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NBA Scouting Combine: Michael Carter-Williams Sits Out, James Southerland Impresses

Michael Carter-Williams opted to sit out of NBA Draft Combine drills Thursday, while James Southerland turned some heads with his shooting and athleticism.

By Jared E. Smith
Andy Lyons

The hype and the hoopla might not be the same, but the goals at the 2013 NBA Combine compared to the NFL Draft Combine are -- impress those making the picks on draft day.

On Thursday in Chicago, two former Syracuse Orange players, point guard Michael Carter-Williams and forward James Southerland, were suppose to showcase their skills during camp drills, however, only one -- Southerland -- did so.

For an unknown reason, McDubz -- or better said his agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports -- decided it would be best if the 6-foot-6, young floor general did not participate in drills. (From what I am seeing, most of the drills surrounded around shooting, so that makes sense). He will, according to Syracuse.com's Mike Waters, participate in Friday's strength and agility drills.

Carter-Williams is one of a handful of players who were expected to participate in the combine's drills on Thursday, but opted out at the last minute. Duke's Mason Plumlee and Indiana's Cody Zeller also elected not to participate today.

MCW may explain why he decided not to participate in Thursday's drills, via his NBA.com Draft Diary, later on. (My guess is it has to do with some things that scout's dislike about him.) In the meantime, here is MCW hanging out with the slew of players that sat out.

Meanwhile, "Big Game" James was out on the floor and doing what he does best -- stroking 3-pointers.

Seems like his performance is opening some eyes, including ESPN's Chad Ford.

Get it James!

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