NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Embiid tops new-look lottery

McGary showcased lottery talent in the 2012-13 season, particularly during a strong NCAA tournament showing. A back injury wiped out most of last season,

Chris Mannix | Jun 4, 2014

NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Embiid tops new-look lottery /

Who will call the names of (from left) Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid and Aaron Gordon at the draft? / Getty Images (3)

Nik Stauskas' defense shortcomings won't stop lottery teams from considering the sharpshooter. — Nik Stauskas' defense shortcomings won't stop lottery teams from considering the sharpshooter :: Gary Dineen/NBAE/Getty Images

A guard out of Lousiana-Lafayette, Elfrid Payton has the polish and potential to be a first-round steal. — A guard out of Lousiana-Lafayette, Elfrid Payton has the polish and potential to be a first-round steal :: Tom Pennington/NBAE/Getty Images

McGary showcased lottery talent in the 2012-13 season, particularly during a strong NCAA tournament showing. A back injury wiped out most of last season, but McGary elected to go pro rather than face a possible season-long suspension for what he said was a positive marijuana test. McGary is a high-energy player who rebounds, runs the floor and finishes at the rim. He's also an excellent screener with good pick-and-roll potential. He's a low-risk, high-reward pick for a team that needs young frontcourt help.

Published Jun 4, 2014

CHRIS MANNIX

Chris Mannix is a senior writer at Sports Illustrated covering the NBA and boxing beats. He joined the SI staff in 2003 following his graduation from Boston College. Mannix is the host of SI's "Open Floor" podcast and serves as a ringside analyst and reporter for DAZN Boxing. He is also a frequent contributor to NBC Sports Boston as an NBA analyst. A nominee for National Sportswriter of the Year in 2022, Mannix has won writing awards from the Boxing Writers Association of America and the Pro Basketball Writers Association, and is a longtime member of both organizations.