NBA Combine 2016: Players Who Will Help Themselves in 5-on-5 Scrimmages
Although it is sometimes an afterthought for both players and teams, the five-on-five scrimmages at the NBA combine can be valuable for a number of prospects.
The projected top players in each class will usually limit themselves to just the athletic testing and medicals. Potential No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons won't even do this much after declining his invite to the combine.
However, the scrimmages are a way for fringe players to showcase their skills in a game atmosphere and possibly move up draft boards. Terry Rozier and Larry Nance Jr. both ended up being taken in the first round a year ago after participating in the five-on-five battles, while a handful of players became second-round selections instead of possibly missing out altogether.
While the full list of participants isn't yet available, here is a look at some players who will benefit from competing in the upcoming scrimmages in Chicago.
Malcolm Brogdon, SF, Virginia
The ACC Player of the Year was one of the best two-way players in all of college basketball last season. Malcolm Brogdon averaged 18.2 points per game (19.9 in conference play) while showcasing the ability to create his own shot inside or out.
Meanwhile, he was an excellent on-ball defender who could match up against smaller guards as well as bigger forwards. With his length and instincts, he should be able to defend the 1 through 3 spots in the NBA.
When most people think of a "scrimmage," they usually think of a relaxed atmosphere. However, Brogdon will likely keep the intensity up in order to prove himself as a stud defender who can guard anyone at the next level. If he knocks down a few jumpers as well, it will be icing on the cake.
He might not have the upside of some other perimeter players in this class, but he will show he is worthy of a first-round pick.
Melo Trimble, PG, Maryland
The combine might not be a great situation for Melo Trimble to boost his stock. He isn't tall or long enough to stand out in measurements, while his performance in the athletic tests isn't going to turn any heads.
Still, Trimble will be best in the game-like atmosphere of the five-on-five scrimmages.
The sophomore point guard is a confident player who often gets points through craftiness instead of athleticism or quickness. He can consistently finish inside, and even when he doesn't, he usually gets to the free-throw line.
Trimble also earned a noteworthy endorsement from two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry.
"He’s so composed when he’s out there on the floor, but he’s aggressive and he’s not afraid of the moment, he’s not afraid to make big plays," Curry said on Big Ten Network’s The Journey, per Scott Allen of the Washington Post. "Very similar to how I was back in college."
Although he won't necessarily become Curry down the line, both guards have the same confidence when they have the ball. Even as a freshman, the Maryland player usually had the ball in his hands down the stretch and did what it took to win. These are the types of skills that could get him drafted, and he needs to show them off at the combine.
Georges Niang, PF, Iowa State
Once again, a lack of athleticism will hold back a great college player.
Georges Niang scored 2,228 points in four years at Iowa State and did it with high efficiency. In his senior season, he made 60.5 percent of two-point baskets, 39.2 percent of three-point shots and 80.7 of his free throws.
The point forward knew how to use spacing to his advantage to get the best shot possible while also being an above-average passer for the position.
ESPN's Fran Fraschilla explained why teams should take a chance on the seasoned player, per Randy Peterson of the Des Moines Register:
"His intelligence and engaging personality will impress people. That’ll weigh some, but in the NBA, size and athleticism trumps almost everything.
You’re talking about the best players in the world, but as you you’re filling out your 15-player roster, sometimes you take a chance on a guy who can stick around the league for 10 years.
"
The size and athleticism are lacking compared to others in the field, but the scrimmages will display his basketball IQ and offensive skill set, which could be enough to get him drafted.
Kay Felder, PG, Oakland
While Kay Felder is athletic with incredible quickness, the thing that will hold him back is his size. According to the NBA Draft Twitter account, the mid-major star is the smallest player at the combine:
Despite his size, Tyler Ulis is projected to be a first-round pick due to his pure basketball ability. The same could be said for Felder, who could bring even more to the table at the next level.
Felder not only ranked third in the nation with 24.4 points per game, but he also led college basketball with 9.3 assists per game. You could argue his competition wasn't the best, but no one could stop the point guard. He even tallied the most offensive win shares in the country at 6.2, per Sports-Reference.com.
Teams might look the other way after the measurements, but the scrimmages could have a way of forcing scouts to overlook his size. They will see a player who can dominate with the ball in his hands like he did all season long.
After Isaiah Thomas' success with the Boston Celtics, it's important not to rule out undersized players.
Cheick Diallo, C, Kansas
The first four players on this list all had great college careers with relatively polished games heading into the combine. Cheick Diallo is the exception.
Diallo was too raw to get regular playing time as a freshman for Kansas, ending the year with an average of just 3.0 points in 7.5 minutes per game. If anyone drafts him early, it will be based on upside alone.
However, the former McDonald's All-American can use this to his advantage, as the combine scrimmages would be somewhat of a fresh slate for him. While most other players have enough game film that it will be hard to change an opinion in a few short practices, scouts will be watching to see what Diallo can do.
Even if the big man doesn't put up big numbers, this will be a chance for him to show off his motor and ability to run the floor. He can also be a plus defender, and a few blocks will help in this regard.
As of now, Diallo is a bit of a mystery, but he can help his cause in Chicago.
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