Joel Embiid, the Kansas big man considered by many to be the No. 1 overall pick in this month’s NBA Draft, has sustained a right foot injury that likely will impact his stock, his agent and his mentor both confirmed to ESPN.com on Thursday.
“He suffered a foot injury to his right foot sometime over the last few days,” agent Arn Tellem told ESPN. “He’s getting evaluations from various doctors and experts in the field. We’ll know more Friday.”
One source told ESPN.com that Embiid “may have broken” his foot, but Tellem wouldn’t speculate on the seriousness of the injury until he heard from doctors. Tellem also said it was unlikely Embiid would be doing any more workouts before the draft, which is June 26.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Embiid’s mentor, also was not sure of the extent of the injury.
“I just heard he got hurt,” said Mbah a Moute, who is overseas.
Embiid was scheduled to work out for the Milwaukee Bucks, who hold the second overall pick, later this week.
The 7-foot native of Cameroon was already dealing with health questions regarding his back, which forced him to miss the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments.
He worked out earlier this month for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, and sources said he fared well and that the medical testing also came back without much concern.
Embiid also participated in a one-on-none workout in front of NBA teams in Santa Monica, Calif. He averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks this past season as a freshman at Kansas.
Cleveland could also opt to select Duke freshman Jabari Parker or Kansas young star Andrew Wiggins.
