The NBA Combine has taken a different look this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's been going on since late September, which kicked off a series of team and player interviews. Players then underwent on-court programs at local NBA facilities before undergoing various tests and taking part in a de-facto Pro Day.
Now the NBA draft, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18, is around the corner. Some information about the top performers has dropped in recent days, and you can find that below from ESPN's Jonathan Givony, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman and HoopsHype's Bryan Kalbrosky.
In addition, here's a look at three of the top players at this year's combine alongside some analysis and reaction.
Results
Free-Throw Percentage
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress
Top Free Throw Percentage at NBA Combine (100 attempts) Mason Jones (98%) Ty-Shon Alexander (97%) Cassius Winston (96%) Immanuel Quickley (94%) Markus Howard (94%) Naji Marshall (94%) Karim Mane (94%) Jordan Nwora (92%) Trent Forrest (91%) Jalen Harris (91%) Kaleb Wesson (90%)
3-Point Star Drill Percentage
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress
Top 3-Point Star Drill Percentage at NBA Combine (20 attempts, spot-up off movement) Kaleb Wesson (80%) Immanuel Quickley (75%) Grant Riller (75%) Xavier Tillman (75%) Cassius Winston (70%) Markus Howard (65%) Robert Woodard (65%) Killian Tillie " Naji Marshall " Lamar Stevens "
NBA Combine Endurance Drill
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress
Top 3-Point Shooters at NBA Combine Endurance Drill (5 minutes consecutive game-speed spot-3s) Jordan Nwora (78%) Immanuel Quickley (76%) Grant Riller (76%) Kaleb Wesson (73%) Markus Howard (73%) Cassius Winston (71%) KJ Martin (71%) Skylar Mays (70) Nathan Knight " Isaiah Joe "
Spot-Up 3-Pointers
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress
Top Shooters at NBA Combine Drills (Spot-Up 3s) Jordan Nwora (82%) Skylar Mays (76%) Mason Jones (74%) Cassius Winston (74%) Robert Woodard (74%) Markus Howard (74%) Grant Riller (74%) Immanuel Quickley (72%) next 5: Ty-Shon Alexander, Xavier Tillman, Killian Tillie, KJ Martin
Max Vertical
Jonathan Wasserman@NBADraftWass
Source: Colorado’s Tyler Bey set an NBA combine record for forwards with a 43.5 inch max vertical: 6’6” without shoes 6’7” with shoes 7’1.25” wingspan 8’9.5” standing reach 37.0” no step vert 43.5” max vert 5.0% body fat
3-Quarter Sprint
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress
Kansas' Devon Dotson ran a 3.02 three-quarter court sprint, the fastest time at this year's NBA Combine and the second fastest time in the past decade after Donovan Mitchell (3.01). Also had the best lane agility time (10.44) at the Combine and measured a 40 1/2" vertical leap.
Lane Agility
Bryan Kalbrosky@BryanKalbrosky
NBA Combine scores for Lamar Stevens, per source, would have been best max vertical and lane agility among all forwards in '19. Standing vertical: 35" Max vertical: 41" Lane agility: 10.35s 3/4 sprint: 3.2s FULL INTERVIEW: https://t.co/neJJKKQf4g (@LamarStevens11 @PennStateMBB)
Jordan Nwora
Nwora averaged 18.0 points on 44.0 percent shooting (40.2 percent from three-point range) and 7.7 rebounds for the 24-7 Cardinals, who finished No. 14 in the Associated Press poll.
He dominated the combine after finishing first in the three-point spot-up and endurance shooting drills and could have raised his draft stock in the process.
Wasserman ranked him 47th on his latest big board and wrote the following: "Teams could see a shot-making specialist in Nwora based on his 6'7" size and 178 threes through three seasons at Louisville. He won't offer much as a passer or defender, but between his transition offense, self-creation and shooting, Nwora's scoring potential is worth buying with a second-round pick."
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic mocked Nwora 44th overall to the Chicago Bulls.
