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Oregon guard Chris Duarte has reportedly declined his invitation to the NBA draft combine, fueling speculation the Pac-12 Player of the Year has received a first-round promise, according to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic.
Duarte was named to the All-Pac 12 first team after averaging 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals in 29 games as a senior. He was one of only two Division I players to average at least 17 points and 1.9 steals on 50% shooting from the field.
The NBA announced in March the combine will return to Chicago and take place June 21-27. Teams on Saturday submitted votes for the prospects they wish to see at the combine and the NBA G League Elite Camp with those invitations to be sent out this week.
Oregon’s Chris Duarte declined his 2021 NBA Draft Combine invite, fueling talk among teams that the combo guard could have a first-round promise, per sources.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) June 7, 2021
Duarte is most commonly projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick.
By skipping the combine, Duarte and his camp likely feel strongly about going in the first round. His ability to play both guard positions and make an impact on both ends of the floor likely has teams intrigued with his potential at the next level.
The NBA draft is scheduled to take place on July 29.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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