NBA Combine 2015: List of Participants, Schedule and Players to Watch
As the 2015 NBA draft inches closer, teams will first work out the incoming recruits at this week's NBA Draft Combine.
The NBA version isn't met with the same ravenous obsession as its NFL counterpart, and that's for the best. When Kevin Durant couldn't bench press 185 pounds in 2007, most fans and scouts had the common sense to ask, "Who cares?"
A 40-yard sprint won't determine anybody's draft stock here. In fact, projected top picks Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor will skip it altogether. Sports Illustrated provides a complete look at the 62 participants:
Many top prospects, however, will not compete in the five-on-five scrimmages. As shown by ESPN's Chad Ford, those partaking in five-on-five play need the positive exposure to climb up draft boards:
After starting Tuesday, the combine will resume throughout the week, with Thursday and Friday containing the real action.
Dates: May 13-17 (on-court portion May 14-15)
Where: Chicago
TV: NBA TV, ESPN (on-court)
Players to Watch
Robert Upshaw, C, Washington (dismissed)
Among prospects lacing up for on-court activity, none will match Robert Upshaw's upside. Yet Washington dismissed the 7'0" center in late January, becoming the second program to kick him off the team.
According to Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com, Upshaw "failed multiple drug tests while at both schools." No matter the sport, draft coverage will never escape the "character concern" discussion.
During his brief tenure with the Huskies, Upshaw easily warranted first-round consideration. Before receiving the boot, he averaged 4.5 blocks per game, logging a 59.3 field-goal percentage through 19 games.
His combine performance behind closed doors may matter more, as he must shine in his interviews by saying all the right things. But organizations won't bother with perceived off-court risks unless their play offsets those potential costs. Going up against several future second-round selections, Upshaw has a golden opportunity to dominate.
Shielding the rim during the five-on-five exhibitions will reinforce just how special of a talent he remains. Since game-changers rarely appear outside the lottery, someone will bite.
Tyler Harvey, G, Eastern Washington
Although he's not headed for NBA stardom, Tyler Harvey can put the ball in the basket. After registering 21.8 points per game his freshman year, the Eastern Washington guard upped his point tally to to 23.1 with a 46.9 field-goal percentage.
Having drained an NCAA-high 128 three-pointers last season, the 21-year-old can make a professional living as a deep mercenary who can create off the dribble. Anyone expecting above-average passing or defense won't be satisfied.
Listed at 6'4" and 185 pounds on ESPN.com, Harvey's size will draw some skepticism. In his scouting report, CBS Sports' Sam Vecenie stated the importance of Harvey shining this week despite many of his guard peers returning to school:
"But still, workouts are going to be absolutely critical to his overall draft stock. If he can prove that he has some more athleticism in his reserves or if his wingspan tests out longer than anticipated, it could lead to a team thinking he has more development to go in his game -- even at 22-years-old in Summer League. If they go the other way and he doesn't work out well, he will likely be more of a late-second round pick that could go undrafted. But that's the worst case scenario.
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Along with providing nice measurables, he'll have a chance to do what he does best: score buckets. With his Eagles hidden in the Big Sky Conference, Harvey will now fly free and ball against other highly regarded peers. The scrimmage could expose some of his limitations, but a scoring display will keep him relevant.
Aaron and Andrew Harrison, G, Kentucky
As part of Kentucky's annual exodus, brothers Aaron and Andrew Harrison will depart for the NBA. Multiple Wildcats will get snatched up during the first round, but the Harrison twins aren't generating the same buzz.
Both guards shot below 40.0 percent during shaky seasons, with Aaron's 39.5 topping Andrew's 37.8. In his latest top-100 rankings, Ford rates Andrew No. 45 and Aaron No. 60, placing the latter on the cusp of undrafted territory.
“It’s just another chip on my shoulder,” Aaron said, per CoachCal.com's Metz Camfield. “I really do believe I’m the best shooting guard in the draft so I just have to go prove it.”
Well, here's his chance. Although neither received the full spotlight on Kentucky's stacked roster, sloppy shooting and decision-making can't overcome the aura of playing for a high-caliber squad. Standing out probably becomes much tougher when you're now directly competing with your twin.
Both Harrison brothers need to make a statement to solidify an NBA roster spot.
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