Full Breakdown
2026 NBA Draft Combine: Measurements, Metrics, and Team Strategies in Chicago
5/14/2026, 5:07:47 AM
The Combine in Chicago: Core Event
From May 10–13, 73 prospects gathered at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis for the 2026 NBA Draft Combine. The event required participants to undergo anthropometric testing, athletic drills, shooting drills, and 5-on-5 scrimmages. Teams used the data to refine lottery-pick strategies ahead of the June 23 draft, with the Chicago Bulls holding the No. 4 selection after the May 10 lottery.
Key Prospects and Their Measurements
Key measurements: Caleb Wilson (6-9¼, 211 lb, 7-0¼ in wingspan); AJ Dybantsa (6-8½, 217 lb, 7-0¼ in, 42-in vertical); Cameron Boozer (6-8¼, 253 lb, 7-1½ in); Darryn Peterson (6-4½, 199 lb, 6-9¾ in, 37½-in vertical); Koa Peat (6-7, 245 lb, 6-11¼ in); Darius Acuff Jr. (6-2, 185.8 lb, 6-7 in, 8-2½ in reach); Rueben Chinyelu (6-9¼, 259 lb, 7-7½ in, 9-3½ in reach). Wilson, Dybantsa and Boozer topped the size charts, while Acuff’s length mirrors Damian Lillard’s 2012 combine profile.
Implications for Draft Strategy
The size and length data reinforce the Bulls’ SLAP emphasis, prompting teams to prioritize forwards with 7-foot wingspans and versatile guards with comparable length. Prospects lacking perimeter shooting or with medical questions risk falling in the draft order.
Bulls’ Evaluation and the SLAP Framework
Bulls executives, led by EVP Bryson Graham, use the SLAP model—size, length, athleticism, physicality—to filter prospects. Graham’s introductory conference presented SLAP as the draft cornerstone. The front office met roughly 20 players, including Wilson, Dybantsa, Boozer and Peterson, and emphasized a best-player-available approach for the No. 15 pick.
Critiques of Prospects’ Tools and Skills
Analysts flagged concerns: Wilson’s 7-of-27 three-point shooting, Peat’s 6-of-25 spot-up shooting and altered release, Acuff’s 6-2 height for a guard, and Peterson’s cramping linked to creatine, which remained a medical question.
Conflicting Reports and Unresolved Questions
Reports differ on Dybantsa’s team preference—CBS Sports cited a Utah desire, while other sources left Washington possible. Peat’s draft status swung between a first-round pick and a return to Arizona, with his own comments emphasizing focus but not a decision. Peterson’s creatine explanation was confirmed, yet few teams probed the issue at the combine.
Direct Voices from the Floor
- “I know about the SLAP.” — Caleb Wilson, forward, North Carolina
- “For sure. I’m whatever my team needs me to be. I win. That’s what I’m going to do.” — Caleb Wilson
- “I didn’t think they would give me anything that wouldn’t be beneficial.” — Darryn Peterson, guard, Kansas
- “I’m not really worried about what people talk about in terms of who the No. 1 pick … I feel like I’m the guy.” — Cameron Boozer, forward, Duke
Upcoming Draft Decisions
Prospects must file withdrawal forms by May 27 to keep college eligibility. The Bulls will reconvene before the June 23 draft to decide their No. 4 pick and evaluate the No. 15 slot. Memphis, Chicago and other teams continue interviews and medical reviews, keeping combine data as a key but not sole factor in the final board.
