FanSided NBA Mock Draft 2014

1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Joel Embiid (C), Kansas 

(Picked by Chris Manning at Right Down Euclid)

Mar 5, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid (center) celebrates after the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas won the game 82-57. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports1

I don’t think anyone  – from Dan Gilbert on down– knows who the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to take No. 1. With no coach in place, that makes sense. But at the end of the day, I think Joel Embiid will be the pick – provided his back checks out. It’s cliche, but big men who move like he does and can defend like he does kist don’t come around very often. Embiid kind of player you want to pair with Kyrie Irving long term, as he can serve as a pick and roll partner on offense and protect the rim behind him. Both Jabari Parker and Andrew Wiggins are tempting and it wouldn’t shock me if the Cavs went in either of those directions. But Embiid is just too talented to pass up – provided his back is okay.