2026 NBA Draft Combine: Top 7 Winners and 4 Losers After Measurements and Scrimmages

The 2026 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago served as a pivotal moment for prospects aiming to solidify or reshape their draft stock. While the top four picks—Cameron Boozer, A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Caleb Wilson—remain locked in, individual performances in athletic testing, measurements, and scrimmages could influence the remaining selections.

The Washington Wizards, holding the first overall pick, face a pivotal decision. While Dybantsa is the perceived front-runner, the Wizards could explore trading down for Boozer (ranked No. 1 on their board) or Peterson, acquiring future assets in the process. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls bolstered their draft position by moving up to No. 4 in the lottery and securing the Portland Trail Blazers’ No. 15 pick via a 2021 trade. The Oklahoma City Thunder, with two top-20 picks, enter the draft as favorites to win the 2026 NBA championship.

Top 7 Winners from the 2026 NBA Draft Combine

1. Morez Johnson Jr. – Michigan Wolverines

Morez Johnson Jr. emerged as one of the biggest winners of the combine, solidifying his status as a borderline lottery prospect. After transferring from Illinois to Michigan, Johnson became a cornerstone of the Wolverines’ national championship-winning frontcourt. His versatility—capable of playing both power forward and center—adds depth and toughness to any lineup.

Johnson’s measurements were impressive: 6’9” with a 250.6-pound frame, a 7’3.5” wingspan, and an 8’11” standing reach. Athletic testing further highlighted his strengths:

• Combine Score: 100
• Physical Score: 71.5
• Agility Score: 91.5
• Vertical Score: 96.4

While Johnson’s physical dominance was evident on the court, his combine performance quantified his elite athleticism and potential as a high-impact frontcourt player.

2. Yaxel Lendeborg – Michigan Wolverines

Yaxel Lendeborg, a key teammate of Johnson’s, also benefited from the combine. His standout performances in drills and scrimmages reinforced his status as a first-round caliber prospect. Lendeborg’s improved shooting and defensive versatility make him an attractive option for teams seeking a modern frontcourt player.

3. Aday Mara – Michigan Wolverines

Aday Mara, another Michigan standout, saw his draft stock rise after showcasing his shot-blocking prowess and athleticism. His ability to alter shots and finish at the rim positions him as a potential lottery pick.

4. Zaccharie Risacher – G League Ignite

Zaccharie Risacher, a top international prospect, delivered a strong combine performance, proving his readiness for the NBA. His shooting, ball-handling, and defensive IQ stood out, solidifying his place among the draft’s top tier.

5. Ron Holland – G League Ignite

Ron Holland’s explosive athleticism and defensive potential were on full display during the combine. His ability to guard multiple positions and finish above the rim makes him a high-upside prospect for teams in need of wing depth.

6. Tidjane Salaun – G League Ignite

Tidjane Salaun’s versatility and basketball IQ impressed scouts during the combine. His ability to play as a point forward and contribute in multiple facets of the game positions him as a valuable asset in the mid-to-late first round.

7. Kel’el Ware – Kentucky Wildcats

Kel’el Ware’s improved conditioning and athleticism were evident during the combine. His shot-blocking, rebounding, and offensive potential make him a compelling prospect for teams seeking a modern big man.

Top 4 Losers from the 2026 NBA Draft Combine

1. Blake Wesley – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Blake Wesley’s combine performance fell short of expectations, particularly in athletic testing. His lack of explosiveness and subpar measurements raised concerns about his draft stock, potentially pushing him out of the first round.

2. Julian Phillips – Tennessee Volunteers

Julian Phillips struggled to showcase his strengths during the combine, particularly in drills that highlighted his athleticism. His lack of standout performances in measurements and scrimmages may have dampened his draft prospects.

3. Jalen Green – NBA G League Ignite

Jalen Green, a former top prospect, faced scrutiny after a disappointing combine showing. His lack of improvement in key areas, such as shooting consistency and defensive effort, raised questions about his long-term NBA viability.

4. Moussa Cissé – Oklahoma State Cowboys

Moussa Cissé’s combine performance did not meet expectations, particularly in athletic testing. His lack of explosiveness and poor measurements may have diminished his draft stock, pushing him further down the board.

Key Takeaways from the 2026 NBA Draft Combine

The 2026 NBA Draft Combine provided clarity on several prospects’ draft stock, with standout performers like Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Aday Mara rising to the occasion. Meanwhile, prospects such as Blake Wesley, Julian Phillips, and Jalen Green saw their stock dip after underwhelming performances.

For teams like the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls, the combine offered valuable insights into the 2026 draft class. As the draft approaches, teams will weigh combine performances alongside college and G League statistics to make informed decisions.