Full Breakdown
2026 NBA Draft Combine: Scrimmage Highlights and Draft Implications
5/15/2026, 12:35:52 PM
Scrimmage Highlights
The NBA Draft Combine was held at Wintrust Arena, Chicago, May 10-15, 2026. Prospects played two scrimmages on May 13-14. Cameron Carr (Baylor) posted 30 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks on 9-of-18 shooting. Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee) added 28 points, 5 assists and 3 steals. Baba Miller (Cincinnati) recorded 20 points, 6 rebounds and perfect free throws. On the second day, Ryan Conwell (Louisville) and Otega Oweh (Kentucky) each finished with 21 points, while Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State) logged a game-high 11 assists.
Context and Draft-Class Outlook
Analysts call the 2026 class one of the deepest in a decade. The combine verifies measurements, tests athleticism, and provides team interviews. While lottery picks already attract attention, strong scrimmage showings can move mid-round prospects up or down the board.
Key Performers and Measured Metrics
Top measurements: AJ Dybantsa (6-8.5´´ barefoot, 7-foot wingspan, 42-inch vertical per NBC Sports; On3 lists 42.5-inch). Cameron Carr (6-4½´´ barefoot, 7-foot-3¾´´ wingspan). Baba Miller (6-10½´´ barefoot, 7-foot-1¾´´ wingspan). Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) measured 6-8¾´´, 7-foot-3¼´´ wingspan, 9-foot-½´´ standing reach and cut lane-agility to 10.82 seconds. Koa Peat (6-7´´) hit 6-of-25 three-pointers.
Official Statements & Responses
NBC Sports called the class “one of the best, deepest draft classes in more than a decade.” Combine officials said medical exams and team interviews outweigh scrimmage output for lottery prospects, while mid-round players rely on game performance.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts flagged Jeremy Fears Jr.’s shooting as “too hitchy.” Koa Peat’s 6-of-25 three-point rate raised doubts about NBA readiness. Jaden Bradley’s fall from an efficient first game to 3-of-9 shooting was noted as a red flag.
On-the-Ground Report
Box scores show Team Rivers outshooting opponents 48.4 % to 33.3 % and out-rebounding 14-9. Ryan Conwell had 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals; Otega Oweh added 5 rebounds; Rueben Chinyelu posted 14 points, 15 rebounds for Team Carpenter.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
AJ Dybantsa’s vertical is listed as 42 inches by NBC Sports and 42.5 inches by On3, a minor discrepancy. No team feedback has been released, leaving uncertainty about how scouts weighted the scrimmage data.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had interviews this morning with different teams, and I mean, I never had a job before,” AJ Dybantsa told reporters. — AJ Dybantsa, 2026 NBA Draft prospect
- “My biggest winners from Day 1 of scrimmages at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine: - Cameron Carr (Baylor) - Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee) - Nick Martinelli (Northwestern) - Baba Miller (Cincy) - Nick Boyd (Wisconsin) - Jeremy Fears Jr.” — Brett Siegel, NBA insider
- “Quote On what he gained from spending a season at Michigan: "I feel like that was the best decision I've made for me and my future.” — Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan forward
- “It’s been touted as one of the best, deepest draft classes in more than a decade.” — NBC Sports
What’s Next
The combine ends May 15; individual workouts continue through the weekend. The NBA Draft begins June 27 at the Barclays Center, where Chicago measurements will shape selections.
