NBA Draft 2012: Why Top Prospects Are Smartly Skipping Combine Workouts

Anthony Davis, Bradley Beal, Harrison Barnes, Andre Drummond and some other top prospects are in Chicago for the NBA draft combine, but they will not be working out and are instead opting for simple measurements, according to a report by Sports Illustrated’s Sam Amick.

While this news may be a disappointment to fans tuning in to watch the event on ESPNU and ESPN3’s live stream, it is a smart move by the players and their agents to maximize their draft stock.

Amick pointed out that the handlers are putting more emphasis on individual team workouts and do not want their clients to demonstrate their skills in front of large groups.

This gives far more of a margin for error, as a terrible workout will not be seen by nearly every franchise in the league, but rather just one.

Not working out for everyone also builds more intrigue, as other general managers will have to contemplate what their rivals have seen and might be more inclined to trade up and reach if they do not think they will have a chance at them later in the draft.

All of these players are trying to go in the early lottery and any missteps would hurt their case to be selected that high, while doing nothing keeps their stock steady (with the exception of Davis, who will go No. 1 barring a major injury or some other wild unforeseen circumstance).

Declining to workout isn’t completely selfish, either, as it gives some lesser-known prospects a better chance to get noticed and more attention will be directed to them at the combine.

There is still plenty of time up leading up to the June 28 draft, so don’t be disappointed that your favorite player decided to sit the combine out. There will be plenty more opportunities to read and see what they are doing for individual teams.