The 2026 NBA Combine has wrapped up, and the results are in. While some players have already made a name for themselves, others have fallen short of expectations. Here's a breakdown of the winners and losers, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
The Standouts
One player who immediately stood out was Cameron Carr. With a 6'4" height and a 7'¾" wingspan, Carr is a physical specimen. His ability to shoot over defenders and dunk with ease is remarkable. Carr's performance on the court was equally impressive, as he scored 30 points on six three-pointers and three dunks. In my opinion, Carr's tools, movement, and defensive numbers make him a mid-first-round pick.
Another standout was Jaden Bradley, a point guard with a Swiss Army Knife-like ability to do a little of everything. Bradley's slashing, mid-range game, and setup ability make him a versatile player. His performance in the first scrimmage, with 10 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, has helped him move up a tier in my projections.
Dillon Mitchell also impressed with his versatility. Mitchell showed how he can impact games without needing creation or shooting. His game-high +17 with seven points, 10 boards, and eight assists showcases his Swiss Army Knife-like abilities. Mitchell's athleticism for finishing, strong passing instincts, defensive tools, and motor create glue-guy potential worth looking at in the second round.
The Disappointments
On the other hand, some players fell short of expectations. Koa Peat, for example, struggled in shooting drills, shooting 6-of-25 in spot-up threes and 10-of-25 on mid-range jumpers. Despite some strong athletic-testing numbers, NBA teams don't sound excited about a forward with wing height who doesn't create, shoot, or possess big-man defensive traits.
Amari Allen also disappointed, with 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 is just one to two inches longer than point guards like Darius Acuff Jr. and Christian Anderson.
Joshua Jefferson, who skipped scrimmaging, also fell short. His slow pro lane agility time, bottom-third verticals, sprint time, and shuttle run, along with his middle-to-bottom-of-the-pack performance in shooting drills, make him more vulnerable as a prospect.
The Unique Cases
Aday Mara, on the other hand, put up cartoonish measurements, coming in at 7'3" in socks and a 9'9" reach, tied for the second-longest in NBA combine history. Mara's rim protection skills, unusual passing and post skills for a player of his abnormal size, make him one of the draft's most unique weapons.
In my opinion, the 2026 NBA Combine has been a mix of standout performances and disappointing results. While some players have already made a name for themselves, others have fallen short of expectations. The combine has been a showcase of the players' abilities, and the results will have a significant impact on the draft. The winners and losers have been determined, and the draft order has been set. Now, it's time for the teams to make their picks and build their rosters for the upcoming season.
