Ford Mock 6.0 #2 Embiid

[JimmyTheKid]

Great stuff from three (anonymous) scouts and Ryen Russilo, who I really like.

That is fantastic stuff. Thanks for finding and sharing. I love the way these scouts talk. They watch every single game. Every single play. Sometimes as early as middle school. Wiggins definitely remains the biggest boom or bust for me. I'd still take him over Parker. I loved everything I saw from Embiid (in the 6 or so full Kansas games and highlight videos I've seen.) And, again, Parker is Big Dog. Which is fine, but I'd still rather swing for the fences. Its so nice to be taking about #2 instead of #'s 10-15.

[Badgerlander]

I don't think anything there with regards to Wiggins was new, actually.

• underdeveloped skills
• passive on the court
• no go-to moves
• excellent in transition, poop in the half-court
• elite wing defender
• played in a system that wasn't really ideal if you're a wing prospect
• big time athleticism

I think it comes down to whether or not you think he improves on those holes in his game and the passivity he showed at times was just a product of youth/system. You're really gambling with him at #1.

here is the Jazz writer David Locke's scouting report on Wiggins. He's working on Jabari right now so I've been waiting for that one to come out and watch both at the same time, but he has some interesting tweets about Jabari so far
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVbtpCQHi_8[/youtube]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/469711453553819649[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/469707051497574401[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/469339186844024832[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/469323297201463296[/tweet]

[Ron Swanson]

I don't think anything there with regards to Wiggins was new, actually.

• underdeveloped skills
• passive on the court
• no go-to moves
• excellent in transition, poop in the half-court
• elite wing defender
• played in a system that wasn't really ideal if you're a wing prospect
• big time athleticism

I think it comes down to whether or not you think he improves on those holes in his game and the passivity he showed at times was just a product of youth/system. You're really gambling with him at #1.

True, I can see Wiggins becoming Trevor Ariza, or I could see him becoming Paul George. To me, it entirely depends on whether or not he can hone his handle and shooting off the dribble. But those are skills that can be sharpened through development and coaching.

Kobe learned how to shoot and handle the rock, he didn't learn how to be quicker and jump higher than everyone else.

[TroyD92]

Wiggins has a long way to go. As does Embiid. Parker is the most NBA ready, but his ceiling is much lower (still good) and he is a sieve which I doubt will change. Exum is a total mystery, but I've loved everything I've heard.

At 2 I'd want one of Embiid/Wiggins/Exum. I think Parker will make an immediate impact for whatever team he ends up on. I don't want that personally. I could seriously see Parker having a crazy good rookie year (20ish PPG, 7-8 RPG). I also think his liabilities are going to be a pitfall for whatever team drafts him (think what Melo's career has been).

Embiid and Wiggins are going to show flashes early, but I don't think either will have a standout rookie year in comparison to say Parker/Randle.

[Ron Swanson]

As many holes as Wiggins has, every scout agreed that since his athleticism and defense is already elite, a coach will be able to play him big minutes which should help him develop. I think that is key if you are going to take him 1 or 2.

You can get defenders that can transition and have good size later in a draft. If we're picking a 6-8 wing, we have to believe he can be similar to what Durant is. So is that Parker or Wiggens?

Neither

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

I wish those guys would have written something on Exum.

[M-C-G]

So 'best fits'

Phi - Wiggins, worst fit Exum
Orl - Exum worst fit Parker
Cle - Embiid

1 Cle - Embiid
2. Mke - Trade down, 3&10 Phi - Wiggins
3 Mke - Trade down - 4&12 Orl - Exum
4 Mke - Parker
10 Mke- Staukas
12 Mke - Ennis
31 Mke - Walter Tavares
36 Mke - Thanasis
48 Mke - International Stash

Knight, Ennis, Wolters
Staukas, Middleton, Mayo
Giannis, Delfino, Thanasis
Parker, Ersan, Henson
Sanders, Miroslav, ZaZa, Taveras (stash)

Unrealistic? Sure, but you could see a scenario play out where Philly really wants Wiggins, and Orlando really wants Exum over Parker.

[TroyD92]

As many holes as Wiggins has, every scout agreed that since his athleticism and defense is already elite, a coach will be able to play him big minutes which should help him develop. I think that is key if you are going to take him 1 or 2.

You can get defenders that can transition and have good size later in a draft. If we're picking a 6-8 wing, we have to believe he can be similar to what Durant is. So is that Parker or Wiggens?

Neither

Yep. I dont think there's a single prospect in this draft close to Durant.

[skones]

Is it a Friday or are you guys just that dense?

You calling someone dense is hilarious.

But the reason we should pass on Embiid is if WE look at him, and deem that his back is an issue, or he simply won't provide the medical. It's not like we are going to trust the Cavs to do all of the work for us, and if they pass on him they surely did it because he's hurt. That team can't draft for ****, I'm not trusting them on anything.

