First Jabari Parker and now Joel Embiid?
ESPN college basketball writer (and notorious Rondo basher) Jeff Goodman reports that Kansas big man Joel Embiid is strongly considering staying in school for another season:
Kansas 7-footer Joel Embiid told ESPN that he is far from a lock to leave college after this season, and is “strongly considering” returning for his sophomore campaign.
The Cameroon native said prior to Tuesday’s win at Baylor that he didn’t feel as though he was ready to make the jump to the NBA, but added after the game that it will depend largely on his development over the remainder of the season.
However, Embiid — who has only been playing organized basketball for three years — has quickly become a lock to be taken in the top three picks in June’s NBA Draft if he opts to leave college. Many NBA executives told ESPN.com that he is the frontrunner to be selected first.
“I’m not even thinking about it right now,” Embiid said. “I’ll make a decision after the season, but I’m definitely considering coming back to school.”
Wouldn’t this scenario be a kick in the nuts. The Celtics land the 2nd or 3rd pick in the draft lottery only to learn that Parker and Embiid want to work on their games and fondle co-eds for another season.
After Andrew Wiggins goes #1, the Celtics would be forced to take Julius Randle (PF), Marcus Smart (PG) or Dante Exum (PG/SG). Great prospects who happen to play positions of strength for Boston.
The easiest path to rebuilding is drafting Wiggins, Parker or Embiid, guys who can play along side Rajon Rondo and Jared Sullinger.
File under: Take the money and run, Joel.
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