JT Thor: The Auburn big man measured in a 6-9 without shoes. He hit 15/25 on moving NBA 3’s during the combine individual workouts. His motor, solid size, and great shooting for a big likely moved him into the mid-to-late first round.
Quentin Grimes: The floor general from Houston was one of the big winners of the draft, as he led the NBA combine in scoring and measured a legit 6-5. Reports state he impressed in his pro day, as well. Mid-to-late first round.
James Bouknight: The sharp-shooting wing out of UConn proved to be an even better shooter than advertised. Since three-point shooting is the single most desirable skill in today’s game, Bouknight likely moved from mid-first to mid-lottery. Golden State at No. 7 is a likely destination.
Scottie Barnes: Can a top pick really improve his stock if he’s guaranteed to be a top pick? If it is possible, Scottie Barnes did it this past week. He was vocal, encouraging, and genuinely loved by all those around him. Looked like a better-shooting, very athletic, explosive Kyle Anderson (Lamar Odom?). Can guard four or five positions, can play 1-4 on offense. Came in a top-6 pick, but could find himself as high as No. 3, now.
Jericho Sims: Although he got lost a bit in Texas’ three-big rotation, Sims did way more for himself than teammates Greg Brown and Kai Jones did. Measured 6-10 without shoes, 250 lbs., with a 7-3 wingspan. Sims looked much more explosive and powerful, showcasing a 44-inch vert, than ever before. Still limited to catching lobs on offense, he looks like he should find a role as an high-end rim protector and dominant rebounder. Likely cemented himself as a draftee.
McKinley Wright: The ultimate floor general of the combine 5-on-5 scrimmages. Scored, distributed, held his own on defense. The Colorado point guard seems to be following the recent trend of smart point guards from Minnesota that aren’t all-stars, but employ important roles on their teams.
Josh Christopher: Had a very strong pro day, showing off his elite athleticism, but also displayed a great shooting touch that we didn’t see much during his time at Arizona State. Very high-potential player. Could be taken in the 20s.
Josh Primo: The youngest collegiate player in the draft. The young Canadian shot the ball very well, displayed great court vision, and high confidence in himself. Despite scoring less than 10 ppg during his freshman year at Alabama, his game and upside project well to the NBA. Late first round.
Neemias Queta: The first legitimate NBA hopeful from Portugal since Joao Gomes in 2007, Queta impressed scouts by shooting well, extending his range, and moving much more fluidly than he did at Utah State. He also lived up to his label as an elite paint defender. Measured at 7-feet without shoes, with a 7-4 wingspan and 10.5-inch hand width. Went from late-second/UFA to a late-first/early-second rounder.
Bones Hyland: One of the biggest risers based solely off his combine. Measured 6-3.5 without shoes, and boasted a 6-9 wingspan. Displayed supreme confidence and good range. Scored in multiple ways, all over the court. Likely worked himself into the first round.
Trey Murphy: Measured a legit 6-9 while shooting over 40% from 3. Rumors are that he has a first round promise, despite some pre-combine mocks having him in the late second round. Mid-to-late first is likely where he lands.
Joe Wisekamp: Shot 6/7 from 3 during 5-on-5 scrimmages at the combine. Registered 26 and 10, which cemented a spot in the second round, but could likely work himself into the first round if he returns to Iowa and has a solid senior season.
Keon Johnson: What will shattering the Draft Combine vertical leap get you? My guess is a top-7 pick, especially if you were already a likely lottery pick. After registering a 48-inch vert, Keon Johnson was able to reinforce the belief that he has world-class athleticism and the ability to use it to his advantage. At the worst, Johnson projects as a high-level defender.
Hayden Coombs 