NBA mock Draft 2014: Magic projected to pick Joel Embiid and Tyler Ennis, analyst says

In his first "extended" mock 2014 NBA Draft, Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress pegs the Orlando Magic to select Kansas center Joel Embiid and Syracuse point guard Tyler Ennis with the third and 12th overall picks, respectively.

Embiid, a seven-footer, posted 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in his freshman season before a back injury prematurely ended his campaign. Givony belives Embiid is too talented to slip further than third in this Draft, despite the concerns regarding his back. Further, he says, "after adding all kinds of nice pieces to the puzzle the last few years, Orlando will certainly be looking to draft a player with star power." Embiid has that potential, and with both Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker off the board, the Cameroonian big man makes the most sense for the Magic.

Givony also says that Marcus Smart and Dante Exum could also be in the proverbial mix for Orlando with its first pick, "especially" if the team slips from third in the Draft Lottery. Because the Magic finished with the league's third-worst record, they can pick no worse than sixth.

With their second first-round selection, acquired from the New York Knicks via the Denver Nuggets in the Dwight Howard trade, the Magic take Ennis. Givony appears to make this pick based on need, citing the "mixed results" Orlando saw playing Victor Oladipo at point guard in his rookie season and the fact that incumbent starter Jameer Nelson will turn 33 in February.

Ennis played one season at Syracuse, averaging 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.1 steals, and just 1.7 turnovers in 35.7 minutes per game.