NBA Combine Standouts From Day One
The first day of scrimmages at the NBA draft combine is in the books, with just over half the players invited to the event participating in five-on-five games in front of executives from across the league.
The caliber of play in these settings is mixed: Few if any players likely to go in the first round play in the scrimmages, and teams of prospects with little to no familiarity with one another trying to mesh on the fly generates somewhat sloppy action. Still, it’s a good chance for players to solidify their draft stock and make an impression in front of an audience of NBA personnel.
Here’s a look at eight standouts from the first day of scrimmages.
Tristan Vukčević, Partizan Belgrade
Vukčević came into this event known as a highly skilled frontcourt player, and showed off what he can do in a first-quarter 12-point flurry in his first scrimmage action. He looked comfortable stretching the floor, drilling a pair of catch-and-shoot threes, and also made a difficult midrange shot off the bounce that showed off his rare skill level. He then had a similar burst in the fourth, including a difficult post finish and another three. In total, Vukčević tallied a game-high 21 points in just 16 minutes and clearly has offensive upside few other prospects playing in the five-on-five portion possess. We’ll see if he plays again Thursday or gets shut down after showing all he needed to in the first scrimmage.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper averaged 12.7 points while drilling 34% of his three-point shots last season at Marquette, and may rise to the top of the second round with more strong showings at the combine.
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Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Marquette
After testing well Monday, Prosper continued his positive week in Chicago on Wednesday with an impressive scrimmage performance. He led his team with 21 points and also kicked in seven rebounds, showing off his versatile skill set to NBA teams in the process. HIs 40-plus inch vertical registered Monday was notable, and Prosper showed off that plus athleticism early in the scrimmage with a thunderous dunk in traffic. He later flashed his ability to stretch the floor, guard multiple positions and handle the ball, all things that make him a valued commodity at the next level. Prosper’s shooting drill numbers also exceeded expectations, and while his shot mechanics are still somewhat slow, the Montreal native looks more and more like a guy who could rise to the top part of the second round.
Brandin Podziemski, Santa Clara
Podziemski’s measurements were somewhat underwhelming, but his stat-sheet-stuffing performance Wednesday is another example of why he deserves first-round consideration. He played his role as a secondary creator admirably, dishing out seven assists and battling well on the glass in addition to his 10 points. He’s a smart player, a strong outside shooter and has more pop athletically than he has been given credit for, as evidenced by his 39-inch vertical jump. Santa Clara produced one of the NBA’s best rookies in Jalen Williams a year ago, and a second first-rounder in as many years isn’t out of the question thanks to Podziemski’s positive showing.
Isaiah Wong, Miami
Wong has an uncertain future given he’s undersized as a scoring guard, but helped himself Wednesday by showing his ability to put the ball in the basket translates to the highest level. The former Miami star scored 16 points on just eight shots and tallied four assists with just one turnover, showcasing his ability to get downhill and finish around bigger defenders. Wong will never be a traditional point guard, but he’s a gifted enough bucket-getter to have a chance of carving out a role in the NBA. Plus, teams will value how Wong helped elevate the Miami program back to prominence, bringing the Hurricanes to an Elite Eight in 2022 and the Final Four this spring.
Seth Lundy, Penn State
Lundy is among the best shooters in this class, capable of making shots off the catch, off movement and even off the bounce. He measured short at 6'4" without shoes, but his 6'10" wingspan and sturdy frame gives him enough defensive versatility to have a chance to get on the floor in the pro game. He made 4-of-5 three-point attempts in Wednesday’s scrimmage, including a very difficult stepback three that showcased his tough-shot abilities.
Hunter Tyson, Clemson
After getting bumped up to the NBA combine after a successful weekend at the G League Elite Camp, Tyson added to his positive momentum with 14 points, five rebounds and two assists on 4–7 from beyond the arc. He’s a bigger wing at 6'7.5” with a pure outside stroke who nearly averaged a double-double this season at Clemson. Tyson should clearly be in line for a two-way contract and could potentially work his way into the second round mix.
Jordan Miller averaged 15.4 points during Miami’s surprise Final Four run, including a 27-point outburst against Texas in the Elite Eight.
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Jordan Miller, Miami
The slashing wing from Miami built on his strong March Madness with a productive 18 points and 10 rebounds, showing off his versatility and improved jump shot. Miller, who played almost exclusively at power forward for the undersized Hurricanes, looked comfortable playing as more of a traditional wing, the position he said he grew up playing. He also made three of his four shots from beyond the arc, a necessity if he wants to carve out an NBA role. He’s a guy worth investing a second-round draft choice in.
Johni Broome, Auburn
Broome continued his strong week in Chicago after being one of the most productive players at the G League Elite Camp, adding a double-double today with 20 points and 11 rebounds after two big days over the weekend. Broome hasn’t exactly transformed his game from what made him successful at Auburn, but clearly benefits from NBA spacing and has been at least as productive as more highly regarded college big men like Oscar Tshiebwe, Adama Sanogo and Drew Timme. Broome said he’ll return to Auburn for his senior year if he’s not projected to get drafted, but if nothing else has made an impression this week.
