NBA Draft Combine 2016: Takeaways from Measurements, Workouts and More
CHICAGO — After measurements and team interviews on Wednesday, players participated in athletic testing, light drills and five-on-five scrimmaging during the NBA draft combine.
Of course, the majority of projected first-rounders chose to sit out, but that didn't stop dozens of NBA scouts, executives and coaches from filling the gym.
I broke down the notable performances and developments from Thursday's festivities and how they may impact the prospects' 2016 draft stock.
Five-on-Five Notes and Observations
Cheick Diallo (Kansas, PF/C, Freshman)
Diallo was terrific in Thursday's first game, something we rarely said during the season while he rode Kansas' bench.
He played with tons of energy around the basket, where he blocked four shots and threw down a number of easy dunks. Diallo even added a jump hook in the lane and a jumper falling away in the mid-range.
He's one of the few players who had to have helped themselves with a strong showing during scrimmages. Diallo finished with 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting in 22 minutes.
B/R's Current Projection for Diallo: Late first to second round
Robert Carter Jr. (Maryland, PF, Senior)
Carter was arguably the best player on the floor in the first game. He also looked like the most polished big participating, going for 22 points and consistently positioning himself for scoring opportunities, which he converted both inside and out.
With nice footwork and touch around the key, along with a good-looking jumper around the arc, Carter's offensive game looks strong enough to hold up against NBA competition. He really improved his chances of getting drafted somewhere in the mid-second round.
B/R's Current Projection for Carter: Second round
Kyle Wiltjer (Gonzaga, PF, Senior)
Wiltjer's well-documented lack of athleticism and speed has kept him outside the NBA draft discussion throughout his career. But nobody will argue his shot-making ability—it was on display throughout Thursday afternoon, when he went for 17 points and three made threes in 21 minutes.
It wasn't just spot-up shooting; Wiltjer showed he could create separation with a dribble or two and knock down the pull-back jumper.
Originally, I would have said his chances of getting drafted were slim. But there was buzz in the gym over the one skill all 30 NBA teams could use: Shooting.
B/R's Current Projection for Wiltjer: Second round/Undrafted
Joel Bolomboy (Weber State, PF, Senior)
Bolomboy had the highlight of the day—a baseline spin into a reverse slam. "As soon as I caught the ball, I felt him (Marcus Lee) on my shoulder. I kind of just quickly spun away from him," Bolomboy told Bleacher Report.
A big-time athlete (40½" max vertical) whose 10.26-second lane agility time ranked first among power forwards and centers, Bolomboy didn't put up strong stats during the scrimmage, but he did knock down a mid-range jumper and showcase his bounce around the hoop.
He isn't likely to go in the first round, but between his explosiveness, rebounding and developing offensive game, he's a sleeper to watch later in the draft.
B/R's Current Projection for Bolomboy: Second round
Georges Niang (Iowa State, PF, Senior)
Niang can't jump over a puddle, but he still couldn't be stopped during five-on-fives. He finished with 20 points and missed just four looks, having shown off his offensive versatility without shot-hunting.
He takes what the defense gives him and capitalizes. Niang hit a three and a number of unorthodox shots around the paint.
Despite obvious athletic limitations, his skill level and basketball IQ could trigger a second-round bite. He'll receive training-camp invites, whether he's drafted or not. Consider Niang one of the winners of Day 1 at the combine.
B/R's Current Projection for Niang: Second round
Ben Bentil (Providence, PF, Sophomore)
Bentil opened up the second game on fire, knocking down two threes and a pair of mid-range hits. He's visibly confident, particularly with his jumper, and it's also obvious how skillful a scorer he is.
On the downside, Bentil got somewhat sloppy with his shot selection late in the game. Teams may also have concerns over his 6'8¼" size for a big. But his offensive repertoire is undeniably potent and a fit in today's NBA.
Bentil hasn't hired an agent yet. He told Bleacher Report he'll be hoping to secure a spot in June's first round.
