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. In this article, I'll be taking a deep dive into the winners and losers of the combine, offering my personal interpretation and commentary on each player's performance. From the standout performers to the ones who left fans scratching their heads, get ready for a breakdown that will make you rethink the draft order.
The Standouts
Baba Miller: The Rising Star
Baba Miller, a 6'10½" big man with a 7'1¾" wingspan, has emerged as a second-round pick after falling off the radar earlier in his career. His outstanding measurements and foot-speed drills for a forward on Tuesday were a sight to behold. Miller's ability to lead the first scrimmage with 20 points, showcasing his inside-out versatility, is what makes him a standout. In my opinion, Miller's performance at the combine has solidified his place in the second round, and I predict he'll be a steal for any team that drafts him.
Jaden Bradley: The Swiss Army Knife
Jaden Bradley, a point guard with a 6'2½" frame, has sold himself as a Swiss Army Knife version who can do a little of everything. His performance in the first scrimmage, with 10 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, is a testament to his versatility. While he had been in late-second-round projections all season, Bradley's performance at the combine has moved him up a tier. I believe Bradley's ability to do a little of everything will make him a valuable asset for any team that drafts him.
Cameron Carr: The Shotmaker
Cameron Carr, a 6'4½" wing with a 7'¾" wingspan, has already looked like a combine winner after athletic testing and measurements. His performance on Wednesday, with 30 points on six threes and three dunks, was a sight to behold. Carr's ability to separate and shoot over defenders, as well as his max vertical and pro lane agility time, make him a mid-first-round pick. I believe Carr's performance at the combine has solidified his place in the mid-first round, and I predict he'll be a valuable asset for any team that drafts him.
The Disappointments
Koa Peat: The Struggling Forward
Koa Peat, a 6'7" forward with a 6'11¼" wingspan, has struggled in shooting drills. His performance on Monday, with 6'7" measurements and struggling in shooting drills, has left scouts with little to work with. Despite some strong athletic-testing numbers, including a top-three standing vertical, NBA teams don't sound excited about a forward with wing height who doesn't create, shoot, or possess big-man defensive traits. I believe Peat's performance at the combine has left him in a difficult position, and I predict he'll be a long shot for the draft.
Amari Allen: The Discrepancy
Amari Allen, a 6'5¼" forward with a 6'8" wingspan, has a noticeable discrepancy between his listed NCAA measurements and his official NBA measurements. His 6'8" wingspan isn't overwhelming, coming in just one to two inches longer than point guards like Darius Acuff Jr. and Christian Anderson. I believe Allen's performance at the combine has been overshadowed by the discrepancy in his measurements, and I predict he'll be a long shot for the draft.
Joshua Jefferson: The Skipping Prospect
Joshua Jefferson, a 6'7¾" forward with a 6'10¾" wingspan, has skipped scrimmaging, which has left him vulnerable as a prospect. His performance on Monday and Tuesday, with the slowest pro lane agility time, bottom-third verticals, sprint time, and shuttle run, has left fans and scouts with little to work with. I believe Jefferson's decision to skip scrimmaging has hurt his draft stock, and I predict he'll be a long shot for the draft.
The Underrated
Morez Johnson Jr.: The Functional Athletic
Morez Johnson Jr., a 6'9" forward with a 7'3½" wingspan, has outstanding physical tools and movement. His size, weight, length, and reach mirror players like Naz Reid, Wendell Carter Jr., and Bobby Portis. Only Johnson shows far more functional athletic traits, which were confirmed by his 39" max vertical and second-fastest pro lane time. I believe Johnson's performance at the combine has been overshadowed by his size, and I predict he'll be a valuable asset for any team that drafts him.
Darius Acuff Jr.: The Small Guard
Darius Acuff Jr., a 6'2" guard with a 6'7" wingspan, has measurements that very closely mirror Damian Lillard's from the 2012 NBA combine. His size, weight, and length make him a unique prospect, and I believe his performance at the combine has solidified his place in the draft. I predict Acuff will be a valuable asset for any team that drafts him.
Alex Karaban: The Explosive Wing
Alex Karaban, a 6'6¾" wing with a 6'11" wingspan, has strong measurements for a wing or small-ball 4. His standing vertical has improved significantly, and he has a solid 225-pound frame with the length of a power forward. I believe Karaban's performance at the combine has solidified his place in the draft, and I predict he'll be a valuable asset for any team that drafts him.
The Takeaway
The 2026 NBA Combine has been a mix of standout performers and disappointing prospects. While some players have already made a name for themselves, others have fallen short of expectations. In my opinion, the combine has been a valuable tool for teams to evaluate prospects, and I believe the results will have a significant impact on the draft order. As for the winners and losers, only time will tell if they'll live up to the hype. But one thing is for sure: the 2026 NBA Combine has been a memorable one, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for these young athletes.
