The NBA`s pre-draft activities are fully underway following Monday`s draft lottery. The Dallas Mavericks secured the highly coveted No. 1 overall pick, positioning them to select projected top prospect Cooper Flagg. According to a source who spoke with ESPN on Tuesday, the Mavericks fully intend to draft Flagg during the NBA Draft, scheduled for June 25-26 in Brooklyn, New York.
Now, attention shifts to Chicago, where over 100 potential draft picks are participating in the draft combine and various agency pro days.
As per the league`s collective bargaining agreement, all invited players are required to attend and participate in the combine. However, the NBA does have the discretion to excuse an invited player`s attendance or participation under certain circumstances, potentially requiring them to complete combine activities at a later date.
ESPN basketball analysts Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo, Zach Kram, Jeff Borzello, and Bobby Marks offer their insights, summarizing the main takeaways from the combine, evaluating prospects whose draft stock is potentially rising or falling, and discussing news and reactions from around the league regarding the draft.
Key Observations from Wednesday
Givony: NBA teams expressed considerable satisfaction with the competitive level and performance displayed by the 40 players who took part in the 5-on-5 scrimmages. All four teams appeared well-coached and played with notable intensity and selflessness, allowing several players to distinguish themselves and showcase different aspects of their game to scouts.
These combine camps often aren`t known for aesthetically pleasing play, as players might try too hard to impress scouts by stepping outside their usual roles. We saw very little of that on Wednesday; the ball typically moved crisply and accurately. Players generally focused on making their teammates look good while simultaneously helping their own prospects by demonstrating their potential as effective role players.
Woo: I make a similar point nearly every year, but it`s worth reiterating: more players should participate in the combine scrimmages. Plenty of prospects stood out in Wednesday`s well-contested games; there were no major surprises that truly damaged anyone`s stock, and year after year, players tangibly improve their standing and position in the draft hierarchy through participation.
Agents often take a cautious approach when advising their clients at this time of year, frequently arguing that players have already demonstrated enough on the court during the season and in other settings. This is true in some cases, particularly for players firmly projected in the first round who have little to gain. However, NBA front offices consistently value participation and have historically rewarded it.
There are a few players currently on the bubble of the first round – some of whom are still contemplating returning to college – who chose not to seize this real opportunity to influence their draft fate. While this is a common pattern around this time, it will be intriguing to see once again how these decisions play out on draft night.
Borzello: Although the NCAA deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA draft and return to college is May 28, several prominent players have clearly indicated that they do not intend to go back to school.
Arizona forward Carter Bryant, who has risen to No. 14 in ESPN`s latest mock draft, stated he is “completely in” on the NBA draft process and closed the door on returning to Tucson. Georgetown`s Thomas Sorber (ranked No. 23 by ESPN) also reaffirmed his decision to stay in the draft.
North Carolina`s Drake Powell, considered a borderline first-round prospect, told me the “door`s closed” on a return to the Tar Heels. Similarly, Alabama guard Labaron Philon (No. 43 at ESPN) mentioned he had already informed Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats that he doesn`t plan on returning to Tuscaloosa.
“I`m all-in on the draft,” Philon stated.
Kram: The NBA combine doesn`t attract the same level of spectacle or fanfare as its NFL equivalent. None of the very top prospects participate in scrimmages, and while the NFL`s showcase event in Indianapolis draws over 30,000 fans and more than 1,000 media members, the NBA combine is closed to the public and attended by a relatively smaller media contingent.
Nevertheless, during media interview sessions on Wednesday, prospective draftees explained that they still view the NBA combine as beneficial for their personal development. They get to train in a focused environment, learn from NBA personnel, and meet numerous team employees, while experiencing their first taste of NBA exposure. This week in Chicago serves as a transitional phase toward professional careers, and if both the league and the players find value in the combine, it has the potential to continue growing.
Wednesday Scrimmage Standouts
Maxime Raynaud, F, Stanford: Raynaud delivered arguably the most impactful performance of the day in terms of boosting draft stock, finishing with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in 25 minutes. The French big man measured impressively at over 7-foot barefoot, weighing 237 pounds with a 9-2 standing reach, comparable dimensions to Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl.
However, Raynaud possesses a very different skill set than Poeltl. In the scrimmage, he effortlessly hit on-the-move 3-pointers, showcased impressive ball-handling skills on the perimeter, found teammates effectively while in motion, and scored in the post using strong footwork and touch. While we were aware of these capabilities from his time at Stanford, what stood out in Chicago was the intensity and physicality he brought inside. He was vocal, anchoring the paint defensively, driving through smaller defenders, and displaying excellent energy on the boards.
