NBA Combine 2013: Dates, TV Info, Live Stream and Drills Preview

The 2013 NBA combine is a perfect opportunity for both the casual observers and hardcore fans of the Association to get a closer look at the top prospects in the upcoming draft.

Anyone remotely interested in the June 27 event should be watching approximately 60 stars from the college ranks, D-League and international game compete against one another and themselves over the course of two days.

While the NBA’s combine may not have the luster of the NFL’s, it’s still an extremely important affair that showcases everyone from consensus top five picks to fringe second-rounders.

This is the best way to get one last up close and personal look—and a first peek at, for some of these more under-the-radar talents—at the players your favorite organization will be intensely scrutinizing and deliberate endlessly about drafting.

Let’s take a look at what kind of drills and measurements these young men will be subjected to over the course of the two-day occasion, highlight some of the most impressive performances of all time and more in our comprehensive 2013 NBA combine preview.

General Combine Information

When: Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17

Where: Attack Athletics, Chicago, Ill.

Complete Television Info

Thursday, May 16: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET on ESPNU and 2-3 p.m. ET on ESPN2

Friday, May 17: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET on ESPNU and 2-3 p.m. ET on ESPN2

Saturday, May 18: 12-3 p.m. ET on NBATV (Day 1 Re-air), 3-5 p.m. ET (One hour recaps for both days)

Sunday, May 19: 12-3 p.m. ET on NBATV (Day 2 Re-air), 3-5 p.m. ET (One hour recaps for both days)

Live Streaming Guide

Thursday, May 16: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. ET on ESPN3

Friday, May 17: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. ET on ESPN3

Participant List (via ESPN’s Chad Ford)

*Note: Not all invited players will appear at combine.

Don’t expect all of these players to work out in Chicago, as some prospects—such as Maryland’s Alex Len—have already and may continue to withdraw over the next few days due to injury concerns.

There are also plenty of prospects that will show up at Attack Athletics but make themselves scarce—participating in a select few drills and only agreeing to measurements that their representation feels they have little chance to embarrass themselves in.

However, many of the less heralded players will be giving it their all in every event, which is why the draft combine is consistently worth tuning in to.

Athletic Testing

The lack of fanfare around the combine may be attributed to the lack of a measureable drill that most players participate in and analysts and observers love to talk about—such as the 40-yard-dash in the NFL.

However, there is still the bench press—which drew attention when Kevin Durant failed to put up one rep of 185 pounds—and a three-quarter-court sprint, which is a good indication of how fast players will be on the break.

Here’s a look at the complete list of drills that each prospect will have the option of proving their worth in:

*Note: Past performances courtesy of DraftExpress.com

Test	Top Past Performance
Bench Press (185 pounds)	27 Reps, Jason Keep, 2003
No Step Vertical Jump	39.5”, Kenny Gregory, 2001 and Nick Young, 2007
No Step Vertical Reach	12’, Greg Oden, 2007
Max Vertical Jump	45’5”, Kenny Gregory, 2001
Max Vertical Reach	12’5”, Shaquille O’Neal, 1992
Sprint (3/4 Court)	2.91 sec, Cookie Belcher, 2001
Lane Agility Drill	8.18 sec, Mustapha Farrakhan, 2011

Physical Testing

This is where the scouts find out if the prospects they are evaluating can do more than just pass the eye test.

Mild fortunes will be made and lost with the tape measure, as players that perform better than expected and possess more size and athleticism than the field will see their stock get anywhere from a slight to enormous boost heading into draft day.

Don’t be surprised to hear about at least one prospect vaulting up the big boards due to the tale of the tape.

*Note: Measurements courtesy of DraftExpress.com

Measurement	Top Past Showings
Height w/o Shoes	7’ 5.5”, Shawn Bradley, 1993
Height w/ Shoes	7’5”, Pavel Podkolzine, 2003
Weight	340 lbs., Giogos Bogris, 2009
Wingspan	8’1”, Mamadou Ndiaye, 2012
Reach	9’8”, Pavel Podkolzine, 2003
Body Fat	2.6 percent, Dahntay Jones, 2003
Hand Length	11.25”, Greg Smith, 2011
Hand Width	12”, Greg Smith, 2011

Shooting Drills

While shooting uncontested jumpers isn’t the best indication of how a prospect will perform in an NBA game, it certainly can be telling.

Should a player knock down a significant chunk of their long-range shots, attempts off the dribble and against the clock from the mid-range, GMs can feel comfortable that these kids will be able to comfortably perform when the pressure is on and it counts for real.

There are plenty of teams that should be in the market for guys that can simply knock down corner treys and play defense this summer, and at least one half of that equation can be solved during the combine.

Point Guard, Shooting Guard and Small Forward Shooting Drills

Event	Attempts
Spot-Up College Three-Pointers	25
Spot-Up NBA Three-Pointers	25
Shooting off Dribble	18
Timed 15’-18’ Moving Jump Shots	As many as possible

Power Forward and Center Shooting Drills

Event	Attempts
Spot-Up High School Three-Pointers	25
Spot-Up College Three-Pointers	25
Shooting off Dribble	18
Timed 15’-18’ Moving Jump Shots	As many as possible

There will be plenty more going on at the combine, so we’ll update you right here with more information and drills as the event draws nearer and more information becomes available.