The combine doesn’t really matter, until it does. NBA scouts spend years evaluating prospects and have very well formed opinions by the time the annual NBA Draft combine roles around each May. And yet each year we see one (or a few prospects) elevate their draft stock in a major way thanks to the combine measurements, athletic testing and/or play during the scrimmages.
This year we saw a lot of players measure well and perform well. In fact there were almost too many standouts to name them all, while only a few prospects hurt their stock. Even though the 2026 draft has lost some of its depth in recent weeks with players returning to school there is still a ton of talent through the first round and into the second.
This week in Chicago confirmed a lot of what we already knew; that this is a really good draft. And it gave a major boost to the following players draft stock.
Top Performers At The Draft Combine
Cameron Carr – SG/SF – Baylor – Carr measured out of this world, as expected, and then torched the nets in his one combine scrimmage, going for 30 points and easily looking like the best player on the floor. He showed off his deep range, hitting a 3 from near the logo, and he flew above the rim for a few impressive dunks. His 6 of 12 shooting from deep was a good preview of what he can bring to a NBA team. His length is awesome, his outside shot is lethal and he’s the type of wing that can fit into any system. All of this should help lift his draft stock to the 10-18 range.
Morez Johnson PF/C – Michigan – Morez had an absolutely monster week in Chicago, testing off the charts for a player his size and measuring out exceptionally well. There we some question marks coming in about his size and if he could man the middle in the NBA. His 6-9 barefoot height and 7-3 wingspan put an end to those concerns. He also performed well in all athletic testing showing off rare bounce and agility for a player his size. Before the combine Morez was firmly in the first round. Now he’s pushing himself into the lottery conversation. He might not be the sexist pick in that range but for a contending team looking to add an impactful win-now player he’d be a great option.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie – PG – Tennessee – Although undersized Gillespie showed more of what he saw from him in college; the ability to get into the lane and get his shots whenever he wants. I think he can be a solid option off a NBA bench and that warrants being a second round pick. He’s undersized but is just really tough to contain with the ball in his hands.
Aday Mara – C – Michigan – Mara has been rising up draft boards for months now and his rise culminated with outstanding measurements at the combine, including an absurd 9-9 standing reach and a colossal 7-6 wingspan. Mara’s draft stock has been floating in the late lottery range, although some analysts still have him as a mid/late first rounder. But after his showing this week in Chicago I think there’s a real chance he goes in the top 10. Don’t be surprised if he goes ahead of a one or two of the big name guards on draft night.
Baba Miller – PF – Cincinnati – Miller has been on a long and winding road to get to this point in his career. He came to the U.S. from Spain as a very highly rated player but didn’t really hit his stride during his time at Florida State. This past season at Cincinnati he came into his own and started to finally put it all together on the court. He’s still got a lot of work to do on his frame and becoming a better shooter but it’s rare to find a near 7-foot player who can handle, make plays off the bounce and guard all over the court. He’s still a developmental player in my eyes but I think he’s one who will be coveted in the mid/late second round. And if he continues to show improvements and better intensity during the draft workouts he could be a riser into the top 40.
Brayden Burries – PG/SG – Arizona – Burries came in as a combo guard prospect with a few questions about whether he had the size to play the 2 in the NBA. After measuring in at nearly 6-4 without shoes and a rock solid 215lbs those concerns were put to rest. He doesn’t get the hype that the other top 10 guards get but he looks like an ideal running mate type of guard who can play alongside and compliment any primary initiator. He can run the show when needed but has the versatility and two-way ability to fit into just about any system. I already had his stock very high, so he didn’t necessarily move up in my book, but he solidified his lottery grade.
Chris Cenac Jr. – PF – Houston – CCJ showed off his awesome combination of size, athleticism and shooting touch. He’s bouncy af and can really fly above the rim. He’s also becoming a lethal floor spacer and a versatile defender who looks like he’ll be a really nice role player in the league. I don’t know that he did enough to crash the lottery but he’s right there in the late lottery/mid first round mix.
Jacob Cofie – PF – USC – Cofie has had a strong draft season so far. He was one of the stars of the G League Elite Camp and then got called up to the NBA Combine. He’s proven to be a very high level shooter which is really intriguing to NBA teams given his size, length and defensive versatility. I think he’s on the fence about staying in the draft but if he does he could sneak into the second round. Another year in school could solidify him as a draftable player, maybe even a first rounder.
Dillon Mitchell – SF/PF – St. John’s – The hard-working and high-flying forward has shown off his role player skills, doing all the dirty work, running the floor hard and finishing plays above the rim. He’s probably not going to be a high level starter in the NBA but seems like a guy who could be valuable filling out a NBA bench.
Matt Able – SG – NC State – Able will have a really tough decision coming up.The young and athletic two guard has a big NIL deal to transfer to UNC but he’s also been buzzing a bit at the combine and is likely to be a top 40 pick if he stays in the draft. This week he’s shown off his shooting prowess and his high level athleticism. I think NBA teams know he’s a developmental guy still but has the type of upside that you usually find in the first round. We’ll know by May 27th what his decision will be.
Bennett Stirtz – PG/SG – Iowa – after a so so year at Iowa Stirtz came to the combine and shot the lights out. He’s probably not a first option offensive engine type but he looks like a guy who can be a great combo guard who is an ideal third guard on a good team.
Other players who helped their stock with good measurements, workouts and drills include: Kingston Flemings, Mikel Brown Jr. Hannes Steinbach, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Bryce Hopkins.
Players Sliding Down Draft Boards
Koa Peat – PF – Arizona – I’m a huge Koa Peat fan, both of his on the court game and a fan of the high-level young man that he is. But it’s clear that this week in Chicago hasn’t helped his draft stock. He’s a rock solid athlete but isn’t very lengthy and plays a game that seems better suited to the college level. He loves to operate in the mid post and makes most of his plays from 15 feet and in. He’s strictly a power forward, lacking the foot-speed to guard wings and lacking the size to guard the 5. I still think he’ll be a first rounder if he stays in the draft but that could be in the late twenties, rather than anywhere near the lottery. It would be really cool to see him back in school for one more year to see if he can expand his offensive game.
Jeremy Fears Jr. – PG – Michigan State – Fears might be the best passer in the class but that’s not enough to make up for his lack of size and inability to put the ball in the basket. He’s a likely returner who will have to put in a lot of work on his outside shot to make it at the NBA level.
Flory Bidunga – PF/C – Kansas/Louisville – Flory showed his good athleticism and good length but lacks ideal center size and is a limited offensive player. Another year in school is probably in the Cards for the Louisville transfer.