NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Embiid Changes Things

Joel Embid injury will change the upcoming NBA draft. Photo credit: NCAA

With the news that Joel Embiid has a fractured foot to go along with his bad back, the draft looks a lot different. How far could he fall before someone has to select him.

by +Rodney Fisher


Cleveland does not even have a coach at this time, although they have made an offer to European coach David Blatt. They had they eyes set on bringing in Embiid until the announcement about the injury from his agent. Now, anything goes in for the top pick in this year's draft. I never thought Andrew Wiggins or Jabari Parker would be in play for the Cavs based on the tumultuous year they had with Dion Waiters and Kyrie Irving. Adding Parker or Wiggins could cause another problem with sharing the basketball and spotlight of the young franchise. They will be looking to win back their core fans after the flop of Anthony Bennett, the 2013 #1 pick in the NBA Draft, so passing on the them is not an option.

I have Joel falling to Boston. The discussion of the trade of Kevin Love to Golden State for Klay Thompson is too attractive for either team to pass up, leaving the Celtics with no Love. Danny Ainge won't pass up the big man.

I also have changed the Los Angeles Lakers selection to Marcus Smart. They have been working him out and speaking with him quite a bit lately...

1. Andrew Wiggins - Clevland Cavaliers

2. Jabari Parker - Milwaukee Bucks

3. Julius Randle - Philadelphia 76ers

4. Dante Exum - Orlando Magic

5. Rodney Hood - Utah Jazz (we will just swap these two for now)

6. Joel Embiid - Boston Celtics

7. Marcus Smart - Los Angeles Lakers

8. Doug McDermontt - Sacramento Kings

9. Aaron Gordon - Charlotte Hornets

10. Noah Vonleh - Philadelphia 76ers

11. Dario Saric - Denver Nuggets

12. Jusuf Nurkic - Orlando Magic

13. James Young - Minnesota Timberwolves

14. Zach LaVine - Phoenix Suns

15. Nik Stauskas - Atlanta Hawks

16. Tyler Ennis - Chicago Bulls

17. Gary Harris - Boston Celtics

18. CleAnthony Early - Phoenix Suns

19. Clint Capela - Chicago Bulls

20. Adreian Payne - Toronto Raptors

21. Kristaps Porzingis - OKC Thunder

22. K.J. Daniels - Clemson

23. Kyle Anderson - Utah Jazz

24. P.J. Hairston - Charlotte Hornets

25. Jerami Grant - Chicago Bulls

26. Jordan Adams - Miami Heat

27. Shabazz Napier - Phoenix Suns

28. Glenn Robinson - Los Angeles Clippers

29. Elfrid Paytron - OKC Thunder

30. Mitch McGary - San Antonio Spurs

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