Joel Embiid’s injury has certainly taken the draft to a turn as everyone speculates as to what will happen with the #1 pick this year. Many teams have expressed interest in trading up for the #1 pick, while the Cavs seem firm in wanting to take Joel Embiid. Embiid at #1 isn’t the smartest decision due to the uncertainty surrounding his injury, but with so many teams vying to acquire the #1 pick, this could all work out to be a successful draft for the Cavs.
The Cavs received intriguing offers from the Sixers, Magic and Jazz late last week. Each is offering its own high lottery pick plus a veteran. The Cavs could theoretically get either of Thaddeus Young, Arron Afflalo or Derrick Favors and still have a top-5 pick in the draft. It would make it much easier to draft Embiid if you knew you got additional value in the form of a veteran who can help now.
With injury most likely dropping Embiid in the draft, it now stands that either Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker or Dante Exum are speculated to go at the #1 spot. However, it all comes down to which team ends up luring the Cavs to give up the pick. The Magic is already offering up Arron Afflalo so it would make sense for them to select Wiggins or Exum. If the Sixers entice the Cavs, then we might see Parker go with the #1 pick. This leaves the Jazz, who would most likely lean toward Wiggins.
Unfortunately for Exum, the appeal of Wiggins has left teams looking for a hybrid guard all leaning toward him going #1 in the draft. All of these questions will be answered on Thursday night, of course.
[h/t Fansided]
