My take on this is that I strongly disagree with much of that article. While bits my be relevant, the major disagreement is the leading assumption that oh he should base his decision on having a great statistical year nothing to see here move along to get a blue light special deal in the Kmart section of the draft. If you want to be a top grade Polo shirt in the end of winter season for sale rack because its summer time then go in the draft. My opinion.
There are 3 very very compelling reasons why Swan needs to stay another year. Number one he cannot hurt his draft status next year by doing so in any way shape or form. Even if he completely flopped in the clumsiest possible way imaginable he has a 4th year to rely on possibility wise. He cannot lose by remaining in college another year. With remaining however, he can gain a tremendous amount of money, fame, and intangible publicity which would absolutely put him in a shoe deal category next year. Number two, his draft status this year is plagued by his slowness weakness. It is a glaring disadvantage. His 3 point setup is way too long. He'll never get those shots off in the NBA. His inside scoring isn't there yet at the NBA level and he must get faster. The NBA is not sure on him yet. They can't tell if he's a prize, a backup, or here today gone tomorrow. Can he get drafted in the low round 1? Maybe and maybe not. If he does and does not perform immediately in the NBA he will end up in the overseas leagues and that would put his overall NBA status in major jeopardy long term potentially costing him a tremendous amount of upfront money. Thirdly his opportunity cost is greater entering the draft this year than next year. He is at best a low 1st round pick, maybe a second round pick when you factor in overseas players. Most of these mock drafts greatly overlook overseas players. Does he want to risk being a low 1st or possibly second round pick?
While yes ultimately performing in NBA will elevate you as time goes on, but entering the NBA underrated and not performing above expectations can be a long lasting effect. I'd much rather enter NBA next year on fire with publicity, a convincing preseason player of the year finishing strong with back to back similar seasons and NCAA tournament drama level success to capstone the college career. Being a top lottery pick virtually guarantees you big money shoe like deals. You build your fame in college before you get to the NBA. Everybody knew LJ's name before he even stepped on the court. Curry as well. He has a chance to build MASSIVE FAME CREDS next year staying a junior season. You can't get that back that is priceless for next year's draft. Man he should savor every moment of another year to fame cred build. Highlights, victory, every dunk next year is like winning double down hands at the blackjack table. He'd be foolish to not return to Purdue with this supporting cast. The fame creds and name recognition he'd get. It would be in my mind catastrophic to not play out this junior year all things considered. Settling for this year's draft as a polo shirt on the for sale clearance rack would be disastrous in my mind. The NBA is a business and draft favors fame. Teams want people that can play and people want to see. One rule here. Fame creds equals draft creds. Everyone knows who Christian Laettner is. Shane Battier? While well known and a better player Christian is more well known. NBA has a problem right now nobody knows the player's names as much as in the past eras. Maybe a few. Most college kids today can name 10 NBA players from decades ago for every one today. College fame creds are priceless and the skids are greased for him next year should he choose to get on that train folks. Beleeeeee that.
