The 2026 NBA Combine in Chicago has been a hotbed of activity, with players vying for their chance to impress and change their draft stock. Among the standout performers, several names have emerged as clear winners, while others have found themselves in the loser's column. In my opinion, the most intriguing aspect of this year's combine is the way it has highlighted the importance of versatility and unique skill sets. Here's a deep dive into the winners and losers, with a focus on the players who have made the most of their time in the spotlight.
Winners
Baba Miller (Cincinnati)
Baba Miller, a 6'10½" big man with a 7'1¾" wingspan, has emerged as a strong second-round pick after a strong showing at the combine. His measurements, including a height of 6'10½" and a weight of 208.2 lbs, were impressive, and he backed them up with a stellar performance in the first scrimmage. Miller's inside-out versatility, big-man finishing, and three-point shooting make him an enticing prospect. In my view, his ability to contribute in multiple areas makes him a valuable asset for any team.
Jaden Bradley (Arizona)
Jaden Bradley, a 6'2½" point guard, showcased his Swiss Army Knife-like abilities in the first scrimmage. With 10 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, he demonstrated his slashing, mid-range game, setup ability, and physicality. Bradley's measurements, including a height of 6'2½" and a weight of 205.4 lbs, were also impressive. I believe his versatility and all-around game make him a strong contender for a late-second-round pick.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee)
Ja'Kobi Gillespie, a 5'11.75" guard, scored 24 points in the first half of the scrimmage, showcasing his shotmaking ability and playmaking skills. Despite his small measurements, he impressed as an instant-offense weapon. Gillespie's production over the past two seasons, combined with his playmaking at Tennessee, has maximized his chances of being drafted. In my opinion, his ability to contribute immediately makes him an attractive prospect.
Cameron Carr (Baylor)
Cameron Carr, a 6'4½" wing, already looked like a combine winner after athletic testing and measurements. His performance on Wednesday, with 30 points on six threes and three dunks, further solidified his status as a mid-first-round pick. Carr's ease in separating from defenders and elevating above the rim, combined with his defensive numbers, make him a valuable asset for any team.
Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan)
Morez Johnson Jr., a 6'9" forward, displayed outstanding physical tools and movement. His measurements, including a height of 6'9" and a weight of 250.6 lbs, mirror players like Naz Reid and Wendell Carter Jr. Johnson's functional athletic traits, confirmed by his 39" max vertical and second-fastest pro lane time, make him a unique and attractive prospect.
Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
Darius Acuff Jr., a 6'2" guard, has measurements that very closely mirror Damian Lillard's from the 2012 NBA Combine. His size, weight, and length make him a strong contender for lottery teams. Acuff's ability to avoid defensive targeting and his offensive skills make him a valuable asset for any team.
Alex Karaban (Connecticut)
Alex Karaban, a 6'6¾" wing, has strong measurements for a small-ball 4, with a solid 225-pound frame and the length of a power forward. His standing vertical, which increased by 5.5 inches from two years ago, is an incredible difference and a potentially meaningful one for a player whose lack of explosiveness has been a negative. Karaban's shooting ability, confirmed by his performance in drills, further enhances his value.
Kingston Flemings (Houston)
Kingston Flemings, a 6'2½" guard, made up for average measurements on Monday with an all-around performance during athletic testing and shooting drills. He led the combine in the three-point star drill and finished top five in multiple tests. Flemings' all-around performance reinforces the idea that he's a very complete player, regardless of how his upside is perceived.
Losers
Koa Peat (Arizona)
Koa Peat, a 6'7" forward, has struggled to identify pathways to upside. His measurements, including a height of 6'7" and a weight of 245 lbs, didn't present any new possibilities. Peat's shooting drills were also uninspiring, with him shooting 6-of-25 in spot-up threes and 10-of-25 on mid-range jumpers. In my opinion, his lack of creation, shooting, and defensive traits makes him a less attractive prospect.
Amari Allen (Alabama)
Amari Allen, a 6'5¼" forward, has a noticeable discrepancy between his listed NCAA measurements and his official NBA measurements. His 6'8" wingspan isn't overwhelming, and his 6'5.25" height may be a concern for some teams. Allen's positional size has been considered a significant selling point, but his measurements may limit his appeal.
Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State)
Joshua Jefferson, a 6'7¾" forward, did not test well athletically, finishing with the slowest pro lane agility time, bottom-third verticals, sprint time, and shuttle run. His shooting drills were also middle-to-bottom-of-the-pack. Jefferson's decision to skip scrimmaging may have made him more vulnerable as a prospect. In my view, his lack of performance and decision to skip scrimmages may impact his draft stock.
Takeaway
The 2026 NBA Combine has highlighted the importance of versatility and unique skill sets. Players like Baba Miller, Jaden Bradley, and Cameron Carr have made the most of their time in the spotlight, while others like Koa Peat and Joshua Jefferson have struggled to impress. In my opinion, the combine has been a valuable tool for teams to evaluate players and make informed decisions about their draft picks. As the draft approaches, teams will be looking for players who can contribute immediately and provide value in multiple areas.
