By JOSH NEWMAN
Special to ZAGSBLOG
Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker, now considered mortal locks for the top two picks at Thursday’s NBA Draft with Joel Embiid injured, are the biggest names among 21 confirmed as green room invites.
The NBA has not released its official list yet, but ESPN’s Chad Ford has confirmed 21 players to be present Thursday evening at Barclays Center. Aside from Wiggins and Parker, Dante Exum, Noah Vonleh, Aaron Gordon, Julius Randle, Marcus Smart, Doug McDermott, Dario Saric, Gary Harris, Elfrid Payton, Nik Stauskas, James Young, Zach LaVine, Jusuf Nurkic, Adreian Payne, T.J. Warren, Tyler Ennis, Rodney Hood and Shabazz Napier have been invited.
Embiid’s agent, Arn Tellem, has already said that the 7-foot Kansas big man will not attend the draft. He underwent successful surgery on Friday to repair a fractured right foot. Embiid’s recovery time is reportedly 4-6 months.
All 21 names on the list are projected first-round selections, the lowest being UConn point guard Napier at No. 24 according to DraftExpress. Since leading the Huskies to the national championship in April, his stock has risen steadily. At one point, DraftExpress had Napier slotted as low as No. 51.
