The NBA Draft Combine is one of the most important evaluation events in basketball. Each May, the league brings together top draft-eligible prospects in Chicago for a week-long process that blends athletic testing, live competition, medical evaluations, and interviews — all under the watchful eyes of NBA decision-makers.
The 2026 NBA Draft Combine, running from May 10–17, features 73 invited prospects and serves as a turning point for players hoping to solidify or elevate their draft stock. Whether you’re a fan, scout, executive, or player, understanding how the week works — and what truly matters — provides valuable insight into the NBA’s evaluation process.
What Is the NBA Draft Combine?
The NBA Draft Combine is a centralized evaluation event held annually before the NBA Draft. Prospects from college basketball, international leagues, and the G League participate in:
- Official physical measurements
- Athletic performance testing
- Shooting workouts
- Live 5-on-5 scrimmages
- Team interviews
- Medical examinations
The Combine gives teams standardized data and in-person context that complements game film. It helps answer key questions: How athletic is this player really? How do they move in space? How do their tools translate against NBA-level competition?
What the NBA Combine Week Looks Like
Days 1–2: Measurements & Athletic Testing
The opening portion of the Combine focuses on objective data collection. Players go through official measurements and physical testing that establish a prospect’s true physical profile.
This is often where listed heights or wingspans are clarified, sometimes reshaping how teams project a player’s position or defensive versatility.
Midweek: Shooting Drills & Scrimmages
Midweek activity shifts toward basketball-specific evaluation. Prospects take part in structured shooting drills and — if they choose — 5-on-5 scrimmages.
While participation in scrimmages is optional for top prospects, these live games are often the most impactful moments of the entire Combine, particularly for players outside the projected lottery.
Throughout the Week: Interviews & Medicals
Behind the scenes, teams conduct formal and informal interviews, review medical histories, and perform physical exams. These meetings help teams assess competitiveness, personality, basketball IQ, and long-term availability — factors that often carry as much weight as on-court results.
Key NBA Combine Tests (and Why They Matter)
Official Measurements
Measurements are taken without shoes to standardize data across all prospects. Teams record:
- Height
- Weight
- Wingspan
- Standing reach
- Hand length and width
- Body fat percentage
Even small differences in length or reach can influence defensive projections and positional fit.
Athletic & Agility Testing
Standing Vertical Jump & Max Vertical Jump
Measures lower-body explosion and finishing ability around the rim.
Lane Agility Drill
Tests lateral quickness, balance, and the ability to change direction — critical for NBA defenders.
Shuttle Run (Reactive Shuttle)
Evaluates short-area burst and reaction time, especially useful for guards and wings.
Three-Quarter Court Sprint
Measures straight-line speed and transition potential.
These drills help teams assess how efficiently a player moves, not just how high they jump. To see all drills visit What drills are held at NBA Draft Combine? Here’s a closer look.
Why NBA Combine Scrimmages Still Matter
Despite being optional, 5-on-5 scrimmages remain the most revealing element of the NBA Combine.
Scrimmages show:
- Decision-making under pressure
- Defensive awareness
- Off-ball instincts
- Communication
- Competitiveness
- Ability to adapt to unknown teammates and systems
Every year, prospects improve their draft standing through scrimmage play — particularly players fighting to move into the first round. While top lottery picks may choose to sit out, teams consistently value prospects who compete in live settings.
Top Athletes to Watch at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine
AJ Dybantsa – Wing, BYU
A projected top selection, Dybantsa combines elite size, length, and two-way upside. Teams are watching his movement efficiency and perimeter agility.
Darryn Peterson – Guard, Kansas
A dynamic scoring guard with high upside. Interviews, medicals, and change-of-direction testing are key areas of focus.
Cameron Boozer – Forward, Duke
NBA-ready strength and polished offensive skill make Boozer one of the most game-ready prospects in the class. Teams will evaluate his mobility and defensive versatility.
Caleb Wilson – Forward, North Carolina
An explosive, versatile athlete whose vertical testing and lateral movement could separate him from other forwards.
How the NBA Combine Impacts Draft Stock
The NBA Draft Combine doesn’t replace game film — it adds context.
A strong Combine can:
- Push a player into lottery consideration
- Secure guaranteed contracts
- Turn fringe prospects into first-round picks
- Improve two-way or Summer League opportunities
For teams, the Combine is also where trade talks begin, draft boards shift, and critical intel is exchanged.
TeamGenius: Supporting the Combine Evaluation Process
As combines become faster, denser, and more data-driven, teams and organizers need tools that bring clarity to the chaos. TeamGenius helps support combines and elite evaluation events by streamlining how player data is captured, organized, and shared.
From housing scores, logging comments, and centralizing testing results, TeamGenius allows scouts and coaches to spend less time managing information and more time evaluating talent. By connecting measurements, drill performance, and staff feedback in one platform, TeamGenius turns high-volume combine environments into efficient, collaborative evaluation ecosystems.
Whether it’s pre-combine planning or post-combine analysis, TeamGenius helps teams move faster, align decision-makers, and make smarter talent evaluations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important tests at the NBA Combine
Official measurements, vertical jump testing, lane agility drills, shuttle runs, three-quarter court sprints, and live 5-on-5 scrimmages carry the most weight.
The 2026 NBA Draft Combine takes place from May 10–17, 2026, in Chicago.
Yes. Scrimmages remain one of the best ways for prospects — especially those outside the top tier — to meaningfully improve draft stock by showcasing decision-making, competitiveness, and two-way play.
Technology platforms like TeamGenius help centralize evaluations, streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and turn subjective scouting notes into actionable insights
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