Joel Embiid
BIG BOARD: 3
MOCK DRAFT: 2 Birthdate: March 16, 1994 (Yaounde, Cameroon) School: The Rock School (Gainesville, Fla.) Class: 2014 (OFFICIAL) Height: 7'0" Weight: 250 NBA Position: C NBA Comparison: Hakeem Olajuwon Strengths: Potential, Post Skills Weaknesses: Raw |
Scouting Report 1.0 (Michael Rovansek) — 04.29.2014
Joel Embiid is one of top prospects in this draft class as one of the best big men in college basketball. He already has the build GM’s are looking for in a big man. He is seven feet tall, has a 7’5” wingspan and has a strong upper body. From his days as a soccer and volleyball player, he can slide laterally with exceptional quickness for a big and could develop to be a promising defensive anchor. Even if he doesn’t block the shot (2.6 BPG), it is a guarantee it will be altered. This physical skill set also allows him to run in transition and be very effective.
Offensively, this prospect has no ceiling on how good he could be. Considering the fact he has only been playing basketball since 2011, Embiid has a lot of experience to gain and learning to take place. That being said, do not let this fool you. |
He has shown flashes of the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon with ability to consistently make the jump hook on the left block, drop step, spin and “Dream Shake” his opposition when given the opportunity. With Andrew Wiggins and Wayne Selden Jr. starting alongside him, he hasn't always been the number one on offense. When he faces up, he prefers to rip through and attack the rim due to his quickness. He has shown the ability at times to step out and shoot, but could use work on his form and fluidity. Embiid has also proven to be a good decision maker when he is doubled and forced to make the pass to an open teammate. He is a fantastic rebounder on both sides of the ball. Being the physical specimen that he is, he can rebound in traffic (8.1 RPG) and gets his fair share of offensive rebounds.
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As far as weaknesses go, he does not have any other than what one would expect with someone who has only been playing the game for 3 years. He is still very raw. He needs a good coach who can help him polish up his game on offense (11.2 PPG). On defense, he needs to learn how to react better on the defensive end when a teammate gets beat. His toughness has also been in question. He missed the end of the season with a back injury, but with time he will learn how to take better care of his body and use his training staff to his advantage. With his athletic ability and skills he already possesses, I have no doubt he will develop into a great NBA player. Look for Embiid to be taken in the first 5 picks of this year’s draft, potentially even with the number one overall selection.
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