Report: Jabari Parker, Joel Embiid will not attend NBA Draft Scouting Combine in Chicago

Mar 20, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jabari Parker (1) speaks during a press conference during practice before the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Duke’s Jabari Parker and Kansas’ Joel Embiid are both very clear cut candidates for the top overall pick come the 2014 NBA Draft late this June. This week, the draft process will take its biggest step thus far with the Scouting Combine in Chicago as the top basketball prospects in the country, also vying for that no. 1 overall lottery slot, will try to impress the top executives and coaches in the league.

But, Parker and Embiid will not be a part of that group.

Joel Embiid and Jabari Parker -- two possible No. 1 overall picks -- will not attend the Chicago draft combine, sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 11, 2014

Both Parker and Embiid made some of the biggest noise across the college basketball landscape as freshman, which is exactly why they’re in the coveted position they’re in.

For the Jayhawks, the 7-foot Embiid averaged 11.2 points per game and 8.1 rebounds. However, he battled some back issues throughout the season, which makes skipping the chance to be evaluated properly at the Combine a questionable decision, at best. If there were any teams scared off about the back issues, they’re maybe a little more concerned now.

Parker was an absolute monster for Coach K and the Blue Devils during his one season in Durham, averaging 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds. He was very much on the fence about coming out, especially since the crushing loss in their first NCAA Tournament game, however he ultimately decided to make the right move.

Is skipping the Combine a good choice or bad choice?

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