the other FA destinations in 2015.

The narrative that Spolestra is a bad coach is ridiculous. This guy has produced every single year. And he doesnt do the same things as Brooks where he preaches iso ball and a non existent defensive system.

Bosh and Anderson are better than Varejao and Embiid. And they will be again next year. The center position isnt one of the least important positions. They arent even on the All star ballots anymore...

The Heat team is definitely aging, but they are more reliable then a young unproven Cleveland squad.

Like I said he doesnt have time to wait on their development. If he signs somewhere else it will be to a contender.

[215Philly]

:djparty :dancin :hammertime:

[RedBlackAttack]

The narrative that Spolestra is a bad coach is ridiculous. This guy has produced every single year. And he doesnt do the same things as Brooks where he preaches iso ball and a non existent defensive system.

Bosh and Anderson are better than Varejao and Embiid. And they will be again next year. The center position isnt one of the least important positions. They arent even on the All star ballots anymore...

The Heat team is definitely aging, but they are more reliable then a young unproven Cleveland squad.

Like I said he doesnt have time to wait on their development. If he signs somewhere else it will be to a contender.
I actually agree with you. This whole Lebron - Cleveland thing doesn't make sense for either party, when you consider what the Cavs are trying to build and how much time James has left to compete at the highest level.

There's going to be a ton of young talent on this Cavs team next year, obviously. But, young is really the key word. There's a huge difference even between having young talent in the 25-26 year old range and what the Cavs will have.

The team's core players will be Irving (22), Waiters (22), Bennett (21), Thompson (23) and whichever teenager they choose in the draft. If they can keep it together, this group won't be even close to hitting their peak for another 4-5 years.

[coin24]

Why would the cavs want to go back to bran ball, ie surround him with spot up shooters.
If they can get a decent coach and a couple of vets they will have a good competitive team.

[RedBlackAttack]

Why would the cavs want to go back to bran ball, ie surround him with spot up shooters.
If they can get a decent coach and a couple of vets they will have a good competitive team.

What I'm saying.

The Cavs have the opportunity now to build something good and lasting, not dependent on the whims of any one player. There's no reason to go back down that road for either James or the Cavs. It's all silly talk to me.

[navy]

The team's core players will be Irving (22), Waiters (22), Bennett (21), Thompson (23) and whichever teenager they choose in the draft. If they can keep it together, this group won't be even close to hitting their peak for another 4-5 years.
Assuming they dont blow the pick this year and hire a decent coach I definitely think this squad will be a trendmill playoff team. Which despite what people think is not bad. That is unless Irving, Waiters or the pick this year takes the jump to Superstar. Which is possible. Imagine if all two or all three make the jump. Definite contender.

But that is the future. I honetly think whoever Cleveland picks will be a "scrub" for a year or two. Like must younger players are. Plus they are being drafted to a team where they will not be the first option. There isnt a Tim Duncan in the draft where he will dominate year one.

Lebron doesnt have time to wait for them until after his next contract if he is looking to win now. If he goes back now it wont be to win, it will be for sentimental value.

[longtime lurker]

Embiid definitely has the most potential and best measurables but it's a perimiter oriented league and that injury has to be a cause for concern.

I don't even like Wiggins but I'd probably take him first. The guy has been hyped so much by the media you know he's going to get the star calls in the league and as long as you give him the floor spacing he'll have more space to use his athleticism in the NBA.

This. Wiggins game is tailor made for the NBA. He can improve his handles, shooting etc, but athleticism is something you can't teach. I like Embiid's potential, but if you're picking number 1 you always take the best player regardless of position.

[dreamwarrior]

Actually, at worst these back problems plague his career and he never plays a single healthy season in the NBA. That's the scary part of Embiid. I agree with you... He's easily the best prospect in this draft and I really do think he has Dream level ceiling. But, it is scary taking a big guy No. 1 after he was forced to end his only college season prematurely due to back issues while playing just 22 minutes a game.

I want Embiid. I hope he is cleared medically, but let's not act like there isn't a rather large question mark lingering over him right now.
I'd say he's going to get at least a few good seasons in early on like Andrew Bynum. Take Embiid and use him for 3-4 seasons and see what happens. It's hard to pass on a center with potential.

[dreamwarrior]

This. Wiggins game is tailor made for the NBA. He can improve his handles, shooting etc, but athleticism is something you can't teach. I like Embiid's potential, but if you're picking number 1 you always take the best player regardless of position.

My trouble with Wiggins is that he can't improvise on the dribble or in the air. As soon as defenders figure out his game he's going to run out of ideas. For that I'd place him further down at #7

[RedBlackAttack]

My trouble with Wiggins is that he can't improvise on the dribble or in the air. As soon as defenders figure out his game he's going to run out of ideas. For that I'd place him further down at #7
I will say this about Wiggins on the Cavs... he wouldn't have to do much playmaking and they could fit him into the lineup without expecting him to carry the offense right out of the gates. Playing next to Irving and Waiters could open up his game. I never felt like KU was utilizing him correctly. Until he gets his handle right and learns how to get himself under control with the ball, don't do much isolation stuff with him. Have him work on his shooting (he gets tremendous elevation and has good mechanics) and work him off of screens away from the ball.

Meanwhile, in transition that trio would be deadly.

[rightsideup]

makes sense they do not need another forward. His health though is suspect

[JtotheIzzo]

If Embiid goes first, Wiggins is going 3rd, since I'm pretty sure Bucks have been saying they want Parker.

Wiggins on the Sixers would be awesome.

[RedBlackAttack]

makes sense they do not need another forward. His health though is suspect
Actually, they desperately need a SF. Embiid, however, is the best player in the draft imo, so he should be the pick.

In terms of need, the Cavs couldn't go wrong with any of the three. Their two major needs are SF and C.

[veilside23]

Wiggins on the Sixers would be awesome.


this...

i am thinking that embiid is the pick but wont be shock if the cavs take randle :D