B/R's Current Projection for Bentil: Late first to early second round
DeAndre Bembry (Saint Joseph's, SG/SF, Junior)
Bembry didn't have to play in five-on-fives. He's viewed as a mid-to-late first-round option, and most with that status chose to sit out. Instead, he participated and likely confirmed what scouts already knew: He's one of the best wing prospects in the class.
Bembry had 18 points (8-of-12) and three assists. The versatile 2-guard/small forward kept finding ways to score in transition or slash through driving lanes. And he competed on defense.
He even looked smooth from downtown during warm-ups before knocking down a three early in the game. Inconsistent shooting is the one knock, but it was pretty clear on Thursday that his jumper—as well as his overall game—are worth betting on in June's first round.
B/R's Current Projection for Bembry: Mid-first to late-first round
Pascal Siakam (New Mexico State, PF/C, Sophomore)
One of the country's most productive players (20.3 points, 11.6 rebounds), Siakam is also one of the most under-the-radar prospects in this year's field.
He was effective during scrimmaging on Thursday, when he was consistently the first man down the floor for his team. Siakam is a terrific rim runner, and despite lacking polish, he got himself easy buckets (12 points) by hustling.
That will ultimately be his job in the pros, whether his offensive game develops or not.
B/R's Current Projection for Siakam: Second round
Malcolm Brogdon (Virginia, SG, Senior)
Brogdon looked like the complete two-way guard he was at Virginia. He doesn't wow with speed or athleticism, but he breaks down and buries defenses using sharp skills, basketball IQ and effort.
His 17 points and six assists were quiet; hew hit two threes and converted some crafty drives, runners and pull-ups. And he moved the ball, creating for teammates and finding the open man.
Brogdon's flaws are ultimately easy to overlook when you take into account his unteachable strengths. It wouldn't be shocking to see a team fall in love with his game and reach in the first round.
B/R's Current Projection for Brogdon: Late first to early second round
Chinanu Onuaku (Louisville, C, Sophomore)
Onuaku was one of the more pleasant surprises on Thursday. He finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and a pair of blocks, doing all of his work around the basket. Onuaku played physically and fearlessly, and though none of his buckets looked pretty, he got the job done through contact on multiple occasions.
We're still talking about a second-round talent, but I'm not sure there was any more he could have done in this particular setting.
B/R's Current Projection for Onuaku: Second round
Melo Trimble (Maryland, PG, Sophomore)
Trimble didn't help himself during five-on-fives. He scored five points on 2-of-8 shooting to go with two assists and two turnovers.
His lack of athleticism showed up on multiple occasions. Trimble got to the basket twice, only to have his shot rejected on both occasions. He also threw up air balls on a lefty floater and a deep three-point attempt.
Another day like Thursday could potentially destroy what's left of his draft stock.
B/R's Current Projection for Trimble: Second round/undrafted
Malik Newman (Mississippi State, PG/SG, Freshman)
Thursday's setting should have been helpful for Newman, but he couldn't take advantage. He knocked down two threes, which was encouraging to see, but not much else worked. ]
Newman did a poor job of picking his spots as a scorer and attacker, and he finished 2-of-8 with three turnovers and one assist. One play summed up his game perfectly: Newman penetrated, got to the basket, jumped in the air and threw it away.
I'm not sure what he's offering to NBA teams at this point in his development. Mississippi State wasn't a great fit, but unless he's fine with playing in the D-League or abroad, returning to school should be the move.
B/R's Current Projection for Newman: Undrafted
Isaiah Whitehead (Seton Hall, PG/SG, Sophomore)
Whitehead was efficient, something he wasn't at Seton Hall, even though his production was strong all year.
On Thursday, he went for 13 points, five assists and no turnovers on 6-of-8 shooting. He converted a three off the dribble, a few shots in the lane and a nice drive to the rack. And he did some nice dishing off penetration.
