http://www.wlfi.com/story/35358420/caleb-swanigan-decides-not-to-play-in-nba-combine
Any idea what this could mean? Is he really trying that hard?
Any idea what this could mean? Is he really trying that hard?
Biggie not playing in NBA combine
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That is, interesting. My optimistic side makes me think he has decided to return. Of course I guess it could mean a team has worked out a deal with him already as well.
Still, one would think that if your intent was to stay in the draft and increase your stock, the combine is a needed thing to participate in.
Or more realistically, I'm reading far more in to this than there really is.
Yeah, selfishly, I look at this as a potential return. I just can't wrap my mind around not participating and giving this opportunity every thing you have. I don't think this is typical of his work ethic to go halfass. I don't want to set myself up for a letdown, but.......maybe????
Since overthinking is my specialty (often causing analysis paralysis) .... I think you are right on your two guesses. Sometimes voodoo in the gut is real and I have felt for a while that he was less than "definitely gone." No basis in anything but my gut. There are a lot of vibes in the halls of Mackey at all times. Not always easy to interpret them, but they are always there.
The main two reasons to go to the combine are 1. improve your stock, 2. find out what you need to go back and work on in college. If he knows the answers to those two questions, no need to go. And a deal could happen more easily with Rosie being involved and still not "hire" an agent (at least I think it could).
He was never going to play. He is going for the analysis and to be measured in the drills but will not play the actual games. Btw, this isn't all that unusual as many of the people attending don't play.
Injury wise this makes sense and while going through some measurables and drills he is limiting the exposure but not completely eliminating one. He will be interviewed by teams and may find out what he is looking to hear in those meetings. He is in the best position he can be by doing this and after huddling with Barnes make his final decision!
I believe they have already posted a waiting list and Haas and Edwards were not on it!
Here is a link that gives the 67 invite names and alternate. Neither Vince nor Isaac made the alternate list. Vince is mentioned as a "top 100 not invited".
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/2017-nba-draft-combine-unofficial-invitee-breakdown-5909/
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/2017-nba-draft-combine-unofficial-invitee-breakdown-5909/
Guys "like" Haas doesn't imply that it actually "is" Haas. However that list was posted before the organizers knew definitely who would actually scrimmage. Some kids invited may not go at all. Lots of lottery pick guys don't because they would gain little and may actually hurt their position. So it's unlikely either would get picked up but no one knows for sure right now.
thanks for the link
I'm surprised Tacko Fall didn't get invited, being that he's similarly-skilled to Haas but is 7'6 and probably a little bit more athletic.
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And some drafts have Tacko in the first round, ahead of Biggie. It was like Davis from MSU getting drafted with very little productivity. If Biggie goes, he needs to be put in the right system. It would be unfortunate if he gets drafted and doesn't ever get a chance to play or get that second contract. I am not sure staying an extra year helps with that unless he continues to improve his explosiveness and shows he can defend athletic big men. Though the turnovers are concerning, he won't be asked to do the same thing at the pro level and those will go down. That Kansas game will be his biggest enemy. It's just shocking to me that the runner up for national player of the year and winner of several big man awards can't get a lottery pick. Taking a flier on somebody that hasn't shown the production over a proven winner is crazy to me. But, I guess that is just the NBA game.
The biggest question for me would be, is next years draft going to have fewer big men rated ahead of him, and will that allow him to go to a team that would draft him high enough to have to play him. Wether he goes this year or next, I hope he has a long NBA career with much success. Maybe get a ring or three and take care of that family.
Not sure if individual workouts have been done yet but a team could have already contacted him or Barnes and said they want him in the 1st round. No need to go to the combine then. Plus Biggie has more than enough data out there. Some against top competition as well. I would also think the combine would be dominated by guards looking to impress and go into business for themselves most of the time. Only passing when absolutely necessary. Really no need for top level power forwards or centers to go to the combine imo. AJ skipped it last year as well for what its worth. I would say that its a good thing he was invited at least.
