Kansas big man Joel Embiid is reestablishing himself as the consensus top-pick in next month's NBA draft by erasing all the doubts some NBA execs had about his lingering back problems.
According to ProbasketballTalk.com, the 7-0, 265-pound Kansas freshman star was recently on hand for a group workout, hosted by the Clippers, where most front office execs walked away raving about his performance.
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In what is considered one of the deepest drafts in recent years, touting the likes of Jabari Parker, Andrew Wiggins, Julius Randle, Dante Exum and Aaron Gordon, the 20-year-old Embiid's combination of size, athletic ability and defensive prowess have some comparing him to a young Hakeem Olajuwon.
"I did not see any issues with his back," one veteran NBA scout told ProbasketballTalk.com. "He looked very agile and athletic." Another exec said: "He looks great. Running, jumping, dunking, bent up like a pretzel in warm ups and stretching exercises. He passed the eyeball test big time."
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For the third time in four years, the Cleveland Cavaliers own the top pick in the June 26 draft and rumors are Dan Gilbert's team will be looking to add another highly athletic player to a lineup that already includes All-Star guard Kyrie Irving and backcourt mate Dion Waiters.
Embiid's biggest competition for the the No. 1-overall selection figure to come from Jayhawks teammate Wiggins and Duke star Parker, who was recently selected in an ESPN poll of 30 NBA front-office execs as the draft's probable top pick, outpolling runner-up Embiid by more than 2-1.
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