There were three players who were viewed as the “elite” prospects in the 2014 NBA Draft. Andrew Wiggins was the potentially destructive two-way wing who needed a little work, Jabari Parker was the prodigious scorer who was going to get buckets no matter where he went, and Joel Embiid was the relative newcomer to the game whose potential seemed to be limitless.
But as it turns out, this should not have been the case. The top of the 2014 draft should have only boasted two of these players, as Embiid said he didn’t actually plan on entering his name into the draft.
Embiid was back in Lawrence one day after he made his preseason debut and carved up the Nets in limited playing time. While there, he spoke with the media about being back on his old stomping grounds and included this little tidbit about his time at Kansas.
“When I was here, it’s funny,” Embiid said. “I don’t think anybody knows this story, but I actually decided to stay because I loved this place so much. But I was kind of pushed to leave.”
Embiid said he would not reveal who pushed him to leave, and said it was a “tough choice” to make the jump.
There is an alternate universe where Embiid stays at Kansas all four years and is just entering the NBA this season. Who knows how his health would have been impacted, or if he could have improved his draft stock and gone higher than three whenever he entered the league.
But one thing is for sure: If you’re a fan of the Philadelphia 76ers and you’re reading this, you should try and find out who pushed Embiid to go pro, because you might feel compelled to send them some kind of thank you gift.
(Via For the Win)