Raynaud`s defense was considered a significant concern in college. While still not perfect, his sheer size and reach combined with his greatly improved physicality allowed him to make a major impact in the 5-on-5 games. He altered shots near the rim and even effectively hedged ball-screens beyond the 3-point line, leading to turnovers.
Every NBA team seeks 7-footers capable of stretching the floor, passing, and holding their own defensively and rebounding. Raynaud significantly helped his cause by choosing not to sit out the scrimmages, unlike some peers projected as early second-round picks. First-round teams informed us they are monitoring his strong play and are likely to show even more interest moving forward.
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, UAB/Michigan: Lendeborg continued his strong week after excellent measurements and solid play in Tuesday`s live-action drills, delivering an excellent performance in the first 5-on-5 scrimmage. His measurements – 6-foot-10 in shoes with a 7-4 wingspan and 9-½ standing reach – suggest he could play considerable minutes at center in the NBA, similar to his role in Chicago, especially as he adds weight to his 235-pound frame.
However, his skill set leans definitively towards a power forward. He repeatedly showed the ability to create his own shot, grab defensive rebounds and skillfully push the ball up the court. He could either drive and make creative, intelligent passes or finish at the rim with excellent footwork and touch. Although he didn`t make any 3-pointers on Wednesday, unlike in Tuesday`s drills, he hit two challenging midrange pullup jumpers, demonstrating his scoring versatility. With the ball in his hands, he made smart decisions, including touch passes and skip passes, playing with excellent pace. His understanding of the game and overall feel appeared more advanced than might be expected for someone with relatively limited high-level experience.
While his defense is far from flawless, he competed effectively, was active on the glass on both ends, and forced several turnovers and misses through sheer hustle. It will be interesting to see how aggressively teams with first-round picks pursue Lendeborg after this week, as he has indicated to interested teams that he requires a firm draft guarantee to avoid withdrawing his name before the May 28 deadline.
Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn: Pettiford led all scrimmage participants in scoring with 23 points on 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, adding 8 assists, 1 turnover, and 2 steals in 26 minutes. He consistently got to his desired spots on the court using excellent pace, stopping, starting, and driving left or right with great footwork, finishing skillfully with either hand near the basket. He also provided a powerful finish that highlighted his 42-inch vertical leap, the second-highest mark at the combine.
His diverse shot-making ability was on full display, including difficult pull-up 3s from various spots – not surprising given his knack for hitting big shots all season for an Auburn team that was ranked No. 1 for almost two months. While his scoring prowess was well-known coming into the combine, Pettiford improved his standing with scouts by demonstrating better defense and playmaking than he had previously received credit for. He was disruptive guarding opponents in the backcourt, creating turnovers while creatively moving the ball and unselfishly finding teammates.
Measuring 6-foot-¼ barefoot and 169 pounds, albeit with a solid 6-5½ wingspan, Pettiford`s size will always be a challenge. However, several NBA players with similar physical profiles have built successful careers – Devonte Graham, Tyus Jones, and Darren Collison – and none of them possessed the raw explosiveness that the 19-year-old Pettiford displays.
Miles Byrd, SG/SF, San Diego State: Byrd demonstrated exactly what he needed to in the five-on-five setting, scoring 11 points, including three 3-pointers, flashing good passing instincts, and delivering several positive defensive plays, such as a steal and a block. Having been tasked with more on-ball responsibility in college than he is likely to see in the pros, Byrd showed positive habits and good instincts in both spacing and defending away from the ball. He reinforced the perception of himself as a future 3-and-D role player with sufficient length to disrupt passing lanes and a perimeter game that has room for improvement. He shot 30.1% from three last season but looked comfortable shooting from deep on Wednesday.
His production in college, particularly as a defensive playmaker, kept teams intrigued throughout the season. Stepping up and proving he belongs in this setting will certainly help his case. Still only 20 years old, Byrd has the option to return to school if he doesn`t feel confident about his chances of securing a guaranteed contract.
Lachlan Olbrich, C, llawarra Hawks (Australia): Olbrich has had a productive week, earning a call-up from the G League Elite camp. He delivered one of Wednesday`s better performances with 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field and 10 rebounds. Coming off a successful season with the NBL champion Hawks, the 21-year-old displayed his competitiveness and physicality on the defensive end, worked diligently on the glass, and has been one of the most vocal players in the gym all week.