Right, because LUKE23 is ALWAYS correct and BURNIFYOUDISAGREEWITHHIM, until he's wrong, in which case we'll just act like it never happened.

Embiid is the best prospect in this draft and it's not close. Him being there at two would never be a discussion if not for his back. Forget Embiid was doing everyone else in the bum in the poll on this board prior to injury? Cleveland passing on him is an indicator that his back injury is pretty damn serious. There's a pretty good chance he won't work out with us and let our guys examine him. Cleveland, however, will because they have the number one. It has nothing to do with their scouting. Embiid pre injury was a no-brainer. If he checks out, he doesn't make it to 2.

[ReddRum]

I have a feeling that if Embiid's health checks out then he goes #1 to the Cavs, and we take Jabari Parker and never look back. This young Bucks team needs a go to scorer, a true offensive weapon with multiple ways to score, a guy that can take the last shot of the game and make it count, and most importantly is a team leader (something our team has sorely needed since Ray and Cassell left). Let somebody else take a flier on Wiggins - I like his potential ALOT but I wouldn't take him at # 2 I don't think with Parker and Exum still there. I pray Embiid's back checks out ok so we have our choice between 3 very good players after the Cavs pick.

[BobbyLight]

Is it a Friday or are you guys just that dense?

You calling someone dense is hilarious.

But the reason we should pass on Embiid is if WE look at him, and deem that his back is an issue, or he simply won't provide the medical. It's not like we are going to trust the Cavs to do all of the work for us, and if they pass on him they surely did it because he's hurt. That team can't draft for ****, I'm not trusting them on anything.

Right, because LUKE23 is ALWAYS correct and BURNIFYOUDISAGREEWITHHIM, until he's wrong, in which case we'll just act like it never happened.

Embiid is the best prospect in this draft and it's not close. Him being there at two would never be a discussion if not for his back. Forget Embiid was doing everyone else in the bum in the poll on this board prior to injury? Cleveland passing on him is an indicator that his back injury is pretty damn serious. There's a pretty good chance he won't work out with us and let our guys examine him. Cleveland, however, will because they have the number one. It has nothing to do with their scouting. Embiid pre injury was a no-brainer. If he checks out, he doesn't make it to 2.

Thank God you pointed this out. I am 100% sure that if they don't draft Embiid it's because of his back and it will have literally, absolutely nothing to do with the idea they may like the player they pick better. It just isn't even fathomable.

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

If Parker had a clear NBA position, I think it would be a lot easier to stomach his atrocious D. Those two factors when combined make it so much more difficult to pull the trigger at #2.

[breakchains]

I got ravaged for suggesting the Gerald Green comparison a couple months back.

[breakchains]

I don't care about any of Wiggins' "flaws," really, except for his lack of a handle. To me, almost everything else is a symptom of that. The lack of a handle is the root cause. And until I'm convinced it can get a lot better, I don't know that I could pull the trigger on him at 2. I think it will completely limit his game to a spot up and transition guy on offense, and basically suppress his awesome athletic gifts in the half court game.

[JayMKE]

If Parker can become a decent defender which I have no reason to believe he can't(has the size, length, athleticism, smarts) then how couldn't you love the guy as a prospect? He has a complete offensive game at 19, that's something special imo. So many of you guys LOVED Tobias and I did too but Parker can do everything he can and more. With coaching and the right scheme, I see zero reason to worry that he's going to be some all time sieve on defense like some people make him out to be. Put him in between Giannis and Sanders, we'll be able to defend AND score.

[TroyD92]

Is dribbling really something that's that difficult to improve? I've seen it said on this board, but I don't believe it.

[TroyD92]

If Parker can become a decent defender which I have no reason to believe he can't(has the size, length, athleticism, smarts) then how couldn't you love the guy as a prospect? He has a complete offensive game at 19, that's something special imo. So many of you guys LOVED Tobias and I did too but Parker can do everything he can and more. With coaching and the right scheme, I see zero reason to worry that he's going to be some all time sieve on defense like some people make him out to be. Put him in between Giannis and Sanders, we'll be able to defend AND score.

He has vertical athleticism not lateral.

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

Liking Tobes at #19 in a pretty poor draft doesn't require anyone to like Parker at #2 in a very deep draft.

[breakchains]

Is dribbling really something that's that difficult to improve? I've seen it said on this board, but I don't believe it.

Yes.

As with everything else, it is feasible, but for most players it is innate. If I was him, I would be working full time using Kyrie's tactic as a youngster of putting a plastic bag around the ball. That is the sole limiting factor on him becoming a superstar IMO. I have zero worries about almost anything else in his game. I am convinced he will become a big time shooter as well.

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

We have a Parker sighting! Sounds like he's doughy but not obese, discuss!

[tweet]https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/469879570280505345[/tweet]