The Bucks might have the simplest choice in the draft. The Cavaliers will likely take Andrew Wiggins or Jabari Parker No. 1, leaving the other for Milwaukee at No. 2.
Joel Embiid could factor, though. Even with his injury, the Bucks should at least consider a player many considered a clear top choice when healthy.
It appears they won’t.
Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry, via Charles F. Gardner of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Lasry is ruling out Bucks taking Embiid. "Our decision got a lot easier, mainly because Embiid got hurt."
— cfgardner (@cf_gardner) June 23, 2014
"It's hard to take Embiid," Lasry said. "We want somebody who is going to help us on Day 1."
— cfgardner (@cf_gardner) June 23, 2014
The Bucks should probably pass on Embiid. Wiggins and Parker would be fine No. 1 picks in an average draft, so with good alternatives on the board, it’s hard to justify taking a chance on Embiid.
But Lasry’s reason is not the right one for passing on Embiid.
Milwaukee went 15-67 last season. A quick turnaround is unlikely, and trying for one is likely to lead to more problems.
The Bucks don’t need immediate help. They need the player who will help most during the next seven to nine years.
That’s probably not Embiid, but how much he’ll help immediately shouldn’t matter.