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Joel Embiid, recognized by many as the top candidate to be the No.1 overall pick in 2014 NBA draft after averaging 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in his freshman year at Kansas, is reported to have suffered a stress fracture in his right foot and will have to undergo surgery Friday. Arn Tellem, Embiid's agent, ackowledge the report in a statement released on Thursday adternoon:

"Joel Embiid suffered a stress fracture to the navicular bone in his right foot. He is scheduled to have surgery tomorrow. Joel will be unable to participate in any additional workouts, and will not attend the draft in New York. We will have no further comment until after the surgery.

The report indicated that the stress fracture was on Joel Embiid's navicular bone, wikipedia indicates it as "one of the tarsal bones found in our foot". Embiid will undergo immediate surgery, which will typically involve the insertion of pins to keep the bones strong and durable. An injury on the navicular bone generally requires 4-6 months to completely heal but in the case of Embiid, may take lesser time because of his youth and naturally athletic frame.

Despite the seriousness Chris Mannix from Sports Illustrated states it could mean his downfall from number 1 NBA Draft Pick, Joel Embiid reveals a rather different demeanor Chris described as "optimistic" from his selfie photo posted on instagram.

Several sources were already in doubt about whether or not the 7-foot native of Cameroon can play in the NBA at 100%. He was dealing with back issues during his freshman year, which made him miss the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments. And since standard navicular bone post-surgery procedures normally require 2 weeks before some one is admitted to travel, Embiid will not be able to attend the draft, which is scheduled to take place next week on Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

For those who can attend the NBA Draft 2014- tickets have gone on sale and can be bought online here from Ticketmaster or by calling 800-745-3000. The event will begin at 7pm and will be covered live by ESPN and ESPN radio.

While it would be premature to make a definite conclusion at this time on whether or not the injury will pose a risk, both in the short and long term, on teams looking to draft the Kansas big man, the specter of Sam Bowie is starting to rise. But if we were to take a page on Nerlens Noel in the last draft, Embiid wont drop far in the draft ladder - although Noel's situations (ACL rehab) was far more predictable compared to the Embiid's myriad of injuries.

And if Cleveland - who are projected to draft Embiid as the No.1 overall pick this coming NBA draft - sees the big man's health concern as a major hurdle in the future, they can opt to chose Duke freshman Jabari Parker or Kansas wing Andrew Wiggins with their No.1 pick.