With the 2013 NBA Draft Combine just held in Chicago over the past two weeks prospects were put through the rigors of shooting, dribbling and conditioning drills. In addition, this year the combine’s physical tests were made public. Physical drills such as standing vertical jump, max vertical, lane agility slides, sprint and bench press are now analyzed (and critiqued) by not just NBA General Managers but also by the media.
For some players, the combine helped their draft stock. For others, their combine results were more modest and hurt their status.
Still, other prospects did not participate in the combine at all or skipped the basketball workout portion but did participate in the physical test. This was due to agents’ advice so that they would not fall in the draft if they showed poorly or got injured.
The injury dilemma I understand, although some professional athletes get hurt doing mundane, everyday tasks. If you want a chuckle, check this link out.
What I would have a problem with as a NBA executive is that these prospects tend to discuss how hard they are working on their game by limiting a weakness or improving a skill set, but then they fail to go out and compete against themselves or their peers in the combine.
Sure, some of the prospects have individual workouts for teams and want to keep their performance more private.
Nevertheless, I would want to draft a player who is looking to test themselves at each and every opportunity. Period. It seems to me that by not participating the prospect is attempting to hide a weakness or run from a chance to improve.
Yes, there is lots at stake for teams and prospects, but when it all comes down to it, it’s a game.
Lace them up and compete.
Follow Bert DeSalvo on Twitter @CoachDeSalvo
Expressions from the Hardwood 