The NBA`s pre-draft period is now in full swing. The league recently conducted its draft lottery, where the Dallas Mavericks secured the first overall pick. According to sources, the Mavericks plan to use this top selection on Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as the leading prospect, during the draft taking place in Brooklyn, New York, on June 25-26.
Over 100 prospects are participating in the draft combine and agency pro days in Chicago this week.
The G League camp commenced the activities on Saturday. Monday and Tuesday were dedicated to various drills, measurements, athletic testing, and medical evaluations. The schedule for Wednesday and Thursday includes team interviews, media availability, and competitive scrimmages.
Under the collective bargaining agreement, all invited players are required to attend and participate in the combine. However, the NBA does have the discretion to excuse a player`s attendance or participation and allow them to complete activities at a later date.
ESPN basketball analysts Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo, Bobby Marks, Zach Kram, and Jeff Borzello offer their key observations from the combine, evaluating prospects on the rise or potentially falling, and sharing league reaction and news surrounding the draft.
What Were the Biggest Takeaways from Tuesday?
Givony: Cooper Flagg presented himself as a definitive franchise player and a strong candidate for the No. 1 pick during his time on the court Tuesday. Observing him closely alongside other projected lottery picks, I was particularly impressed by his energy, leadership, and competitive spirit. He demonstrated dominance in drills, vocalizing encouragement for teammates, boosting the atmosphere, and pushing both himself and others to excel.
Flagg`s measurements were 6-foot-7¾ inches tall and 221 pounds – showing an increase in height and weight compared to a year ago, with dimensions similar to NBA legend Scottie Pippen at a young age. His shooting during drills was effective, showing notable improvement from the past year.
Although initially appearing surprised by the lottery results, sources indicate Flagg`s team recognizes the advantageous situation of landing with Dallas. Flagg is reportedly enthusiastic about the prospect of joining a competitive playoff team with experienced players, where there`s a need at the small forward position. The Mavericks require players who can create shots, meaning Flagg will likely take on significant offensive duties as a rookie, which should benefit his long-term growth.
Marks: Beyond the on-court activities, team executives were primarily focused on the repercussions of the past 24 hours on Tuesday. Within a short timeframe, the outlook for teams like Dallas, Boston, and potentially San Antonio shifted dramatically.
Dallas, having traded Luka Doncic in February, was subsequently rewarded with another potential foundational player in Cooper Flagg. Meanwhile, a significant concern arose in New York with Jayson Tatum`s Achilles injury. As one executive noted, “The Tatum injury is seismic and league changing.”
Boston, considered a top contender to repeat as champions, is now facing potential elimination and an uncertain future. The injury, coupled with a projected high payroll next season, is likely to necessitate changes for the Celtics.
Moving up from No. 8 to No. 2 in the lottery places the Spurs in a favorable position, particularly if former Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available via trade. San Antonio also possesses the No. 14 pick and future assets, including an unprotected first-round pick from Atlanta in 2027 and the right to swap picks with the Hawks next season.
Woo: Much of the discussion at the combine revolved around the lottery`s impact – not just the fortune for teams like Dallas, San Antonio Spurs, and Philadelphia 76ers, but also the implications for others. For teams such as the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards, who had high odds for the No. 1 pick but dropped out of the top four, the outcome was crushing. These results highlight the severe penalty of a poor season for teams likely facing more time in the lottery.
Consider the Detroit Pistons, who landed outside the top four in the previous three drafts before reaching the playoffs this season. Detroit did secure a high pick in 2021, but it took time for Cade Cunningham to develop into a star, and the front office responsible for drafting him was replaced before that happened. Even ideal scenarios for rebuilding teams, especially in smaller markets, often prove to be challenging and unforgiving.
With the lottery system consistently introducing unpredictability each year, it`s worth questioning whether it effectively promotes balance across the league. Dallas, San Antonio, and Philadelphia all anticipate being competitive next season, while many teams directly behind them might remain in a rebuilding phase for another year.
Borzello: From a collegiate viewpoint, the most significant news on Tuesday was Boogie Fland`s decision to withdraw from the draft and return to college, as initially reported. Fland is ranked among the top prospects and was projected as a second-round pick.
A former highly-rated prospect and McDonald`s All-American, Fland entered the transfer portal before the deadline last month, making him one of the top players still available. While at Arkansas, he averaged solid points and assists during the initial part of his freshman season before a hand injury sidelined him for most of the remainder.
Recent speculation about his potential college destination has focused on Florida, the current national champions, who are seeking a skilled playmaking guard to complement their roster.
Kram: The league is still processing the unexpected lottery results from Monday, and its effects were evident throughout the combine. The fact that three teams aiming for immediate success – Dallas, San Antonio, and Philadelphia – secured the top three picks has increased speculation around potential trades involving these high selections, particularly following reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo is considering future options outside of Milwaukee. While the Mavericks are reportedly set on drafting Flagg at No. 1, the Spurs and 76ers might be more open to trading their picks.
The appeal of acquiring a two-time MVP still in his prime is clear for a team ready to compete. Executives are contemplating whether the Bucks might be more inclined to trade Giannis if they receive a prospective foundational player as part of the package.
Who Stood Out During Tuesday`s Drills and Tests?
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, UAB/Michigan: The highest-ranked prospect fully participating in competitive activities, Lendeborg reinforced his standing with an impressive all-around performance in drills and 3-on-3 games. His physical measurements are remarkable: slightly under 6-foot-10 in shoes, 235 pounds, with a 7-4 wingspan, a 9-½ standing reach, and unusually large hands, comparable to notable NBA players at their combine. Lendeborg showed genuine skill in drills, converting a high percentage of his attempts and demonstrating ballhandling and passing ability in 3-on-3 play as both a creator and finisher. Although his defense is developing, his skill and talent are undeniable, and he possesses considerable upside given his limited organized basketball background before college. Michigan’s coach was present to support him. His performance in 5-on-5 games later in the week will be crucial for his draft decision.
