All those clamouring for Embiid must answer one question

[jambr380]

I think the point of this thread really is that you can never be sure about a top center prospect - whether American or foreign.

If there is any uncertainty about Embiid going forward - and I am not even talking about his back - then there are three other top prospects who may be less of a risk.

[SparzWizard]

Marc Gasol?

[Ogaju]

I just would not spend a top pick of the draft on a foreign center. Olowokandi was a big time bust.

career avg = scoring, rebounds, blocks
Kwame Brown = 6.6, 5.5, 0.6 born in charleston, SC, USA
Olowokandi = 8.3, 6.8, 1.4 born in lagos, Nigeria

yes, i can clearly see how "buying american" when drafting a center #1 will assure you a better basketplayer than some "foreign" center. 

Couple of things.

1. Kwame Brown was an awful pick at #1. The same issue plaguing the foreign centers applies to Kwame who did not play college. Awful pick by Jordan.

2. How many years did Kwame play in league vs. Olowokandi.

Thanks.

[LilRip]

Yes, only American players can succeed in the NBA. I hope Wiggins the Canadian and Embiid the Cameroonian fall all the way to both of our picks. But on the other hand, they'll probably both be busts since they're not American. Oh the dilemma

[hwangjini_1]

I just would not spend a top pick of the draft on a foreign center. Olowokandi was a big time bust.

career avg = scoring, rebounds, blocks
Kwame Brown = 6.6, 5.5, 0.6 born in charleston, SC, USA
Olowokandi = 8.3, 6.8, 1.4 born in lagos, Nigeria

yes, i can clearly see how "buying american" when drafting a center #1 will assure you a better basketplayer than some "foreign" center. 

Couple of things.

1. Kwame Brown was an awful pick at #1. The same issue plaguing the foreign centers applies to Kwame who did not play college. Awful pick by Jordan.

2. How many years did Kwame play in league vs. Olowokandi.

Thanks.

13 compared to 10, not a huge difference. injuries were a factor for kandi man. and yes, kwame was a terrible pick, but i would never say his terrible career is a reason to not pick an american again.

you're welcome. 

[Ogaju]

all this time I thought Canada was part of North America.

[indeedproceed]

Was about to make a joke about about Mormons in the NBA but I quickly did my homework and holy crap Tom Chambers was a Mormon??

[bdm860]

Hakeem played three years in College here we had a chance to see what Hakeem could do. The reason for concern is you do not have enough data on foreign players.

Embiid is more akin to Michael Olowokandi... We have not seen his work product.

Caveat Emptor.

That same Michael Olowokandi who also played 3 years in college just like Hakeem?

And kind of like Embiid who played high school and college ball in the US?

[hwangjini_1]

Hakeem played three years in College here we had a chance to see what Hakeem could do. The reason for concern is you do not have enough data on foreign players.

Embiid is more akin to Michael Olowokandi... We have not seen his work product.

Caveat Emptor.

That same Michael Olowokandi who also played 3 years in college just like Hakeem?

And kind of like Embiid who played high school and college ball in the US?

and in olowokandi's last year in college, i believe he averaged around 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks a game. i can see why teams wanted him based upon that.

[mmmmm]

Was about to make a joke about about Mormons in the NBA but I quickly did my homework and holy crap Tom Chambers was a Mormon??

Danny Ainge also says, "Hi!".

[hwangjini_1]

Was about to make a joke about about Mormons in the NBA but I quickly did my homework and holy crap Tom Chambers was a Mormon??

Danny Ainge also says, "Hi!".

a lot more than just danny say hello here...

http://latterdaysports.com/mormons-in-the-nba/

Ainge, Danny   G   1995   Phoenix Suns   
Allred, Lance   C, F   2008   Cleveland Cavaliers   
Bailey, Thurl   C, F   1999   Utah Jazz   
Bradley, Shawn   C   2005   Dallas Mavericks   Australia
Chambers, Tom   C, F   1998   Philadelphia 76ers   
Davies, Brandon   F      Philadelphia 76ers   
Durrant, Devin   F   1985   Phoenix Suns   Spain; Texas (MP)
Eakins, Jim   C   1978   Milwaukee Bucks   
Fernsten, Eric   C, F   1984   New York Knicks   
Fredette, Jimmer   G      Chicago Bulls   
Gardner, Vern   C, F   1952   Philadelphia Warriors   
Grant, Josh   G   1994   Golden State Warriors   England
Hansen, Travis   G, F   2004   Atlanta Hawks   Chile
Hatton, Vernon   G   1962   St. Louis Hawks   
Hutchins, Mel   C, F   1958   New York Knicks   
Jacobsen, Casey   G, F   2008   Memphis Grizzlies   
Johnsen, Britton   F   2004   Indiana Pacers   Texas
Judkins, Jeff   G, F   1983   Portland Trail Blazers   
Kite, Greg   C   1995   Indiana Pacers   
Knight, Travis   C   2003   New York Knicks   
Madsen, Mark   F   2009   Minnesota Timberwolves   Spain
Mannion, Pace   G   1989   Atlanta Hawks   
Pollard, Scot   C, F   2008   Boston Celtics   
Pope, Mark   C, F   2005   Denver Nuggets   
Roberts, Fred   F   1997   Dallas Mavericks   
Ruffner, Paul   C, F   1975   Buffalo Braves   
Smith Michael   F   1995   Los Angeles Clippers   Argentina
Toolson, Andy   G, F   1996   Utah Jazz   Chile

[Lucky17]

Durrant, Devin   F   1985   Phoenix Suns   Spain; Texas (MP)

Kevin has an evil twin? Who's also a Mormon?

[Ogaju]

Hakeem played three years in College here we had a chance to see what Hakeem could do. The reason for concern is you do not have enough data on foreign players.

Embiid is more akin to Michael Olowokandi... We have not seen his work product.

Caveat Emptor.

That same Michael Olowokandi who also played 3 years in college just like Hakeem?

And kind of like Embiid who played high school and college ball in the US?

Olowokandi played college in US LOL Of course he did @ Pacific? Great competition there. He had bust written all over him, and he did not disappoint.

[D.o.s.]

Durrant, Devin   F   1985   Phoenix Suns   Spain; Texas (MP)

Kevin has an evil twin? Who's also a Mormon?

He has two, actually. Guess which one is the mormon?

[indeedproceed]

Was about to make a joke about about Mormons in the NBA but I quickly did my homework and holy crap Tom Chambers was a Mormon??

Danny Ainge also says, "Hi!".

Well, I mean..duh.

But my joke was centered around , 'only one all star has ever emerged..' But Tom Chambers was a 3 or 4 time all-star.