Report: Cavs were 'blown away' by Joel Embiid's workout

While reports continue to conflict about how the medical examination went for potential No. 1 overall pick Joel Embiid when he was in Cleveland last week, there is no conflict when it comes to how he looked on the court and how he came off in interviews.

The Cavaliers were said to be very impressed with the Kansas center, enough that owner Dan Gilbert - long thought to be the final hurdle in drafting a player with long-term potential over someone who can help now - may even be on board.

Here's ESPN's Chad Ford describing the post-workout feelings in Cleveland:

Embiid's workout and interview in Cleveland last week were major successes, according to sources close to the Cavs. Embiid did a full workout there in front of the Cavs' front office and owner Dan Gilbert. Multiple sources said that the team was blown away with the workout. Embiid even ended one session by launching and nailing a series of 3s. Directly after the workout, two different sources told me that Embiid was the strong favorite to be drafted by the Cavs. Even Gilbert was on board.

That's about as glowing as it gets, and even if one wants to be skeptical about the quality of information that comes out of these workouts, it's easy to see why a team would be enamored with Embiid. He's huge, he's athletic, he has a far better feel for the game than would be commensurate with his experience level, and he has the potential to be a game-changer on both ends.

Speaking of the quality of information, Ford doesn't seem to think the conflicting reports about the status of Embiid's back make a good deal of sense:

However, there have been conflicting reports coming out of Cleveland about Embiid's physical, with one report stating the Cavs found multiple red flags. That's been strongly disputed by the sources I have, but getting accurate information this time of year is especially challenging. I don't see the incentive for the Cavs to leak that the physical was bad. It lessens the value of the No. 1 pick, especially considering that they are still looking at multiple trade options.

In short, the Cavaliers would be poorly-served by putting out bad information about Embiid, unless they expect to trade the No. 1 pick and want to grab him later. That would be quite the long-con.

It seems likely that the Cavs won't be forthright with where they're leaning until they step to the podium on June 26, but Embiid is currently the favorite.