While not the most polished offensive player, Olbrich showed touch around the rim with both hands and converted his opportunities. He has proven to be reliable, if not spectacular, similar to many Australian big men who have preceded him. Although he is somewhat undersized for an NBA center and not a consistent long-range shooting threat, there are many appealing qualities about Olbrich`s intangibles, basketball IQ, and understanding of his strengths as an energy big man. As an automatically eligible international player, Olbrich has certainly improved his chances of being selected in June and could be a candidate for a two-way contract given the momentum he has built in Chicago.
Alex Toohey, SF, Sydney Kings (Australia): Toohey has also had a positive week so far, strengthening his case for first-round consideration, which was less certain entering the combine. He measured better than anticipated at 6-foot-9 in shoes with a near 6-11 wingspan, providing him with ample size to potentially shift to the power forward position long-term as his 223-pound frame develops. He has also shot the ball reasonably well, particularly considering he came in with relatively low expectations, having shot 28% from three over two seasons in the Australian NBL. He made 61% of his overall jumpers in drills – placing him around the middle of all participants – and surprised by making 3-of-5 3-point attempts in scrimmages, stepping into open looks with confidence and solid mechanics that offer significant optimism for future improvement. Toohey also consistently did the other things he`s known for, demonstrating his feel for the game by being in the right defensive positions and forcing misses while guarding wings and forwards alike, while unselfishly moving the ball with his team-oriented approach. He was his scrimmage team`s second-highest scorer in their win, but also showed he could contribute in other ways. Overall, Toohey has improved his standing and has more to gain with another strong showing on Thursday.
Hansen Yang, C, Qingdao (China): Yang was a point of curiosity for teams entering the week, with most scouts seeing him play live for the first time at the combine. There was intrigue surrounding his youth, productivity in the Chinese league, and glimpses of skill as a passer and post scorer on film. He performed well in the scrimmage setting, making a real impact on offense, welcoming contact, and showcasing good instincts for finding teammates, along with impressive footwork with his back to the basket. He finished with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting but grabbed only one rebound in 19 minutes.
Overall, Yang looked like he belonged at the combine and held his own against an experienced, physical opponent in Michigan`s Vlad Goldin, exceeding expectations for many who were unfamiliar with him. He measured 7-foot-1 barefoot with enormous hands, offering a genuine physical presence. While his slow foot speed defensively will temper expectations, Yang certainly raised his profile as someone teams will want to observe further on Thursday.
Hunter Sallis, SG, Wake Forest: Sallis posted a game-high +23 rating in the first scrimmage, finishing with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting with no turnovers. He displayed his ability to create his own shot and also made an impact on the glass, grabbing 10 rebounds. He had a couple of positive defensive moments as well, taking a charge at midcourt and contributing across the board. Sallis is a confident and consistent pull-up shooter in the midrange but will need to continue showing that he can provide more than just scoring in the NBA, where teams will need him to add value in other areas to earn playing time. He shot just 27% from 3-point range last season, a notable decrease from his 40% mark as a junior, making outside shooting an important swing skill (he made his only attempt on Wednesday). His 66% shooting on jumpers across multiple drills on Tuesday also helped his case. With a 6-10 wingspan and measurements similar to NBA players like Caleb Martin and Malaki Branham, Sallis can continue to strengthen his draft prospects on Thursday with a similar performance.
Micah Peavy, SG/SF, Georgetown: Peavy demonstrated his value as a “glue-guy” with one of the most impressive performances of the day, finishing +20 in a game his team lost by three points. He was incredibly active throughout his 23 minutes on the court, making hustle plays like chasedown blocks, fighting through screens, disrupting handoffs to generate steals, closing out aggressively on shooters, locking down guards one-on-one on the perimeter, and collecting eight rebounds. He isn`t the most naturally skilled scorer, struggling somewhat in Tuesday`s shooting drills with a 51% success rate, tied for 10th worst and the lowest among non-big men. However, he played unselfishly on Wednesday, moving the ball quickly in transition and swinging it for open 3s while aggressively crashing the offensive glass. Set to turn 24 in July, with average length and a decent but not outstanding offensive skill set, Peavy likely faces a challenging path to the NBA. But his performance on Wednesday was a significant step in the right direction.