Former Louisville guard Russ Smith, who won an NCAA championship with the Cardinals in 2013, also backed Nwora's draft stock:
russdiculous 🚥@Specter_Smit
Jordan Nwora is one of the best “shooting/slashing” scorers I’ve seen come through college basketball. N an up & down system, Jordan could’ve been a 25ppg player n college. As pro, in an up & down system he can have an amazing career given the opportunity. I hope he goes high! https://t.co/x5EVGG5cT3
Nwora has spoken with at least 20 NBA teams in advance of the draft, per Adam Zagoria of Zags Blog, including the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
There's little doubt that Nwora will find an NBA home on Nov. 18. The question is whether he can somehow sneak his way to the back end of the first round after an impressive combine performance.
Immanuel Quickley
Quickley posted 16.1 points on 41.6 percent shooting (42.8 percent from three-point range) and 4.2 rebounds during a breakout season with Kentucky last year.
The sophomore helped the Wildcats go 25-6 and finish No. 8 in the AP poll.
Like Nwora, Quickley's sweet shooting could lead to a draft stock rise. He finished second to Nwora in the three-point spot-up and endurance shooting drills.
Wasserman put Quickley 49th on his latest draft board: "Despite lacking creation skills and athleticism, Quickley could carve out a career by shooting off the catch and using his floater on drives past closeout defenders. His chances of sticking will skyrocket if he is picked by a veteran team that needs a shot-maker."
Vecenie has him going 38th overall to the New York Knicks.
Per Alder Almo of Empire Sports Media, Quickley has spoken to nearly the entire league:
alder almo@alderalmo
Immanuel Quickley’s trainer Jide Sodipo has told me that the Kentucky guard has talked to almost all NBA teams except the Blazers. And of the 29 teams, he has already interviewed twice with the Knicks, Lakers, Thunder, Jazz, Bucks, Pistons, and Heat. https://t.co/KQ0dhDbSej
Justin Rowland of Rivals wondered what Quickley could have done in the NCAA tournament if not for the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling March Madness:
Justin Rowland@RowlandRIVALS
Just a shame we didn't get to see sophomore Quickley in the NCAA tournament. He was poised to carry them a long way. https://t.co/8vE1T2BNX5
Quickley lost an opportunity to raise his draft stock with a strong postseason, but a late combine surge could help him move up big boards.
Cassius Winston
Winston is one of the more accomplished college basketball players in this year's draft. His accolades include a pair of second-team All-American nods, two first-team All-Big Ten honors and a Big Ten Player of the Year award.
During his senior year, Winston averaged 18.6 points, 5.9 assists and 2.5 boards per game. He shot 44.8 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from three-point range.
Wasserman ranked Winston, who landed in the top five of four shooting drill leaderboards during the combine, at 27th on his big board:
"Some scouts already anticipate a steal in Winston, who will slip into the 20s or 30s because of his age (22) and limited tools and athleticism. At the least, he figures to land a backup role for his pick-and-roll play, while shooting versatility and accuracy should help Winston overcome expected struggles to separate and finish inside the arc."
Winston lands with the Philadelphia 76ers at 34th overall in The Athletic's latest mock draft.
Givony and Mike Schmitz (formerly of DraftExpress) praised Winston's college work and NBA prospects:
DraftExpressContent@DXContent
Cassius Winston is @NBA-ready. He's an elite shooter (career 43% 3PT%, 85% FT%) + is one of the best P+R players in the '20 draft. There's a reason #MSU rarely lost the past 3 seasons (83-21). @DraftExpress has learned not to discount prospects like him > https://t.co/Xz1oyXt2YV https://t.co/7b11EkyKVC
Givony also showcased some of Winston's combine shooting work:
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress
Michigan State's Cassius Winston heating up in the NBA Combine spot-up 3-point shooting drill https://t.co/HjAmhky9iE
Perhaps Winston stays in-state: Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver counts himself as a fan, per John Niyo of the Detroit News.
John Niyo@JohnNiyo
Pistons GM Troy Weaver on Cassius Winston's NBA draft prospects: "Tremendous young man. I’m hopeful he gets his name called, but if he doesn’t, I think he has the spirit and mentality to find his way. I’m definitely rooting for him."
And one NBA executive told Mike Singer of the Denver Post that Winston reminded him of Denver Nuggets guard Monte Morris, an integral part of the Western Conference finalist's rotation.
Mike Singer@msinger
Talked to one NBA executive today who made the Cassius Winston-Monte Morris comparison. Not the first time I’ve heard it, either.
Winston could easily find himself in the first round thanks to his college resume, combine performance and sterling reputation.
