Why wouldn't all good college players declare, and see if they get the combine invite? It makes a lot sense to use the new rules to their advantage. Doesn't mean they have to even be thinking of leaving, but if you can get valuable feedback from NBA folks, they should do it.
2 reasons why they should
1.) WEAK draft this season, 2017 already looking like a much deeper draft
2.) New entry rules this year (enter without signing with an agent, go through the combine, get their draft grade, 1st round grade - go, 2nd round grade - stay)
You must be bored
They can be given an approximate best case ranking relative to the players known to be entering the draft, and advised that their position will then drop accordingly depending on who else ultimately declares.I agree with this, but then also wonder how valuable the advice they get will truly be? If there are lots of underclassmen that go through the evaluations, but don't have both feet in the draft it makes it harder to determine where you'd fall in the draft doesn't it? If these 10 guys declare and stay in you are a second rounder. If these guys don't keep there names in you are a first rounder.
There will be vacancies in the NBA that will interest Ollie. Lakers, Wizards, Pacers.
Don't they have to pay their own way still? That would be a bit prohibitive for most guys. Or did they change that rule as well?
I would think Richardson needs to show he has more than just a hot-or-cold three-point shot before an NBA team drafts him...but then again, this is NBA scouts and GM's we're talking about.
Scout: This kid shoots 35% from three and has good size for a guard, but hasn't figured out how to penetrate and score consistently and turns the ball over more than twice a game.
GM: Hmmm...I'll pass.
Scout: But wait - he's a freshman.
GM: WHAT?! DRAFT HIM NOW! WE'LL MAKE HIM A STAR!
Scout: I thought you might say that! Since we're looking at Syracuse, his teammate is 6-6 and played point guard this year. He can handle, is great penetrator, can jump through the ceiling and shot .411 from three. He really can do it all and led SU to the Sweet 16.
GM: Wow! Sounds great.
Scout: Hold on, sir. This young man is...a senior. *lowers head in shame*
GM: Noooooooooooo! How dare you even waste my time with this garbage?!
Scout: I'm sorry, sir. It's just that he's the best player on that te--
GM: I don't care! He's over the hill. We can't work with someone that...old! Yuck! *dry heaves*
Scout: You're right, sir. I'm sorry. It won't happen again!
ThanksThis might be as dumb a post as OP's.
If Syracuse wins it all... maybe.There will be a lot of salty folks in the next couple of weeks after both Malachi and Lydon declare with no agent to potentially participate in the combine.
People don't understand how the new rules are going to change things. I expect both Malachi and Lydon back next season, but that doesn't mean that I don't think they'll declare and try to get a workout out of the combine.They way people talk about Malachis draft prospects around here, you would think he is having the season Gbinije is having.
It's all about context. A true freshman's season is viewed through a different lens than a fifth year senior's.They way people talk about Malachis draft prospects around here, you would think he is having the season Gbinije is having.
People don't understand how the new rules are going to change things. I expect both Malachi and Lydon back next season, but that doesn't mean that I don't think they'll declare and try to get a workout out of the combine.
It's all about context. A true freshman's season is viewed through a different lens than a fifth year senior's.