NBA Draft 2012: Prospects Who Improved Their Stock at the Combine

The NBA Draft combine has helped some prospects improve their stock dramatically.

Through workouts and official measurements, a few players were able to showcase their talents in front of NBA's decision makers.

Here are four players who will greatly benefit from their performance at the combine.

Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

Damian Lillard’s draft stock has been skyrocketing in recent weeks. His decision to take part in drills at the combine has only continued this trend. 

ESPN’s Chad Ford referred to him as the “real star of the draft combine” and even drew comparisons between him and Derrick Rose. 

Ford noted that his shooting, ability to get to the rim, hustle and interviews were all impressive.

Lillard is the best point guard available in the draft and he could be taken surprisingly high in the draft this year.

Royce White, SF, Iowa State

Royce White is a top-10 talent who has been projected to go in the late first round because of character concerns.

As SI.com notes, these questions are about a severe anxiety disorder and an arrest for shoplifting in 2009.

But Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com notes that, “No one, according to several NBA guys, was more impressive in the interview process than the Iowa State point forward.”

If White convinces scouts that he mentally ready for the NBA, he could shoot up draft boards. The small forward has an impressive all-around game and he can be an impact player at the pro level. 

Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois 

The Illinois center improved his stock with his measurements. According to CBSSports.com’s official results from the combine, he checked in at 7’1” (with shoes on) with a 7’3” wingspan.

He is a defensive-minded player with the size to be a force on that end of the floor. 

Several teams will want to add a center who can rebound and defend at a high level. Leonard proved that he has the talent to be that player during his career at Illinois, with 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. 

Few big men have his combination of size and athleticism. He is projected to be a late first-round pick but he may go earlier after these measurements.

Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

Andrew Nicholson is another small-school prospect who proved he can compete against top-level competition at the combine.

He was known for his outside shooting abilities coming out of the draft he confirmed these skills at the combine. Chad Ford, in the same article, claims that, “Nicholson shot the ball as well as most of the guards at the camp.”

Nicholson’s official measurements, via CBSSports.com, were incredibly impressive as well. He is only 6’8.5” tall, but has a ridiculous 7’4” wingspan and was the only player at the combine whose hands measured 10” long.

He has an NBA body and all the skills to be productive. He was also projected to go late in the first round, but will likely be taken earlier than that due to the results at the combine.