Ryan Nembhard, PG, Gonzaga: Nembhard has arguably been the best playmaker to participate in scrimmages in Chicago, earning a call-up to the combine after a strong showing at the G League Elite camp. He again made a difference on Wednesday with 13 points, eight assists, three steals, and just one turnover. The younger brother of Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, Ryan had a solid four-year college career split between Creighton and Gonzaga. The primary concern regarding his NBA potential is his size for the point guard position, measuring 5-foot-11 barefoot. However, there are successful precedents for players his size having solid NBA careers, with Patty Mills and Jose Alvarado among the closest physical comparisons in our database. Nembhard`s creativity and willingness as a passer, which have always been evident, make him enjoyable to play with in scrimmage settings, where ball-handlers often prioritize their own scoring. His quickness, skill level, and court vision make him a tremendous ball-screen operator even at his size. At this point, he is likely to end up on a two-way contract, as there is little doubt about his unselfishness and instincts for making teammates better.
Wednesday Injury Updates
Kam Jones, G, Marquette: Jones removed himself from his scrimmage in the fourth quarter, holding his hamstring. His agent informed ESPN that Jones will not participate in Thursday`s scrimmages and will undergo an MRI, though the injury is not expected to be serious. In the 19 minutes he played, he recorded seven points, three assists, and one turnover.
Izan Almansa, F, Perth Wildcats (Spain): Almansa did not participate in the scrimmage due to an ankle injury sustained during a workout with the Portland Trail Blazers last Thursday. He completed the athletic testing and shooting drills on Wednesday morning but ultimately determined he wasn`t healthy enough for game action.
Kobe Sanders, G, Nevada: According to OnTime Agency, Sanders did not participate in Wednesday`s scrimmage due to an ankle injury. Sanders was a standout performer at the Portsmouth Invitational last month and shot an impressive 67% on jumpers across all drills on Tuesday.
What We`re Hearing in Chicago (Wednesday)
Cedric Coward Receiving Positive Feedback
Cedric Coward, whose potential rise into the first round was noted on Tuesday, confirmed that he has received encouraging feedback from NBA teams – perhaps enough to sway his decision to remain in the NBA draft instead of attending Duke, where he committed in late April.
“Right now, I`m 100% focused on the draft. I think after talking to Coach Jon Scheyer and his staff, they agreed with me on making sure I could concentrate solely on the draft,” Coward said on Wednesday.
“It really depends on what information I receive. Ultimately, the decision I make will be based on that information. And right now, the information definitely leans towards staying in the draft, and I can say that. But in the end, we need to figure out the best decision for myself and my family moving forward.”
Alex Condon Remains Undecided on Draft Status
Florida forward Alex Condon has been hovering around the first-round cutoff for the past few months and was placed at No. 31 in ESPN`s latest post-lottery mock draft. On Wednesday, he stated he is waiting for a guarantee from an NBA team but did not specify the expected draft range.
“I know I`m kind of in that 20-35 range right now,” Condon said. “I have a good situation waiting for me at Florida. I have teammates there I just won a national championship with. It needs to be a good situation for me to stay in the draft, but the feedback I`m getting from teams is positive, and I`m prepared to stay in if that happens.”
Projected First-Round Pick Yaxel Lendeborg Torn on Decision
Michigan commit Yaxel Lendeborg was the highest-ranked prospect to play in Wednesday`s scrimmages. Afterward, he admitted he is genuinely conflicted about whether to remain in the NBA draft or return to college.
“I`m pretty split,” the former UAB star told me. “I love Michigan; I love the idea of going there and developing. But the NBA is what everyone aspires to. I`m right in the middle now. It`s difficult.”
“My ultimate goal would be to try to crack the top 20. Hopefully, I can achieve that. If not, then it will be a little easier to make my decision.”
Milos Uzan Yet to Finalize Future Plans
Milos Uzan, a potential top-40 pick, could significantly impact whether Houston enters next season as the preseason No. 1 team or experiences a drop-off after their national championship game run. However, the standout point guard told me he is undecided about whether to keep his name in the draft or return to school.
“Right now, I`m all-in on the draft,” Uzan said. “That`s the mindset I want to have. I want to show these teams that I believe in my game and that I belong in this league.”
