The Cleveland Cavaliers, who will select first in the 2014 NBA Draft in Thursday, is reportedly leaning towards picking Duke standout Jabari Parker over Kansas star Andrew Wiggins.

Chad Ford of ESPN reported that Parker, who averaged 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds in his lone season with the Blue Devils, is now on top of the Cavaliers' draft board after Joel Embiid underwent foot surgery.

Ford insisted that the 19-year-old forward, who is considered as the most NBA ready among the top prospects in the upcoming draft, intrigues the Cavaliers, who are looking to become a playoff team next season.

Cavaliers general manager David Griffin feels that Parker can help the team get over the hump next season and finally end the team's playoff drought by filling the its need at the three spot.

However, Ford added that Parker is not yet a lock at No. 1. Sources said that the Cavaliers were not impressed with Parker during his workout on Friday.

"Sources close to the Cavs told ESPN.com this weekend that the team is now leaning toward taking Parker with the No. 1 pick. However, it's far from a lock. Parker came in to work out on Friday in front of the Cavs' front office and ownership. Parker wasn't great. He was a bit heavy, didn't shoot the ball well and got winded at times," Ford noted.

Sources who witnessed the workout also believed that Parked "tanked" because he is more interested in playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, who own the second pick in the upcoming rookie draft.

Wiggins, on the other hand, exceeded expectations during his own workout, displaying his off-the-charts athleticism, while also shooting the ball well and showing good character during his interview.

"Wiggins came in and nailed his workout on Wednesday. He shot the ball well, showed off tremendous athleticism and had a good interview. In fact, Wiggins was emphatic that he wants to be the No. 1 pick and wants to play for the Cavs," Ford said.

The Cavaliers have until Thursday to decide on who to pick between Parker and Wiggins. Previous reports also indicated that the Cavaliers might trade the pick, but the team's executives made it clear that they will keep it unless a team offers a superstar in return.

Related