NBA Draft: Top 25 one-and-done prospects of all-time

Kansas Jayhawks big man Joel Embiid stepped onto the scene when much of the spotlight was reserved for Andrew Wiggins and Wayne Selden. He has emerged as one of the top talents in the league.

The seven-footer emerged with the Jayhawks during the 2013-14 season as a raw talent that began playing basketball at 16 years old. By the time he arrived in Kansas, his potential was on full display. He set the freshman record for blocked shots at Kansas with 72.

He averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game through 28 appearances for the Jayhawks. By season’s end, he took home Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors, as well as a selection on the All-Big 12 Second Team. The Jayhawks saw an early exit in the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament, as Embiid’s career took a hit when he missed the final six games with a stress fracture in his back.

In the 2014 NBA Draft, Embiid was still taken as the third overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers. Injuries kept him sidelined during the 2014-15 season and part of the 2016-17 season, but he’s managed to find his health these past few seasons.

He produced 27.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.9 blocks per game during the 2018-19 season, while making his second-straight NBA All-Star Game appearance. He put up five 40-point games, three 20-rebound efforts and two triple-doubles in one of the best seasons of his young career.

The 76ers missed an appearance in this year’s Eastern Conference Finals, but it should only encourage Embiid to be more disciplined. His career continues to rise with the 76ers, especially alongside Jimmy Butler.