The 2026 NBA Combine has provided a fascinating insight into the prospects' potential, with several players making a strong case for themselves and others falling short. Here's a deep dive into the winners and losers, with a focus on the personal perspectives and broader implications.
Winners
Baba Miller (Cincinnati)
Baba Miller's outstanding measurements and foot-speed drills for a forward on Tuesday were a sight to behold. His 6'10.5" height, 208.2 lbs weight, 7'1.75" wingspan, and 9'3" standing reach are impressive for a forward. Leading the first scrimmage with 20 points, Miller showcased his inside-out versatility, big-man finishing, and three-point shooting. His senior year jump was notable, averaging a double-double with 3.7 assists per game. Miller's emergence as an enticing second-round pick after falling off the radar earlier in his career is a testament to his hard work and potential.
Jaden Bradley (Arizona)
Jaden Bradley's Swiss Army Knife-like abilities were on full display in the first scrimmage. With 10 points, seven assists, and five boards, he showcased his slashing, mid-range game, setup ability, and physicality. Bradley's late-second-round projections all season may have been justified, as he helped himself move up a tier. His versatility and all-around skills make him a valuable asset for any team.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee)
Gillespie's performance in the first half of Wednesday's scrimmage was nothing short of impressive. Scoring 24 points, including five threes, he showcased his shotmaking and playmaking abilities. Gillespie's shotmaking production over the past two seasons and his playmaking at Tennessee have maximized his chances of being drafted. His small stature (5'11.75" tall) didn't hinder his performance, as he sold himself as an instant-offense weapon for the next level.
Cameron Carr (Baylor)
Cameron Carr's athletic testing and measurements already made him a strong contender, but his performance on Wednesday solidified his status as a combine winner. With 30 points, six threes, and three dunks, he demonstrated his ease in separating from defenders and shooting over them. Carr's 7'0.5" wingspan, 42.5" max vertical, and fastest pro lane agility time are exceptional tools for a shotmaker. His defensive numbers and movement skills should lock him into the mid-first round.
Dillon Mitchell (St. John's)
Dillon Mitchell's performance on Wednesday showcased his ability to impact games without needing creation or shooting. With a game-high +17, seven points, 10 boards, and eight assists, he played a Swiss Army Knife role that NBA teams could often use. His athleticism for finishing, strong passing instincts, defensive tools, and motor create glue-guy potential worth looking at in the second round.
Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan)
Morez Johnson Jr.'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. Only Johnson shows far more functional athletic traits, confirmed by his 39" max vertical and second-fastest pro lane time. His 17-of-25 threes during the star-shooting drill are a promising development after a season of 35 threes at Michigan.
Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
Darius Acuff Jr.'s measurements were a top priority for lottery teams in Chicago, and they should be very reassuring. His 6'2" height, 185.8 lbs weight, and 6'7" wingspan closely mirror Damian Lillard's from the 2012 NBA Combine. Acuff's size, weight, and length may avoid defensive concerns over smaller guards, making him a strong candidate for the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 5 or the Brooklyn Nets at No. 6.
Alex Karaban (Connecticut)
Alex Karaban's measurements are strong for a wing or small-ball 4, with a solid 225-pound frame and the length of a power forward. His standing vertical improved by 5.5 inches from two years ago, which is an incredible difference. Karaban's lack of explosiveness has been a negative, but his shooting performance during drills is a positive. His measurements and shooting ability make him a valuable asset for any team.
Kingston Flemings (Houston)
Kingston Flemings made up for average measurements on Monday with an all-around performance on Tuesday. He led the NBA combine in the three-point star drill, making 19-of-25 shots, and also hit 15-of-25 spot-up threes. Flemings finished top five in the max vertical, pro lane agility test, shuttle run, and sprint time. His all-around performance reinforced his game and scouting profile, making him a very complete player.
Losers
Koa Peat (Arizona)
Koa Peat's measurements didn't present any new possibilities, with him measuring 6'7" and struggling in shooting drills. His shooting percentages were poor, with 6-of-25 spot-up threes, 7-of-25 at the three-point star drill, and 10-of-25 on mid-range jumpers. Despite strong athletic-testing numbers, NBA teams are not excited about a forward with wing height who doesn't create, shoot, or possess big-man defensive traits.
Amari Allen (Alabama)
Amari Allen's positional size has been considered a significant selling point, but there was a noticeable discrepancy between his listed NCAA measurements and his official NBA measurements. The near three-inch difference between 6'8" and 6'5.25" was unusual and disappointing. His 6'8" wingspan is not overwhelming, and it's similar to point guards like Darius Acuff Jr. and Christian Anderson.
Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State)
Joshua Jefferson did not test well athletically, finishing with the slowest pro lane agility time, bottom-third verticals, sprint time, and shuttle run. His shooting performance was also middle-to-bottom-of-the-pack in shooting drills. Jefferson's decision to skip scrimmaging and others helping themselves naturally make him more vulnerable as a prospect who had been considered a borderline, fringe first-rounder.
Takeaway
The 2026 NBA Combine has provided a clear picture of the prospects' potential, with several players making a strong case for themselves and others falling short. The winners showcased their versatility, athleticism, and shooting ability, while the losers struggled with shooting and athleticism. The combine is a crucial step in the draft process, and these performances will have a significant impact on the players' draft stock and future careers.