Drake Powell, SG/SF, North Carolina: Powell registered as one of the top athletes in Chicago, achieving the best no-step and max vertical leaps, while also ranking high in sprint and agility drills. He also measured a significant 7-foot wingspan and had grown slightly since previous measurements, showing overall dimensions similar to defensive standout Herb Jones. While his shooting percentage in drills was in the lower range of participants, NBA teams will likely examine this further in private workouts, especially if he remains in the draft as anticipated.
Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee: Lanier`s reputation as an excellent shooter was evident on Tuesday. He has been a premier perimeter threat in college basketball, with strong three-point percentages over the past two seasons. He ranked among the top performers in all three three-point shooting drills, and his touch and quickness also impressed scouts. He recorded high finishes in agility drills and vertical leaps.
Mark Sears, PG, Alabama: Ranked lower heading into the week, Sears` exceptional shooting ability could attract teams in the later stages of the second round. He was notably the top shooter during Tuesday`s sessions, finishing first in multiple drills. Sears showcased remarkable accuracy, hitting a high number of pull-up midrange shots, spot-up threes, and shots in the side-mid-side drill. While his athletic testing wasn`t outstanding, his shooting stood out significantly.
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas: Although top projected picks often limit their on-court activities, witnessing players like Johnson taking shots in this setting provided valuable evaluation insight. Teams observed Johnson`s shooting performance in drills, where he made a high percentage of his attempts, displaying quick and fluid mechanics from long range and leaving a strong impression. Johnson also performed well in athletic tests. Scouts were particularly impressed with his shooting stroke, which, while expected given his college numbers, indicates how well he might perform in individual team workouts. Based on this showing, Johnson is expected to impress teams as he competes for a spot among the draft`s top selections.
Injury News: Duke`s Knueppel Sits Out Drills
Kon Knueppel, a projected lottery pick from Duke, did not participate in the combine`s athletic testing or shooting drills due to an injury, as confirmed by his agent. He sustained an ankle sprain three weeks prior and was not fully recovered, operating at approximately 85%. The plan is for him to be at full strength soon and potentially participate in a pro day later in the week. Due to the mandatory participation rules, Knueppel will need to complete the required testing and drills at an NBA team facility in the near future.
What We`re Hearing in Chicago
What Will the Spurs Do at No. 2?
Reaction across the league was significant when San Antonio`s pick moved up to No. 2 in Monday`s lottery. This wasn`t just about the possibility of the Spurs adding a highly-rated prospect alongside Victor Wembanyama, but also the potential trade value of such a high pick. The Spurs have had remarkable draft luck recently. While there`s already speculation about potential moves, there`s a strong case for keeping the pick and selecting a top talent like Dylan Harper, who is considered a leading option at that spot and would be a valuable addition.
While aggressively pursuing a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo could accelerate San Antonio`s path to contention, the Spurs can also afford to maintain a long-term perspective, thanks to the presence of the young star Wembanyama as their core player. San Antonio possesses the necessary trade assets for a major acquisition, including future picks from other teams and their own protected picks. These assets are far enough out that the Spurs have the flexibility to hold onto them or utilize them when the time is right to upgrade the roster.
With their existing talent and the attractive prospect of building around a young core including Wembanyama and a high draft pick, there`s solid reasoning behind letting the team develop naturally. This patient approach contributed to the Spurs` sustained success decades ago when building around Tim Duncan. At present, San Antonio is in a strong position to decide its own timeline. The coming weeks will provide more clarity on how proactive the Spurs will be in trade discussions. The general expectation is that a top prospect like Harper will be selected at No. 2, leaving the 76ers – another team considering trade opportunities – with a less straightforward decision at No. 3.
Growing First-Round Buzz Around Coward
When Cedric Coward committed to Duke a few weeks ago, it appeared Duke`s coach might have found a crucial piece for a potential Final Four team. However, the transfer from Washington State might not end up playing for Duke.
On Monday, he measured well physically and was one of the top performers in shooting drills on Tuesday, converting a high percentage of his attempts. Despite not participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages due to a shoulder injury sustained previously, there`s increasing discussion among NBA personnel about Coward potentially moving into the first round of the draft.
Context is Crucial for Prospects from Non-Powerhouse Programs
Aside from a few players from Duke, many of the other top prospects in this draft didn`t play in ideal college situations. Teams like Rutgers (with Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey), Baylor, Oklahoma, Texas, and South Carolina were generally average at best, despite having projected draft talent. NBA executives consistently evaluate prospects within the context of their college environment when predicting their transition to the pros. However, they emphasize that this consideration is particularly vital with this group, as they need to distinguish between genuine weaknesses and issues merely resulting from playing with less talented teammates. Playing alongside better talent in the NBA could potentially mitigate some of these perceived problems as prospects find their specific roles.
What`s Coming Up: Wednesday and Thursday
Wednesday marks the first day of 5-on-5 scrimmages. While most highly-ranked draft prospects won`t participate, several intriguing players are scheduled to play. Yaxel Lendeborg, a projected first-rounder who committed to Michigan, is among them. A number of players who are undecided about staying in the draft or returning to college are also on the rosters for the scrimmages. Noteworthy players include prospects from Auburn and San Diego State. Yanic Konan Niederhauser from Penn State, who tested exceptionally well and performed strongly at a recent G League camp to earn a combine invitation, is another player to watch, currently projected as a mid-second round pick.