“Coach Kelvin Sampson and the staff told me, `Man, if you can get on a team and get drafted, go for it. But if not, you know where home is.`”
Looking Ahead: Thursday
The second day of scrimmages often sees additional players withdraw, typically attempting to protect their draft stock if they performed particularly well on the first day. Teams will remain in Chicago afterward for agency-hosted pro days on Thursday evening and Friday before departing.
Key Observations from Tuesday
Givony: Flagg appeared every bit the potential franchise NBA player and sure-fire No. 1 pick during his 75 minutes on the court Tuesday. Being on the floor, face-to-face with Flagg and other projected lottery picks, I was truly impressed by the energy, charisma, and passion Flagg brought to every activity. He commanded every drill with his voice, cheering teammates, elevating the atmosphere in the building, and pushing everyone, especially himself, to perform at their best. Flagg measured 6-foot-7¾ and 221 pounds – an inch taller than at the Nike Hoop Summit a year prior and 12 pounds heavier. His dimensions are comparable to those of former Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen when he entered the league from Central Arkansas at age 21 in 1987. Flagg shot the ball well in drills, hitting hot streaks and showing noticeable improvement over the past year. Although Flagg initially seemed surprised by Monday`s draft lottery results, sources told ESPN that his camp recognizes how fortunate he is to potentially land in Dallas. Flagg is reportedly excited about the idea of joining a playoff-caliber roster with strong veterans and a team that has a need at the small forward position. The Mavericks require players who can create shots and will likely need Flagg to take on significant offensive responsibilities as a rookie (similar to his role at Duke), which would be highly beneficial for his long-term development.
Marks: With all due respect to the on-court activities, team executives spent Tuesday primarily discussing the past 24 hours. Within a two-hour window, the futures of Dallas, Boston, and potentially San Antonio changed significantly. The Mavericks traded a generational player in Luka Doncic in February, only to be rewarded with the chance to potentially draft another in Cooper Flagg. In New York, there was the concerning image of Jayson Tatum on the court with an apparent Achilles injury. As one team executive told ESPN: “The Tatum injury is monumental and league-altering.” The Celtics, widely considered the favorites to repeat as champions, are now one game away from elimination and face an uncertain future. The Tatum injury and a projected payroll exceeding $500 million next season will likely necessitate changes for Boston. The significance of moving from No. 8 to No. 2 in the lottery puts the Spurs in a prime position, especially if the 2021 Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available via trade. San Antonio also possesses the No. 14 pick and valuable future assets, including an unprotected 2027 first-rounder from Atlanta. They also hold the right to swap picks with the Hawks next season.
Woo: Much of the combine conversation revolved around the lottery`s aftermath – not just the favorable outcomes for the Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and Philadelphia 76ers, but also what it means for the other teams. For the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards – who had the same top odds as the Charlotte Hornets for the No. 1 pick – falling out of the top four was a devastating result. With both teams having endured losing seasons and likely facing another lottery campaign, the outcomes underscore the negative consequences of a poor record. Consider the Detroit Pistons, who fell out of the top four and drafted fifth in the previous three drafts before emerging as a playoff team this season. Detroit did strike lottery success in 2021, but Cade Cunningham took time to develop into a star, and the front office that drafted him was replaced before his breakout. Even the most optimistic scenarios for rebuilding teams, particularly in smaller markets, are often challenging and unforgiving. With the lottery system continuing to produce random and surprising results annually, it`s fair to question whether it truly balances power across the league. Dallas, San Antonio, and Philadelphia all anticipate being competitive next season, while most teams immediately behind them might be stuck spinning their wheels for another year.
Borzello: From a college basketball perspective, the biggest news on Tuesday was Boogie Fland`s decision to withdraw from the draft and return to college, as ESPN initially reported. Fland is ranked No. 42 in ESPN`s draft rankings and was projected as a second-round pick in the most recent mock draft. A former five-star recruit and McDonald`s All-American, Fland entered the transfer portal before the deadline last month and now becomes one of the top available players. At Arkansas, he averaged 15.1 points and 5.7 assists over his first 18 games as a freshman before suffering a hand injury in mid-January that forced him to miss most of the remainder of the season. Recent speculation regarding his potential destination has centered on Florida, the reigning national champion, as the Gators are in significant need of a playmaking guard to pair with Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee.
