NBA Draft 2012: Players Who Have Most to Prove at Combine and During Workouts

With a few notable exceptions, many prospects who have thrown their hat into the 2012 NBA draft will see their stock dramatically change over next the few weeks.

This is largely due to the nature of the pre-draft combines, camps and individual team workouts. There is much less of an emphasis on how a player performed in college or overseas as scouts and GMs look to see how these men perform against other NBA-worthy competition in a controlled environment.

This can be a double-edged sword, as some players turn out to be nothing more than workout warriors.

For example, the Milwaukee Bucks decided to select Joe Alexander No. 8 overall in 2008 after he impressed everyone with his athleticism, strength and skill in individual drills. He lasted two seasons in the NBA.

On the other hand, the Charlotte Bobcats seem to have a star on their hands in Bismack Biyombo, the No. 7 overall pick in last year’s draft. He had great interviews and fantastic workouts despite being relatively unknown in America.

Let’s take a look at some players who have a lot to prove and have a chance to significantly raise their stock in this year’s draft over the next month.

Andre Drummond

There is no doubting that this UConn product has the size and build to immediately compete in the NBA. He’s not one of those center prospects that must hit the weight room in order to see the floor.

The one thing he has to prove is that he can dominate other bigs, especially ones that are skilled enough to play in the pros. Drummond had trouble getting motivated and taking over games during his sole season with the Huskies.

If he shows a semblance of a motor during his workouts, scouts will feel much comfortable about recommending him as a top five pick.

Damien Lillard

At tiny Weber State, this PG was asked to be the primary scorer and had great success doing just that. At the next level, he’s going to need to show he can facilitate and run an offense that doesn’t solely revolve around his scoring ability.

This is why it will be instrumental that Lillard shows his court vision, decision-making and passing ability when he is running drills and scrimmages with other NBA hopefuls. It will boost his stock through the roof.  

Moe Harkless

This young and talented swingman has an extremely high ceiling. GMs want to get a solid grasp on just how good he can be before they waste a top pick on him, which is why Harkless will need to have to make a great impression.

The Johnnies had an up-and-down season and Harkless did as well. He only shot 20 percent from beyond the arc and has to show that he can extend his range when he makes it into the big leagues.

If he continues to pull down rebounds at a high rate, play great defense and slash to the rim, Harkless will have a meteoric rise on draft day.