Maybe 1st rounders aren't guaranteed contracts? If a player is that worried about being injured, they probably should stop playing sports. I don't think anyone with a brain would sacrifice a chance to improve their game, keep their scholarship, and possibly IMPROVE their draft stock to sit around not making money and not playing basketball or go to the grandeur of the D-League or Europe.
I guess it just depends on if they get guaranteed contracts. I would take one and sit on it for a bit if I knew I was a 1st rounder. So I wait a bit, but I am for sure in the league when it comes back. If I go another year, yes I may work on my game, but it doesn't always work out that way. Some players stick around another year and it hurts them instead of helping.
If the 1st rounders do not get guaranteed contracts because of the lockout, you are probably right.
I doubt it though.