Kram: The league is still processing Monday`s surprising lottery results, and its impact was felt throughout the combine. The fact that three teams aiming to win now – Dallas, San Antonio, and Philadelphia – secured the top three picks adds intrigue regarding potential trades at the top of the draft, especially following Monday`s report that Antetokounmpo is “open-minded” about potentially leaving Milwaukee. While the Mavericks are reportedly set on drafting Flagg rather than trading the No. 1 pick, the same might not hold true for the Spurs and 76ers. The incentive for a win-now team to acquire a two-time MVP still in his prime is clear. And rival executives are wondering if it might be easier for the Bucks to consider a Giannis trade if they receive a prospective franchise cornerstone as part of the return package.
Tuesday Drills and Tests Standouts
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, UAB/Michigan: As the highest-ranked prospect and the only projected first-round pick fully participating in all competitive activities, Lendeborg did nothing to hurt his standing with an exceptional all-around performance in drills and 3-on-3 play. His measurements are outstanding: slightly under 6-foot-10 in shoes, 235 pounds with a 7-4 wingspan, a 9-½ standing reach, and remarkably large hands, comparable to players like Isaiah Stewart and Amare Stoudemire according to the DraftExpress historical database. Lendeborg demonstrated genuine skill in drills, making 69% of his total field goal attempts (tied for 10th best at the combine). He also showcased his ball-handling and passing ability in 3-on-3, making impressive plays as both a creator and a finisher. Lendeborg`s defense is still a work in progress, which another year in college could certainly help improve, but there is little doubt about his skill and talent. He possesses more upside than most 22-year-olds, having played very little organized basketball before graduating high school. Michigan`s Dusty May, Lendeborg`s potential future coach, was present on Tuesday to support him along with much of his coaching staff. Whether Lendeborg ever plays a game for May will likely depend on his performance in 5-on-5 play over the next two days, as the crowd of NBA executives had significantly thinned by the time Lendeborg participated in the very last session.
Drake Powell, SG/SF, North Carolina: Powell tested as arguably the best athlete in Chicago, recording the top no-step vertical (37½ inches) and maximum vertical (running) leap (43 inches). He also finished fourth in the three-quarter-court sprint (3.07 seconds), seventh in the shuttle run (2.79 seconds), and seventh in the pro lane drill (10.71 seconds). He also measured an impressive 7-foot wingspan and grew nearly an inch since ESPN`s last measurements, with overall dimensions similar to those of New Orleans Pelicans wing defender Herb Jones. Powell did not shoot the ball particularly well in drills, converting 55% of his aggregate attempts (ranking in the bottom third of combine participants). This is an area NBA teams will want to examine more closely in private workouts in the coming weeks, especially if he decides to remain in the draft as anticipated.
Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee: We anticipated that Lanier would look like one of the best shooters entering the combine, and this proved true on Tuesday. He has been among the premier perimeter shotmakers in college basketball over the past two seasons, making 44% of his 3s in 2023-24 at North Florida and 39.5% last season at Tennessee. He finished in the top five in all three 3-point shooting drills, and his touch and agility also caught the attention of scouts. He recorded the fifth-fastest time in the pro lane agility drill, the third-highest no-step vertical leap, and the fourth-highest maximum vertical leap.
Mark Sears, PG, Alabama: Sears entered the week ranked No. 78 in ESPN`s NBA draft rankings, but his exceptional shooting ability could appeal to teams later in the second round. He was clearly the top shooter during Tuesday`s sessions, finishing first in three of the four drills. Sears put on a shooting clinic, making 26-for-30 on off-dribble midrange pull-ups, 21-for-25 on spot-up 3s, and 25-for-27 in the side-mid-side 3-point drill. While his athletic testing was not outstanding, his shooting prowess truly stood out.
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas: Although top prospects typically limit their on-court activities at the combine, observing projected high picks taking shots in this setting provides valuable evaluation material. Teams noted Johnson`s shooting performance in drills (68% on all shots attempted), as he demonstrated quick and clean mechanics from long range and left a strong impression. Johnson also tested well athletically. Multiple scouts I spoke with were impressed with his shooting stroke – which isn`t surprising for a player who shot 39.7% from 3 on nearly seven attempts per game last season – but it offers insight into what teams will see from him in private workouts. Based on what he showed, Johnson is expected to impress in that context as he contends for a spot among the draft`s top five picks.
