The 2026 NBA Combine has provided a fascinating insight into the future of the league, with several players making a strong case for themselves and others falling short of expectations. Here's a breakdown of the winners and losers, with a focus on the personal perspectives and broader implications of their performances.
Winners
Baba Miller (Cincinnati)
Baba Miller stood out with his impressive measurements and foot-speed drills, showcasing a versatile forward with a 6'10.5" height, 208.2 lbs weight, 7'1.75" wingspan, 9'3" standing reach. His performance in the first scrimmage, where he scored 20 points, demonstrated his inside-out game, including big-man finishing and three-point shooting. Miller's senior year jump and double-double averages, along with his strong rebounding and passing skills, make him an enticing second-round pick.
Jaden Bradley (Arizona)
Jaden Bradley, a 6'2.5" tall point guard, showcased his versatility in the first scrimmage with 10 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. His ability to slash, shoot mid-range, and set up plays positions him as a Swiss Army Knife, potentially moving up draft tiers. Bradley's late-second-round projections are well-deserved, given his all-around game.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee)
Ja'Kobi Gillespie, a 5'11.75" tall guard, scored 24 points in the first half, knocking down five threes. His shotmaking production and playmaking at Tennessee, coupled with his NBA Combine performance, maximize his chances of being drafted. Gillespie's small measurements (6'4" wingspan) didn't hinder his ability to sell himself as an instant-offense weapon.
Cameron Carr (Baylor)
Cameron Carr's athletic testing and measurements already indicated his potential, and his performance on Wednesday solidified his status as a combine winner. With 30 points, six threes, and a 42.5" max vertical, Carr's ability to separate and shoot over defenders, along with his defensive skills, should secure his mid-first-round pick status.
Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan)
Morez Johnson Jr.'s measurements and athletic tests were already impressive, and his performance in Chicago confirmed his outstanding physical tools and movement. His size, weight, length, and reach mirror players like Naz Reid and Wendell Carter Jr., but Johnson Jr. shows more functional athletic traits, including a 39" max vertical and second-fastest pro lane time.
Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
Darius Acuff Jr.'s measurements, closely mirroring Damian Lillard's from the 2012 NBA Combine, are a comfort for lottery teams. His 6'2" height, 185.8 lbs weight, and 6'7" wingspan should alleviate concerns over smaller guards' defensive capabilities. Acuff Jr. is now firmly in play for teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets.
Alex Karaban (Connecticut)
Alex Karaban's measurements, strong for a wing or small-ball 4, align with the 2024 NBA Combine. His 225-pound frame and 6'11" wingspan are solid, and his standing vertical improvement from two years ago is significant. Karaban's shooting prowess during drills further cements his value.
Kingston Flemings (Houston)
Kingston Flemings' all-around performance on Tuesday, including leading the combine in the three-point star drill and top-five finishes in various athletic tests, reinforces his complete player profile. His measurements may not be the most impressive, but his performance speaks for itself.
Losers
Koa Peat (Arizona)
Koa Peat's measurements and shooting drills didn't provide any new insights, with scouts struggling to identify pathways to upside. His 6'7" height and struggles in shooting drills, including a 6-of-25 spot-up three performance, are concerning for a forward with wing height.
Amari Allen (Alabama)
Amari Allen's positional size has been a selling point, but there was a noticeable discrepancy between his listed and official NBA measurements. His 6'8" wingspan is not overwhelming, and the near three-inch difference in height is unusual and disappointing.
Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt)
Tyler Tanner's measurements, under 5'11", won't help his draft stock, despite strong athletic testing numbers. The optics are not great, and with only five NBA players under 166 pounds, Tanner's position as a fringe first-round pick is uncertain.
Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State)
Joshua Jefferson's athletic testing, including the slowest pro lane agility time and bottom-third verticals, sprint time, and shuttle run, didn't help his case. His middle-to-bottom-of-the-pack performance in shooting drills further diminishes his draft prospects.
Personal Takeaway
The 2026 NBA Combine has provided a clear picture of the players' strengths and weaknesses, with several players making significant jumps and others falling short. The winners showcased versatility, athleticism, and shooting prowess, while the losers struggled with measurements, shooting, and athletic testing. The combine is a crucial step in the draft process, and these performances will shape the future of these players in the NBA.