It wasn't an exciting enough performance to move needle for any general manager who'd previously been on the fence, but Whitehead also did nothing to hurt himself.
Whitehead, who hasn't hired an agent, told Bleacher Report he'll be looking for a spot in the first round or early second to stay in, but he's also not opposed to returning to Seton Hall.
B/R's Current Projection for Whitehead: Second round
Kay Felder (Oakland, PG, Junior)
Felder played with high energy, particularly on defense against N.C. State's Cat Barber. The Oakland spark plug collected four steals to go with his 11 points and four assists. Though just 5'9½" in shoes, he has a strong 177.2-pound frame and good explosiveness, both off the bounce and at the rim.
He was difficult to stay in front of and contain in transition; Felder consistently found himself at the basket after breaking down the defense or pushing the break. And that led to mostly layups and drive-and-dish assists.
It also led to turnovers (he had five) and some bad shots. Felder isn't a finished product, but teams looking to inject some life into their backcourt may give him a hard second-round look.
B/R's Current Projection for Felder: Second round
Michael Gbinije (Syracuse, SG, Senior)
Gbinije had strong moments, and not all of them showed up in the box score. He did some setting up teammates off dribble creativity and ball screens, which ultimately highlighted his unique playmaking skills for a wing. He also threw down a big dunk in transition and nailed two threes, one of which came on a pretty step-back.
On the down side, Gbinije forced the issue a few times and short-armed some jumpers.
Overall, he gave scouts a taste of athleticism, scoring and facilitating versatility. Gbinije finished with 13 points and two assists on 4-of-8 shooting.
B/R's Current Projection for Gbinije: Second round
Measurements Notables
Wade Baldwin IV (Vanderbilt, PG, Sophomore)
We knew Baldwin would look good during measurements, but the numbers he put up were even better than expected.
For a ball-handler, his 6'11¼" wingspan is off the charts. It's the longest of any drafted point guard (tied with Tyreke Evans, who's more of a 2) from DraftExpress' database. He also came in at 201.8 points and 6'4" in shoes.
Terrific size and strength, along with spectacular length, help drive Baldwin's intriguing two-way potential.
Nigel Hayes (Wisconsin, PF, Junior)
You won't find many prospects with measurements like Hayes'. He only came in at 6'7¼" in shoes—small for a traditional power forward. But he compensates with a massive 7'3" wingspan and ridiculous 245-pound frame.
Hayes looks the part of a small-ball 4 in today's NBA.
Buddy Hield (Oklahoma, SG, Senior)
Skeptics will have to keep the "undersized 2-guard" argument in their pocket. Hield measured 6'5" in shoes—a fine height for the position. Meanwhile, his 6'9½" wingspan and 212.4-pound frame are strong.
These numbers ultimately mirror Bradley Beal's (6'4¾" size, 6'8" wingspan, 202 pounds) from the 2012 combine.
Henry Ellenson (Marquette, PF, Freshman)
Ellenson had a nice day with the tape. He came in at 6'11½" in shoes, a significant difference from his 6'10" Marquette listing. His 242-pound frame and 7'2¼" wingspan are also solid.
He isn't a great athlete, but there shouldn't be any concerns over Ellenson's size.
Tyler Ulis (Kentucky, PG, Sophomore)
The good news: Ulis came in at 5'10" in shoes, which is an inch taller than Kentucky's listing. The bad: He weighs just 149.2 pounds.
According to DraftExpress' database, no player has ever been drafted after weighing less than 150 pounds. Ulis will get picked, and likely in the first round, given his track record, intangibles and skills. But 149.2 pounds just sounds ridiculous for an NBA player.
Zhou Qi (China, C, 1997)
Nobody put up bigger height and length measurements than Qi, who came in at 7'2½" with shoe, plus an enormous 7'7¾" wingspan and 9.4½" standing reach. Between his gigantic size, shooting touch and surprising mobility, it's no wonder he was invited to Chicago.
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