Tuesday Injury Update: Duke`s Knueppel Sits Out
Kon Knueppel, the projected No. 8 pick and a shooting guard/small forward from Duke, did not participate in the combine`s athletic testing or shooting drills due to an injury, his agent Mark Bartelstein informed ESPN. “Kon sprained his ankle three weeks ago and is not fully recovered yet,” Bartelstein said. “He is currently at 85% and we want him at 100%. He`s very close. Hopefully, he will be back by the end of the week and can participate in our pro day on Friday.” According to the NBA`s mandatory combine participation rules, Knueppel will be required to complete the athletic testing and shooting drills portion at an NBA team facility in the coming weeks.
What We`re Hearing in Chicago (Tuesday)
Spurs` Draft Pick Jump Sparks Giannis Sweepstakes Speculation
Reaction echoed across the league when San Antonio`s pick jumped to No. 2 in Monday`s lottery. This wasn`t just due to the prospect of the Spurs adding consensus No. 2 prospect Dylan Harper alongside Victor Wembanyama, but also because of the implications of that specific pick as a potential trade asset. The Spurs have experienced exceptional lottery luck, with their pick now landing in the top four in three consecutive drafts. While there has been speculation about what San Antonio *could* do with the No. 2 pick, there is a strong argument for keeping it and selecting Harper, who stands out as the best available talent at that spot and would be an excellent addition to their roster. Although aggressively pursuing a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo would accelerate San Antonio`s path to contention, the Spurs can also afford to take a long-term view, thanks to the presence of the 21-year-old Wembanyama as the team`s centerpiece. San Antonio possesses the trade assets needed to make a major move: they control Atlanta`s next two first-round picks, own their own future picks except for 2027, and hold valuable far-future swap rights to picks from Boston (2028, top-one protected), the more favorable of Dallas and Minnesota (2030, top-one protected), and Sacramento in 2031. These assets are also far enough out that the Spurs can hold onto them until they are truly ready to upgrade or ultimately make those selections. With a strong foundation and the attractive option of building around the young core of Wembanyama and Harper in the long run, there is ample rationale behind allowing the team to develop organically. This approach led to sustainable contention two decades ago when the Spurs built teams around Tim Duncan. And at the moment, San Antonio holds a strong enough position to dictate their own timeline.
The coming weeks will likely reveal more about San Antonio`s willingness to engage in trade talks. The expectation around the league is that Harper will be selected at No. 2, whether by the Spurs or another team trading up, leaving the 76ers – another team that will evaluate trade possibilities – with a less straightforward decision at No. 3.
First-Round Buzz Grows for Coward
When Cedric Coward chose Duke over Alabama a few weeks ago, it appeared Duke coach Jon Scheyer might have found the missing piece for another team built for a potential Final Four run. However, the Washington State transfer might not even make it to Durham. On Monday, he measured at 6-foot-5¼ with a 7-2¼ wingspan and then performed exceptionally well in Tuesday`s shooting drills, hitting 72% of his total attempts (tied for sixth best). Despite the fact that Coward will not play in 5-on-5 scrimmages due to a shoulder injury sustained in November, there is increasing talk among NBA personnel that Coward is playing his way into first-round consideration.
Context is Crucial for Lottery Prospects from Non-Powerhouse Programs
Aside from the three Duke players projected in the lottery, none of the other top prospects in this draft came from ideal college situations. Rutgers missed the NCAA tournament despite having Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, largely because the talent surrounding these freshman stars was limited. Baylor (with VJ Edgecombe), Oklahoma (Jeremiah Fears), Texas (Tre Johnson), and South Carolina (Collin Murray-Boyles) were also, at best, middle-tier teams. NBA executives must always consider context when forecasting the transition from college to the pros, but they emphasize that this step is particularly critical with this group of prospects. They need to determine whether the weaknesses observed on film are genuine issues or simply a result of playing alongside less talented teammates. Playing next to much better talent in the NBA could potentially mitigate some problems as prospects find their roles.
Upcoming: Wednesday and Thursday Activities
Wednesday features the first day of 5-on-5 scrimmages. While most highly-ranked draft prospects will not participate, there are many intriguing players to watch. Yaxel Lendeborg (a former UAB big man committed to Michigan) is the only projected first-rounder scheduled to play, but a long list of players who are debating whether to stay in the draft or return to college are on the rosters. Notable names include Auburn`s Tahaad Pettiford, Darrion Williams, and San Diego State`s Miles Byrd. Penn State`s Yanic Konan Niederhauser will also draw considerable attention; he tested incredibly well and was the top prospect at the recent G League Elite Camp, earning a call-up to the combine and slotting in as a top-45 pick in ESPN`s latest mock draft.
