That’s easy for us as fans to say, especially now, but personally I don’t see the upside for him as a player in coming back. Injuries have always been an issue for him and he’s coming off a year where he played at an ACC POY level. Could he have done it again? Sure, but how much higher is the ceiling for him and even if he performs to the same level, would it really change much?
The NBA is by far the most difficult pro league to get into as so many factors come into play for a minimal, minimal amount of spots. Getting his pro career started, getting paid likely far more than an NIL deal would afford, and protecting himself are the smart plays. Selfishly we all wanted him back, but even with not getting picked I still say he made the right call