The 2026 NBA Draft Combine has been a pivotal event, with players' performances significantly impacting their draft stock. Here's a detailed analysis of the winners and losers, along with personal commentary and insights.
Winners
Morez Johnson Jr.
Morez Johnson Jr. stands out as a versatile and athletic big man. His ability to play multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the court is truly remarkable. With a 6'9" frame and a 7'3.5" wingspan, he possesses the physical tools to be an impactful player in the NBA. His performance at the combine, including a 7'11" standing reach and a 250.6-pound weight, further solidifies his potential as a lottery pick. Personally, I think Johnson's unique skill set and size make him an attractive prospect for teams seeking a versatile frontcourt player. His ability to toggle between the four and five positions, coupled with his toughness and rebounding skills, makes him a valuable asset.
Cam Boozer
Cam Boozer is undoubtedly the best player in the draft. His size and athleticism are impressive, with a 6'8.25" frame and a 7'1.5" wingspan. Boozer's performance at the combine, where he surpassed expectations in athletic testing, further cements his status as a top prospect. His lane agility score, better than Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson, showcases his quickness and agility. While there have been concerns about his athleticism, Boozer's lateral quickness and smooth movements make him a compelling choice for the Grizzlies at No. 3.
Aday Mara
Aday Mara's official numbers are truly staggering. With a 7'4" wingspan and a 7'0" standing reach, he possesses the length and athleticism to be a dominant force in the NBA. His performance at the combine, where he measured well and showcased his versatility, further enhances his draft stock. Mara's success at Michigan, alongside teammates Yaxel Lendeborg and Donovan Clingan, bodes well for his NBA potential. I believe Mara has a strong chance to go No. 5 overall to the Clippers, and he should be a legitimate option for the Hawks at No. 8.
Chris Cenac Jr.
Chris Cenac Jr. is an intriguing prospect with exceptional tools. His measurements at the combine, including a 6'10.25" frame and a 7'5" wingspan, showcase his physical potential. Cenac's ability to play on the perimeter offensively, with a fluid stroke and a high release, makes him a unique stretch five option. His defensive rebounding skills and offensive rebounding rate further enhance his value. While he is still raw, his commitment to Houston and his performance at the combine make him an attractive prospect for the Raptors at No. 19.
Hannes Steinbach
Hannes Steinbach's measurements at the combine were impressive, with a 248-pound weight and a wingspan just below the average for an NBA center. His offensive rebounding skills and great hands make him an attractive prospect. Steinbach's ability to catch everything thrown at him and produce awesome finishes showcases his versatility. While his jump shot needs improvement, his performance at the combine makes him a lottery prospect. I had Steinbach at No. 17 to the Thunder in my instant mock, and he might not last that long.
Cam Carr
Cam Carr's performance in the combine scrimmages was exceptional, with 30 points on 6-of-12 shooting from three. His ability to shine in a high-pressure setting is a testament to his talent and potential. Carr's measurements were small, but his performance in the scrimmages makes him an attractive prospect for teams seeking a scoring wing. I believe Carr has the potential to be a top-20 pick and will make some team very happy in the mid-second round.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie
Ja'Kobi Gillespie's measurements were small, but his performance in the scrimmages was impressive. With 28 points, five assists, and three steals on 10-of-17 shooting, including five made three-pointers, Gillespie showcased his scoring ability and playmaking skills. His ability to avoid turnovers and contribute defensively makes him an attractive prospect for teams seeking a versatile guard. Gillespie's performance in the scrimmages and his ability to beat expectations make him a strong candidate for the mid-second round.
Losers
Keaton Wagler
Keaton Wagler's combine measurements didn't do him any favors. His 6'6.25" wingspan and lack of explosiveness raised concerns about his athleticism. While he had a respectable 36-inch max vertical leap, his poor measurements and lack of dunks made it challenging to convince teams of his high-level athletic ability. Wagler's performance at the combine, combined with his limited information outside of the tape, has led to a reevaluation of his draft stock. I no longer see him as a top-5 pick, and he could be available for the Nets at No. 6 or the Hawks at No. 8.
Kingston Flemings
Kingston Flemings' measurements at the combine were smaller than expected, with a 6'2.5" barefoot height and a 6'3.5" wingspan. Despite his impressive production this year, his small size raises questions about his NBA readiness. Flemings' smart and tough play, coupled with his high motor, make him a valuable prospect. However, his poor measurements could lower his floor on draft day if teams decide to go in another direction. I believe Flemings is still a good NBA guard for a long time, but his small size might limit his draft stock.
Koa Peat
Koa Peat's performance at the combine was underwhelming, with poor shooting in drills and the slowest time in the shuttle run. His small size and lack of shooting make it challenging to find a position for him. Peat's reworking of his jumper during the pre-draft process is a concerning sign. While he had a solid March Madness run, his combine performance and small size might not be enough to keep him in the draft. I didn't have Peat as a first-rounder in my instant mock, and he might not make it in the next update.
Tyler Tanner
Tyler Tanner's measurements at the combine were concerning, with a 5'10.75" barefoot height and a 6'4.25" wingspan. His weight of 166.8 pounds further raised skepticism about his NBA readiness. Tanner's decision to play in the combine scrimmage didn't dominate like he hoped, and he was out-played by Ja'Kobi Gillespie. While he is an advanced analytics darling, his performance at the combine and his mediocre combine performance might not change that. I believe Tanner is a big fan, but his defensive targeting and lack of great shooting make it challenging for him to survive in the NBA.
In conclusion, the 2026 NBA Draft Combine has been a pivotal event, with players' performances significantly impacting their draft stock. The winners, including Morez Johnson Jr., Cam Boozer, Aday Mara, Chris Cenac Jr., Hannes Steinbach, Cam Carr, and Ja'Kobi Gillespie, showcase the potential for success in the NBA. Meanwhile, the losers, including Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings, Koa Peat, and Tyler Tanner, raise questions about their NBA readiness. As the draft approaches, teams will carefully evaluate these players' performances and potential to make informed decisions.