The NBA Combine has taken a different look this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's been going on since late September, which kicked off a series of team and player interviews. Players then underwent on-court programs at local NBA facilities before undergoing various tests and taking part in a de-facto Pro Day.
Now the NBA draft, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18, is around the corner. Some information about the top performers has dropped in recent days, and you can find that below from ESPN's Jonathan Givony, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman and HoopsHype's Bryan Kalbrosky.
In addition, here's a look at three of the top players at this year's combine alongside some analysis and reaction.
Results
Free-Throw Percentage
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress
Top Free Throw Percentage at NBA Combine (100 attempts) Mason Jones (98%) Ty-Shon Alexander (97%) Cassius Winston (96%) Immanuel Quickley (94%) Markus Howard (94%) Naji Marshall (94%) Karim Mane (94%) Jordan Nwora (92%) Trent Forrest (91%) Jalen Harris (91%) Kaleb Wesson (90%)
3-Point Star Drill Percentage
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress
Top 3-Point Star Drill Percentage at NBA Combine (20 attempts, spot-up off movement) Kaleb Wesson (80%) Immanuel Quickley (75%) Grant Riller (75%) Xavier Tillman (75%) Cassius Winston (70%) Markus Howard (65%) Robert Woodard (65%) Killian Tillie " Naji Marshall " Lamar Stevens "
NBA Combine Endurance Drill
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress
Top 3-Point Shooters at NBA Combine Endurance Drill (5 minutes consecutive game-speed spot-3s) Jordan Nwora (78%) Immanuel Quickley (76%) Grant Riller (76%) Kaleb Wesson (73%) Markus Howard (73%) Cassius Winston (71%) KJ Martin (71%) Skylar Mays (70) Nathan Knight " Isaiah Joe "
Spot-Up 3-Pointers
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress
Top Shooters at NBA Combine Drills (Spot-Up 3s) Jordan Nwora (82%) Skylar Mays (76%) Mason Jones (74%) Cassius Winston (74%) Robert Woodard (74%) Markus Howard (74%) Grant Riller (74%) Immanuel Quickley (72%) next 5: Ty-Shon Alexander, Xavier Tillman, Killian Tillie, KJ Martin
Max Vertical
Jonathan Wasserman@NBADraftWass
Source: Colorado’s Tyler Bey set an NBA combine record for forwards with a 43.5 inch max vertical: 6’6” without shoes 6’7” with shoes 7’1.25” wingspan 8’9.5” standing reach 37.0” no step vert 43.5” max vert 5.0% body fat
3-Quarter Sprint
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress
Kansas' Devon Dotson ran a 3.02 three-quarter court sprint, the fastest time at this year's NBA Combine and the second fastest time in the past decade after Donovan Mitchell (3.01). Also had the best lane agility time (10.44) at the Combine and measured a 40 1/2" vertical leap.
Lane Agility
Bryan Kalbrosky@BryanKalbrosky
NBA Combine scores for Lamar Stevens, per source, would have been best max vertical and lane agility among all forwards in '19. Standing vertical: 35" Max vertical: 41" Lane agility: 10.35s 3/4 sprint: 3.2s FULL INTERVIEW: https://t.co/neJJKKQf4g (@LamarStevens11 @PennStateMBB)
Jordan Nwora
Nwora averaged 18.0 points on 44.0 percent shooting (40.2 percent from three-point range) and 7.7 rebounds for the 24-7 Cardinals, who finished No. 14 in the Associated Press poll.
He dominated the combine after finishing first in the three-point spot-up and endurance shooting drills and could have raised his draft stock in the process.
Wasserman ranked him 47th on his latest big board and wrote the following: "Teams could see a shot-making specialist in Nwora based on his 6'7" size and 178 threes through three seasons at Louisville. He won't offer much as a passer or defender, but between his transition offense, self-creation and shooting, Nwora's scoring potential is worth buying with a second-round pick."
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic mocked Nwora 44th overall to the Chicago Bulls.
