Ranking the top players in 2026 NBA draft combine scrimmages this week

Several notable players, including former UConn star Tarris Reed Jr., will participate in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine five-on-five scrimmages.

While these scrimmages do not include big stars or players projected to hear their name called at the top of the draft next month at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, there is typically first-round talent broadcast on national TV for fans to watch and for front offices to evaluate.

Advertisement

The most interesting players are often the ones who declared as early entry candidates because if they perform well, they can skyrocket on draft boards (like Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams did in 2022) or return to college and make more money in the modern NIL era.

Here’s how the NBA draft combine scrimmage pool breaks down entering this week based on consensus rankings across major draft boards.

Early entry candidates with collegiate eligibility remaining

Tyler Tanner participates in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.

These players have the most on the line because they will use feedback to determine whether they return to school or stay in the draft. Kentucky big man Malachi Moreno, who is also an early entry candidate, was originally included on scrimmage rosters but opted not to participate.

Advertisement

Potential first round picks

Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt)

Potential early-to-mid second round picks

Billy Richmond III (Arkansas)

Potential mid-to-late second round picks

Matthew Able (NC State → North Carolina)

John Blackwell (Wisconsin → Duke)

Players who could play their way into guaranteed long-term deals

Jaden Bradley participates in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.

These players are ranked relatively near the first-round cutoff and can potentially move up with especially strong showings during scrimmage reps. They fall between No. 30 and No. 50 on the consensus rankings. Guaranteed contracts are signed if a player is picked in the first round and sometimes negotiated for early second-round picks, too.

Trevon Brazile…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ranking-top-players-2026-nba-203559186.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-05-12 20:35:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.