Jabari Parker is who most GMs would take number one overall presently

[Kane3387]

http://m.espn.go.com/nba/story?storyId=10815977

However, after polling 30 NBA executives shortly after all three players had officially declared for the draft -- from numerous GMs to player personnel guys and NBA scouts -- you might be surprised at the results of who they would choose No. 1 overall:


Jabari Parker: 17 votes
Joel Embiid: 8 votes
Andrew Wiggins: 5 votes

Obviously, it will depend on the team and the general manager who winds up getting the No. 1 pick. Wiggins could still go with the top selection due to his high ceiling and athleticism, but many NBA folks are worried about his lack of consistency, whether he possesses a killer instinct and also whether he can get by defenders in the half court.

Most NBA guys gush at Embiid due to his size and potential -- but there's a huge lingering concern with the recent back issues. Right now many NBA executives would go with Parker because he's the safe selection, the known commodity. Sure, they might not feel he has quite the upside of Wiggins or Embiid -- but they do also see Parker as a potential perennial NBA All-Star.

In short, they trust Parker.


"This is about as close of a top three as I've seen in a long, long time," said one veteran general manager. "It really does depend on who gets the top pick and whether they are willing to take a risk or not."

"I think one GM would go with Parker, another would go with Embiid and another with Wiggins," added another. "No one knows who will go first right now."

Parker is the low-risk selection, a 6-foot-8 forward who can score in just about every way on the court. Many compare him to Carmelo Anthony, and many feel he's a sure thing at the next level because of his skill set, basketball IQ and demeanor.

Embiid has been playing basketball for just a few years, but he has made tremendous progress, and could give a franchise what has become a rarity these days in the NBA: a skilled, tough, big man who can impact the game on both ends of the court.

Wiggins is a tremendous athlete who has an improved perimeter shot, but his greatest asset comes in transition and also on the defensive end. There are several comparisons -- from Tracy McGrady to Rudy Gay to DeMar DeRozan to Corey Brewer.

Here are several comments from NBA executives on why they would take Parker, Embiid and Wiggins with the top pick:

On Parker:

"Skill, skill skill, feel and character. He is tougher than you think. A winner."

"He's the most ready to play in the league."

"Best combination of highest floor with still a high ceiling."

"He is the most NBA ready and will be a solid pro for many years, an All-Star, Olympian, etc. He can play any style."

"He's a Carmelo Anthony-type offensive player, but huge deficit defensively. Hopefully he's more into team and winning than Melo."

"I just trust him more than the other two guys."

"I'm unsure of Embiid's health and I just think Jabari has better intangibles than Wiggins."

On Embiid:

"Skilled size always has to go first. There aren't many guys that size with that potential. He has a chance to be a difference-maker at both ends."

"He changes the game with his length, athleticism and motor -- and he has a developing offensive game."

"He has an extremely high ceiling, a huge heart, great character and tremendous work ethic."

"I'm taking Embiid -- as long as his back checks out."

On Wiggins:

"He has more upside and his game will translate better in the NBA."

"He has elite athleticism -- which in the NBA to a special degree is rewarded by the rules and style of play. He has a decent skill set that he can improve on, he is a good kid and he wants to be a player. Major question for me is whether there are any killer instincts - like Jordan and Kobe."

[hpantazo]

Interesting. Looks like Embiid is not slipping unless his back injury report is something terrible

[wdleehi]

Wonder how many GMs were honest and how many were playing the "game". 

[LooseCannon]

Interesting. Looks like Embiid is not slipping unless his back injury report is something terrible

It may mean that Embiid has already slipped and he would have been the choice of more than half of these executives before his injury was reported.  Also, the guy who gets the second-most votes isn't necessarily the guy who is the consensus second choice.  It's possible that most people who would take Parker first would also take Wiggins second behind Parker instead of Embiid and some might even take someone else before Embiid.

[get_banners]

Team need also matters. While the smart GM picks the BPA high in the draft, if its close-ish, you can go with need. For instance, I don't see the Magic picking Embiid, even if he and they slip to 3 or 4 (as they have a very good and proven young center). Similarly, I wonder if the Jazz would pick Exum (with Burke and Hayward, who I assume they will resign) if he and they end up at 4. Would Philly pick Embiid at any spot, what with one lottery pick center on their roster who they refused to play at all this year while they went into shameless tank-mode (meaning they have no clue how if he might be good or not)? The Bucks...can take anyone. The other top teams...might think carefully about need when their turn comes.

[BMark]

I don't think teams like the Bucks, 76ers, Magic, Cs and Jazz should worry about best fit.  Each of these teams should look for BPA, if only to acquire assets.

I wouldn't be concerned if the Cs drafted Randle, for instance, even though the Cs already have Sullinger and KO.  Neither Sullinger nor KO are transcendent talents who are going to lead a team to a championship.

[Birdman]

Parker would be my #1 pick

[Donoghus]

I'd agree with the majority of the GMs here. I think he has the most NBA ready game and is the least "bustable" of the guys at the top.  Wiggins or Embiid might have a higher ceiling but more question marks too.

Ive been saying it for a while now but Parker reminds me a lot of Pierce. I'd love the Celtics to get him.

[BleedGreen1989]

Jabari is and has been my hopeful Celtic pick.

[footey]

I think this shows how nervous GM's are about Wiggins being able to realize his potential. 

[obnoxiousmime]

Everyone remember that the poll consists of various "executives" that work for each team. It is NOT a poll of only the GMs, though "numerous" are included:

However, after polling 30 NBA executives shortly after all three players had officially declared for the draft -- from numerous GMs to player personnel guys and NBA scouts --

Just wanted to clarify that because some people seem to be confused. It's still an interesting sample that reflects the general feeling NBA execs have towards these players though.

[BigAlTheFuture]

Would be very happy with Jabari, but if the Celtics have first pick, I hope we're taking Wiggins.

[D.o.s.]

I'd agree with the majority of the GMs here. I think he has the most NBA ready game and is the least "bustable" of the guys at the top.  Wiggins or Embiid might have a higher ceiling but more question marks too.

Ive been saying it for a while now but Parker reminds me a lot of Pierce. I'd love the Celtics to get him.

I think the key point there is "least bustable"

[Tr1boy]

no jabari please.   Jabari + Rondo (if he doesn't improve) = open season for opponents on the offensive end.

[RebusRankin]

Personally I'd be happy with either.