NBA Draft Combine Shocker: Top 7 Players Who Dominated Scrimmages!

The NBA draft combine is wrapping up after an eventful week in Chicago. The schedule for Friday includes pro days and interviews, culminating after several days filled with performance testing, strategic meetings, and team scrimmages. The five-on-five games saw limited participation from top prospects, with only a few definite draft candidates choosing to participate, and some still contemplating returning to their college teams. However, those who decided to play took full advantage of the situation, leaving a strong impression on the numerous NBA scouts and executives present. In general, more players benefited from their participation than those who may have negatively impacted their draft stock.

Who were the standout players?

Maxime Raynaud, Stanford Cardinal

Raynaud stood out by choosing not to participate in the second day of scrimmages, a decision that seems wise after his impressive performance on Wednesday. Transitioning from a walk-on at Stanford to a top offensive big man in college basketball, Raynaud showcased his NBA-ready skills. He excelled in stretching the floor, displayed resilience near the basket, and demonstrated strong leadership and communication on defense. While teams might be concerned about his defensive limitations due to his foot speed and vertical reach, Raynaud undeniably boosted his draft prospects this week. Known as one of the most intelligent players in his class, he is also expected to excel in interview environments. Raynaud’s performance might just secure him a spot in the first round, appealing to teams seeking an offense-first player in the frontcourt.

Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn Tigers

Pettiford delivered an explosive performance in Wednesday’s scrimmage, scoring 23 points and distributing eight assists, which highlighted his advanced offensive skills. His ability to create shots and dissect defenses was on full display, alongside his impressive athletic testing results. However, a less impressive performance on Thursday served as a reminder of the occasional inconsistencies he faced during his freshman year at Auburn.

Facing a pivotal decision, Pettiford could either return to Auburn as a central figure or possibly secure at least a guaranteed contract as a professional, given his impressive showing which likely attracted the attention of several NBA teams considering him for late first-round picks. Pettiford hinted that a first-round promise might convince him to turn pro, though his commitment seems less certain for lower offers.

Jamir Watkins, Florida State Seminoles

Watkins excelled in Thursday’s scrimmage, contributing significantly with 23 points, four rebounds, four assists, and five steals, and making a notable impact defensively. Although his three-point shooting has been inconsistent, Watkins has proven his worth as a versatile defender and secondary playmaker.

Despite not having high upside due to his age, teams might appreciate his NBA-ready build and versatility. However, Watkins is likely to require a guaranteed contract to remain in the draft, considering he still has a year of eligibility left and could potentially secure a substantial contract through the NCAA transfer portal.

Miles Byrd, San Diego State Aztecs

Byrd was a guy testing the draft waters who many expected to return to school for one more season. That might have changed after his week in Chicago, including a standout showing in Thursday’s scrimmage. Playing in a more free-flowing game than the ones he typically found himself in at San Diego State with better spacing, Byrd shined, playing a valuable role offensively and making a major impact with his activity and instincts defensively. Byrd made hustle play after hustle play, keeping possessions alive and stacking up seven combined steals and blocks.

Shooting is the swing skill for Byrd, especially because his slight frame limits some of his defensive impact on the ball at the next level. He shot just 30% from three at San Diego State in his first season of high-volume shooting, and his form is a bit of a push shot. One more year of school to prove he can shoot at a higher level could benefit Byrd, but he helped himself this week and has made a real case to stay in the draft.

Ryan Nembhard, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Nembhard doesn’t possess the same physical tools as his brother Andrew, but the younger Nembhard had a similarly excellent combine showing to the one Andrew did that solidified him as a first-round pick. Ryan Nembhard’s likely closer to a late second-round pick or an undrafted priority target, but he’s a joy to watch play point guard, possessing elite floor vision and the ability to manipulate the defense in pick-and-rolls. He may just be too small to ever stick in the NBA, but wouldn’t be a guy I’d want to bet against finding a way to stick. If nothing else, he’ll be among the top point guards in the G League.

Lachlan Olbrich, Illawarra Hawks (Australia)

Olbrich received the bump from the G League camp to the main combine and continued his strong play against tougher competition, proving to be a consistent double double threat throughout the four scrimmages he played in this week. The 21-year-old who spent a year at UC Riverside in college before turning pro in Australia possesses excellent size, is a two-way force around the rim and has enough skill to put the ball on the floor, play in handoffs and grab-and-go in transition.

There has been discussion Olbrich could withdraw from the draft and attempt to bounce back into the college game, which would undoubtedly be pushing the bounds of the NCAA’s eligibility rules. That said, there’s limited to no distinction between what Olbrich has been doing in Australia and what many other college-bound overseas pros have done, and Olbrich’s five-year clock should still have time. That discussion may be all for naught regardless though, as Olbrich has positioned himself well throughout his time in Chicago.

Mackenzie Mgbako, Indiana Hoosiers

Once an elite recruit, Mgbako’s stock dropped significantly in two years at Indiana to the point that he initially was only invited to the G League Elite Camp. He was one of the best players over the weekend, earning an invitation up to the main combine and continued that momentum Wednesday and Thursday. Mgbako showcased the high-level shotmaking that made him an elite recruit, and paired that with an improved motor and activity level on the glass. He also undoubtedly benefited from playing in an NBA-style system, rather than being pigeonholed as a true small forward in Mike Woodson’s archaic offensive system. He had 14 points and eight rebounds Wednesday and followed that up with 17 points and eight rebounds Thursday.

There are two schools of thought for Mgbako’s stay-or-go decision. On one hand, Mgbako has rebuilt enough of his stock now to have a real chance to get picked in June, and given his college struggles might be best served to strike while the iron is hot here. On the other, Mgbako could take this momentum and build on it at Texas A&M, where he’s committed for next season and should be in a much more friendly offensive system under Bucky McMillan. If he shines in the SEC next season, he’d likely be a first-round lock.

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