NBA Mock Draft 3.0: To Embiid or not to Embiid?

MANNIX: Meet the draft's international man of mystery The Spurs love tapping the international market, and the 7'3", 265-pound Tavares is an intriguing

Chris Mannix | Jun 18, 2014

NBA Mock Draft 3.0: To Embiid or not to Embiid? /

Joel Embiid has reportedly impressed Cavaliers officials in private workouts leading up to the draft. — Joel Embiid has reportedly impressed Cavaliers officials in private workouts leading up to the draft :: Greg Nelson/SI

MANNIX: Meet the draft's international man of mystery

Michigan State could have two players go in the top 15 in Adreian Payne (left) and Gary Harris. — Michigan State could have two players go in the top 15 in Adreian Payne (left) and Gary Harris :: Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

With Derek Fisher now coaching the Knicks, the Thunder could target Lousiana-Lafayette's Elfrid Payton. — With Derek Fisher now coaching the Knicks, the Thunder could target Lousiana-Lafayette's Elfrid Payton :: Greg Nelson/SI

The Spurs love tapping the international market, and the 7'3", 265-pound Tavares is an intriguing prospect for a team with an aging front line. A true center with limited mobility, Tavares opened some eyes with his play at the Spanish Cup. He's an ideal draft-and-stash candidate, a strategy with which San Antonio is familiar.

Published Jun 18, 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.