Joel Embiid, impress Milwaukee Bucks in workouts

Milwaukee Bucks director of scouting Billy McKinney spoke to the media following Tuesday’s pre-draft workout at the team’s practice facility.

While the workout included six likely second-round prospects, McKinney spoke about his experience watching Joel Embiid. “We saw a lot of players over the last several days,” McKinney said, noting Embiid specifically.

McKinney was impressed with Embiid’s workout, noting that his troublesome back did not appear to be an issue. “Embiid went through the entire workout,” McKinney said. “It didn’t appear that there were any signs of issues with his back, which of course will continue to be investigated as we go into the draft.”

A stress fracture in Embiid’s back caused him to miss the final portion of his freshman season at Kansas. And although he’s healthy now, a big man with back issues is always a long-term concern.

Barring substantial medical evidence indicating he’s liability, though, Embiid will almost certainly hear his name called in the top three.

He recent workout was impressive, showcasing an impressive repertoire of post moves and an improved mid-range game.