Former Louisville guard Russ Smith, who won an NCAA championship with the Cardinals in 2013, also backed Nwora's draft stock:
russdiculous 🚥@Specter_Smit
Jordan Nwora is one of the best “shooting/slashing” scorers I’ve seen come through college basketball. N an up & down system, Jordan could’ve been a 25ppg player n college. As pro, in an up & down system he can have an amazing career given the opportunity. I hope he goes high! https://t.co/x5EVGG5cT3
Nwora has spoken with at least 20 NBA teams in advance of the draft, per Adam Zagoria of Zags Blog, including the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
There's little doubt that Nwora will find an NBA home on Nov. 18. The question is whether he can somehow sneak his way to the back end of the first round after an impressive combine performance.
Immanuel Quickley
Quickley posted 16.1 points on 41.6 percent shooting (42.8 percent from three-point range) and 4.2 rebounds during a breakout season with Kentucky last year.
The sophomore helped the Wildcats go 25-6 and finish No. 8 in the AP poll.
Like Nwora, Quickley's sweet shooting could lead to a draft stock rise. He finished second to Nwora in the three-point spot-up and endurance shooting drills.
Wasserman put Quickley 49th on his latest draft board: "Despite lacking creation skills and athleticism, Quickley could carve out a career by shooting off the catch and using his floater on drives past closeout defenders. His chances of sticking will skyrocket if he is picked by a veteran team that needs a shot-maker."
Vecenie has him going 38th overall to the New York Knicks.
Per Alder Almo of Empire Sports Media, Quickley has spoken to nearly the entire league:
alder almo@alderalmo
Immanuel Quickley’s trainer Jide Sodipo has told me that the Kentucky guard has talked to almost all NBA teams except the Blazers. And of the 29 teams, he has already interviewed twice with the Knicks, Lakers, Thunder, Jazz, Bucks, Pistons, and Heat. https://t.co/KQ0dhDbSej
Justin Rowland of Rivals wondered what Quickley could have done in the NCAA tournament if not for the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling March Madness:
Justin Rowland@RowlandRIVALS
Just a shame we didn't get to see sophomore Quickley in the NCAA tournament. He was poised to carry them a long way. https://t.co/8vE1T2BNX5
Quickley lost an opportunity to raise his draft stock with a strong postseason, but a late combine surge could help him move up big boards.
Cassius Winston
Winston is one of the more accomplished college basketball players in this year's draft. His accolades include a pair of second-team All-American nods, two first-team All-Big Ten honors and a Big Ten Player of the Year award.
During his senior year, Winston averaged 18.6 points, 5.9 assists and 2.5 boards per game. He shot 44.8 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from three-point range.
Wasserman ranked Winston, who landed in the top five of four shooting drill leaderboards during the combine, at 27th on his big board:
"Some scouts already anticipate a steal in Winston, who will slip into the 20s or 30s because of his age (22) and limited tools and athleticism. At the least, he figures to land a backup role for his pick-and-roll play, while shooting versatility and accuracy should help Winston overcome expected struggles to separate and finish inside the arc."
Winston lands with the Philadelphia 76ers at 34th overall in The Athletic's latest mock draft.
Givony and Mike Schmitz (formerly of DraftExpress) praised Winston's college work and NBA prospects:
DraftExpressContent@DXContent
Cassius Winston is @NBA-ready. He's an elite shooter (career 43% 3PT%, 85% FT%) + is one of the best P+R players in the '20 draft. There's a reason #MSU rarely lost the past 3 seasons (83-21). @DraftExpress has learned not to discount prospects like him > https://t.co/Xz1oyXt2YV https://t.co/7b11EkyKVC
Givony also showcased some of Winston's combine shooting work:
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress
Michigan State's Cassius Winston heating up in the NBA Combine spot-up 3-point shooting drill https://t.co/HjAmhky9iE
Perhaps Winston stays in-state: Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver counts himself as a fan, per John Niyo of the Detroit News.
John Niyo@JohnNiyo
Pistons GM Troy Weaver on Cassius Winston's NBA draft prospects: "Tremendous young man. I’m hopeful he gets his name called, but if he doesn’t, I think he has the spirit and mentality to find his way. I’m definitely rooting for him."
And one NBA executive told Mike Singer of the Denver Post that Winston reminded him of Denver Nuggets guard Monte Morris, an integral part of the Western Conference finalist's rotation.
Mike Singer@msinger
Talked to one NBA executive today who made the Cassius Winston-Monte Morris comparison. Not the first time I’ve heard it, either.
Winston could easily find himself in the first round thanks to his college resume, combine performance and sterling reputation.
