The NBA combine certainly isn't what it used to be. For years, the top prospects played a series of 5-on-5 games for GMs and coaches in an attempt to improve their draft stock.
Over the years more and more top prospects refused to play and two years ago, virtually everyone on the floor was a second-rounder. [...] This year, a whopping 14 players decided not to participate. A few, like Kentucky's John Wall, Ohio State's Evan Turner, Georgia Tech's Derrick Favors, Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins and Syracuse's Wesley Johnson (along with UNC's Ed Davis, who is injured) were understandable.
A few others were head-scratchers. Kansas' Cole Aldrich, Wake Forest's Al-Farouq Aminu, Baylor's Ekpe Udoh and Georgetown's Greg Monroe all should have been there.
A few others were just bizarre. Marshall's Hassan Whiteside, Kentucky's Daniel Orton and Washington's Quincy Pondexter didn't show despite the fact none of them is a lock to be drafted in the first round.
One other player, Duke's Jon Scheyer, missed the event because of a case of mono, according to his agent, Mark Bartlestein. Memphis' Elliot Williams also skipped the combine because of an undisclosed injury.
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In fairness to players, most of the time the decision is made by their agents. Here's an agent defending the decision:
"We were going to play our guy, but when you see everyone else pulling out, you really have no choice. It's a no-win situation. If he goes out and looks good, everyone says he did it against inferior competition. If he struggles, his stock drops like a rock. If other guys who are ranked in the same area aren't coming, we have to pull our guy."
Given the poor participation this year, expect the league to push hard for a mandatory appearance by every player in the next collective bargaining agreement.
The standouts
Fresno State's Paul George received the most buzz. George shot the ball really well in the workout, and just looked like the smoothest, most skilled player on the floor. Virtually every GM I spoke with mentioned his name as a potential lottery pick.
Kentucky's Eric Bledsoe also got a lot of love. He too was shooting well and, when paired with the other top point guards in the draft, looked like the best athlete on the floor.
Butler's Gordon Hayward looked quicker and more athletic than many teams thought he would.
Iowa State's Craig Brackins had many NBA GMs noting that he looked like the most polished big man on the floor.
Winners by losing (weight, that is)
A number of people were impressed with Texas big man Dexter Pittman. Pittman has lost more weight and looked skilled and light on his feet.
Cincinnati's Lance Stephenson also got props for his slimmed-down physique. Stephenson really had his midrange going on Thursday and wowed a number of GMs I spoke with.
UTEP's Derrick Caracter also impressed with his new, trimmer build. He was the best I've ever seen him and certainly helped his draft stock in the process.
VCU's Larry Sanders looked like he had added some weight and muscle -- a must for NBA scouts who felt he was too thin in college.
International man of mystery
This year's Combine Man of Mystery was England's Ryan Richards. Richards is a long lefty from England who got the attention of a number of GMs when he stepped onto the floor. Richards shot the ball well, was very fluid running up and down the court and showed a sound basketball IQ. [...]
Before they fall too in love, it's important to note that Richards played sparingly in Gran Canaria in Spain this year before eventually transferring to Switzerland to play. He got meaningful minutes there, but the competition was very weak. [...]
With so many teams sporting multiple first-round picks (the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder and New Jersey Nets) I wouldn't be surprised if someone takes a shot at him late in the first round.
Words can speak louder than action
Finally, virtually every GM in the league will tell you that the most important part of the process for them is the interviews and medical evaluations. Teams spent up to four hours a day on both Wednesday and Thursday doing sit-downs with individual players.
A number of players including Wall, Johnson, Monroe, Udoh, George, Xavier Henry and Brackins did well, according to team sources. A small handful including Cousins, Orton and Whiteside weren't as impressive.
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In the feel-good story of the draft combine, West Virginia's Da'Sean Butler showed up, despite the fact he wasn't invited by the NBA. Butler tore his ACL in the Final Four and won't be ready for the NBA summer league. [...]
According to one team official who met with Butler on Thursday: "He's a terrific kid. He's working hard. He still has a hunger for the NBA. He's not even limping anymore. You've got to consider him in the second round."
