The atmosphere inside Chicago’s Wintrust Arena shifted this week from the clinical precision of tape measures and stopwatches to the raw, unpredictable energy of live basketball. As the 2026 NBA draft combine transitioned into its 5-on-5 scrimmages, the focus moved beyond mere physical dimensions to the actual application of skill under pressure.
While the most certain first-round selections typically avoid the risk of scrimmaging, the court became a high-stakes stage for “bubble” prospects looking to vault into the first round or solidify their professional futures. For these athletes, a single dominant afternoon can redefine their draft stock, turning a projected second-round flyer into a coveted asset for a franchise looking for immediate impact.
The early days of the combine were defined by anthropometric testing, where the league’s elite prospects confirmed the hype surrounding their physical profiles. AJ Dybantsa, a favorite for the top spot, measured 6-foot-8½ without shoes, boasting a 7-0½ wingspan and a 42.0-inch maximum vertical leap. He was joined in the elite tier by Darryn Peterson, who checked in at 6-foot-4½ with a 6-9¾ wingspan, and Cameron Boozer, who measured 6-foot-8¼ with a 7-1½ wingspan. None of the trio took the floor for scrimmages, as their statuses are largely considered secure.
The Scrimmage Standouts and Stock Risers
Among those who did take the floor, Cameron Carr of Baylor emerged as the most dominant force. A high-flying wing with a remarkable plus-8¼ wingspan, Carr showcased a complete offensive repertoire, scoring 30 points and hitting 6-of-12 from beyond the arc. His performance reinforced his potential as a late-lottery candidate, blending explosive athleticism with a 37% three-point shooting clip from his collegiate season.
Other prospects used the scrimmages to challenge their current projections. Ja’Kobi Gillespie of Tennessee delivered a scorching first-half performance, racking up 24 points through deep threes and aggressive drives to the rim. Despite measuring under 6 feet, Gillespie’s efficiency—which includes a career-high 18.4 points per game this past season—suggests his playmaking could outweigh his lack of height.
Jakobi Gillespie is feeling it!
He finishes the first half with 24 points 👀 pic.twitter.com/2gPPrmxeZa— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) May 13, 2026
Similarly, Baba Miller of Cincinnati utilized his 6-foot-11 frame to post 20 points and six rebounds, proving his comfort on the perimeter. For a big man who shot just 29% over four college seasons, Miller’s ability to hit shots from the outside is a critical developmental marker that could earn him guaranteed money in the draft.
Other notable performances included Jaden Bradley of Arizona, the Big 12 Player of the Year, who provided a steady presence with 10 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. Meanwhile, Matt Able of North Carolina, who entered the week as a projected No. 39 pick, scored 15 points in under 20 minutes, showcasing a shooting touch that could push him toward the back end of the first round.
@SeanFarnham gives his TOP THREE takeaways from the NBA draft combine 👀⬇️ pic.twitter.com/S8S9V6N8yL
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 13, 2026
Physical Freaks and Shooting Specialists
Beyond the scrimmages, the athletic testing phase highlighted several players with NBA-ready frames. Chris Cenac Jr. Of Houston stood out as a premier physical specimen, measuring 6-foot-10¼ with a 7-5 wingspan and a 41½-inch standing vertical. His fluidity and size make him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a long-term center, particularly those like the Charlotte Hornets or Chicago Bulls.
On the shooting side, Alex Karaban of UConn established himself as the most accurate marksman in the gym. Karaban, a borderline first-rounder, went 22-for-30 off the dribble and dominated the 3-point star and spot-up drills. His improvement in athletic testing—including a 5.5-inch increase in his standing vertical since 2024—adds a layer of versatility to his known shooting skill.
The physical data for the 2026 class shows a trend toward extreme length, as seen in the following breakdown of top athletic performers:
| Prospect | Height (Barefoot) | Wingspan | Key Athletic Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| AJ Dybantsa | 6’8.5″ | 7’0.5″ | 42.0″ Max Vertical |
| Cameron Boozer | 6’8.25″ | 7’1.5″ | 35.0″ Max Vertical |
| Chris Cenac Jr. | 6’10.25″ | 7’5″ | 41.5″ Standing Vertical |
| Morez Johnson Jr. | 6’9″ | 7’3.5″ | Top Lane Drill Time |
The ‘Stay or Go’ Dilemma
The combine is as much about psychological resolve as This proves about physical ability. Several players used the media availability window to clarify their intentions regarding the NBA Draft process.
Ebuka Okorie of Stanford, who averaged 23.2 points per game this season, officially announced he is staying in the draft. He was joined by Duke’s Isaiah Evans and North Carolina’s Henri Veesaar, both of whom confirmed they will not return to college. Veesaar specifically noted that the professional environment would be superior for his immediate development.
However, not every decision is final. Morez Johnson Jr. Of Michigan left the door open for a return to Ann Arbor, stating he needs to review feedback from his agents. Similarly, Milan Momcilovic of Iowa State and Allen Graves of Santa Clara have indicated that their decisions will depend on their guaranteed draft position—specifically whether they are projected as first-round picks.
Conversely, Koa Peat of Arizona faces a difficult crossroads. Despite a strong athletic showing, Peat struggled significantly in shooting drills, going 6-for-25 in both the 3-point star and spot-up drills. With a dipping stock and a modified shooting motion, Peat remains one of the most scrutinized “withdrawal watch” candidates of the week.
Front Office Speculation and Next Steps
As the combine winds down, whispers regarding trade movement at the top of the draft have begun to surface. Speculation has centered on the Utah Jazz, who hold the No. 2 pick, and whether they might attempt to trade up to No. 1 to secure AJ Dybantsa, given the organizational ties to BYU. While these discussions remain speculative, the talent gap between the top four prospects is narrow enough that movement is a theoretical possibility.
The industry now turns its attention to the final evaluations and the looming withdrawal deadline. The next critical checkpoint is May 27, the final date for eligible players to withdraw from the draft and return to their respective universities.
Do you think the Jazz should trade up for the top spot, or is the talent at No. 2 too good to pass up? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
