The 2026 NBA Combine in Chicago has provided a fascinating insight into the prospects' potential, with some players shining brighter than others. While the event is just one piece of the puzzle in determining a player's future in the league, it's an opportunity for these athletes to showcase their skills and change their draft stock. Here's a breakdown of the winners and losers, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
The Brightest Stars
Baba Miller (Cincinnati): Miller's measurements were impressive, but it was his performance in the scrimmage that truly stood out. His inside-out versatility and ability to finish around the rim, coupled with a pair of three-point makes, showed a player who can contribute in multiple ways. Miller's jump as a senior, from averaging a double-double to emerging as an enticing second-round pick, is a testament to his development. In my opinion, he's a player who could surprise many in the draft, especially with his ability to contribute on both ends of the court.
Jaden Bradley (Arizona): Bradley's Swiss Army Knife-like abilities were on full display in the first scrimmage. His slashing, mid-range game, setup ability, and physicality make him a versatile player who can do a little of everything. While he had been projected as a late-second-round pick, his performance in Chicago may have moved him up a tier. Personally, I think he's a player who could be a steal in the second round, especially with his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee): Gillespie's performance in the first half of the scrimmage was nothing short of impressive. His shotmaking production and playmaking abilities at Tennessee, coupled with his performance at the Combine, have maximized his chances of being drafted. Gillespie's ability to sell himself as an instant-offense weapon is a key factor in his draft stock, and I believe he could be a player who surprises many in the draft.
Cameron Carr (Baylor): Carr's athletic testing and measurements were already impressive, but his performance in the scrimmage was even more remarkable. His ease at separating from defenders and shooting over them, coupled with his max vertical and pro lane agility time, make him a player who can contribute immediately. Carr's defensive numbers and shotmaking abilities should lock him into the mid-first round, and I believe he's a player who could be a steal in the first round.
The Players to Watch
Dillon Mitchell (St. John's): Mitchell's performance in the scrimmage showed his ability to impact games without needing creation or shooting. His Swiss Army Knife-like role, with strong passing instincts, defensive tools, and motor, makes him a player who could be a glue-guy in the NBA. While it may take a specific general manager and roster to see value in his game, I believe he's a player who could be a steal in the second round.
Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan): Johnson's measurements and athletic tests were already impressive, but his performance in Chicago backed up the tape. His size, weight, length, and reach mirror players like Naz Reid, Wendell Carter Jr., and Bobby Portis, but he shows far more functional athletic traits. His max vertical and pro lane time, coupled with his shooting ability, make him a player who could be a steal in the draft.
Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas): Acuff's measurements, which closely mirror Damian Lillard's from the 2012 NBA Combine, are very reassuring for lottery teams. His size, weight, and length could be a concern for some teams, but his offensive abilities and physical strength may make up for it. I believe he's a player who could be a steal in the draft, especially with his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
The Players to Watch Out For
Koa Peat (Arizona): Peat's measurements didn't present any new possibilities, and his performance in shooting drills was underwhelming. Despite some strong athletic-testing numbers, NBA teams don't seem excited about a forward with wing height who doesn't create, shoot, or possess big-man defensive traits. In my opinion, he's a player who may need to improve his shooting ability to be a viable NBA prospect.
Amari Allen (Alabama): Allen's listed NCAA measurements and official NBA measurements had a noticeable discrepancy, which was disappointing. His 6'8" wingspan isn't overwhelming, and his size may be a concern for some teams. I believe he's a player who may need to improve his defensive abilities and shooting ability to be a viable NBA prospect.
Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State): Jefferson's performance in the combine was middle-to-bottom-of-the-pack in shooting drills and athletic testing. His decision to skip scrimmaging may have made him more vulnerable as a prospect. In my opinion, he's a player who may need to improve his shooting ability and athletic testing to be a viable NBA prospect.
The Takeaway
The 2026 NBA Combine has provided a fascinating insight into the prospects' potential, with some players shining brighter than others. While the event is just one piece of the puzzle, it's an opportunity for these athletes to showcase their skills and change their draft stock. As an expert, I believe that the players who shine the brightest in the combine are the ones who can contribute in multiple facets of the game and have the potential to be steals in the draft. The players who need to improve their skills and athletic testing are the ones who may need to work harder to be viable NBA prospects.
