NBA Combine 2012: Why Event Still Matters Despite Stars Not Participating

A number of star college players have made it known that they will be attending the combine just for measurements and have no interest in working out. That does not cheapen the event in any way, and it definitely is still a useful process for scouts and GMs.

One of the main goals of the combine is to give some lesser-known prospects face time with organizations and allow them to show off their skills in a bid to boost their draft stock.

Guys like Anthony Davis, Bradley Beal, Harrison Barnes and Andre Drummond—who are reportedly not going to work out, according to a report by CBS Sports’ Matt Moore—are all projected to go early in the lottery. They have almost nothing to gain by participating and could likely only hurt themselves.

There is plenty of footage on these young men, as many of their games were nationally televised throughout the season and they have been on early big boards since they entered college.

With 61 players attending, there is still plenty of talent for teams to get a good look at that they might not have had a chance to evaluate prior to this two-day event. .

Just last year, MarShon Brooks and Kenneth Faried both vaulted into the early 20s of the first round after having great performances in Chicago. They were projected to be late-first, early-second picks prior to them having an opportunity to wow the spectators.

It’s a shame that the stars feel that they are above this event, but that just means there will be more focus on guys that seem to be coming out of nowhere, and it gives them a better chance to be drafted