2026 NBA Draft Preview: Combine Week Kicks Off in Chicago
The future of the NBA takes center stage this week as the 2026 predraft process officially begins. All 30 NBA teams are descending on Chicago’s Wintrust Arena for a high-stakes evaluation period that blends athletic testing, medical scrutiny, and on-court competition. With 117 players invited to the festivities, the week serves as the primary engine for the offseason transaction wheel.
The intensity begins Sunday with the draft lottery at 3 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN, an event that will dictate which teams have the opportunity to land the class’s most coveted talents. While the lottery sets the stage, the combine provides the raw data and face-to-face interactions that teams use to finalize their draft boards.
The Top Tier: Dybantsa, Peterson, and the Lottery Race
All eyes are fixed on the likely top-five picks, a group headlined by AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Darryn Peterson (Kansas), Cameron Boozer (Duke), and Caleb Wilson (North Carolina). While Dybantsa has emerged as the favorite for the No. 1 overall pick, the narrative surrounding Darryn Peterson is one of the most critical subplots of the week.
Peterson, who entered the year as a projected No. 1 pick, is coming off a volatile freshman season at Kansas. According to ESPN, Peterson’s season was hampered by serious cramping issues that affected him both physically and mentally. Peterson told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that medical professionals attributed these issues to creatine usage.
For teams in the top 15 who will receive access to his medical records, this week is about verification. A clean bill of health could solidify Peterson’s status as the No. 2 pick or even keep him in the conversation for the top spot.
The NIL Effect: A Shift in Draft Dynamics
The landscape of the NBA draft has been fundamentally reshaped by the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. College programs can now offer financial packages that rival or exceed the rookie scale slot value of a first-round NBA pick, leading to a notable trend of top talent staying in school.
- Notable Withdrawals: Firmly projected first-rounders Thomas Haugh (Florida), Braylon Mullins (UConn), and Motiejus Krivas (Arizona) all opted to return to college without testing. Similarly, Juke Harris (Wake Forest) withdrew last week to transfer to Tennessee.
- International Decline: The financial incentives of college basketball have reduced the number of international prospects exploring the draft. Only four international-based players received combine invitations: Karim Lopez, Luigi Suigo, Sergio de Larrea, and Jack Kayil.
Because the NCAA withdrawal deadline isn’t until May 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET, many players are using the combine as a feedback loop to decide if their projected draft position justifies leaving school.
The Value of the 5-on-5 Scrimmages
While measurements and interviews are mandatory, the 5-on-5 scrimmages on Wednesday and Thursday remain optional. Despite the risk of a poor performance damaging a player’s stock, these games are often where “sleepers” make their names. Recent examples include Yang Hansen (drafted 16th) and Yanic Konan Niederhauser (drafted 30th), both of whom saw their value rise after strong scrimmage showings.
This year, the point guard class is viewed as deep but physically undersized. Teams are eager to get official measurements on players like Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas), Kingston Flemings (Houston), and Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt) to determine if their skill sets can translate to NBA-level defense.
Under-the-Radar Prospects to Watch
Beyond the lottery picks, several players are fighting to move into the guaranteed-money range of the draft:
| Player | School | Key Strength | Combine Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Tanner | Vanderbilt | Explosive athlete, efficient scoring (48.5% FG) | Prove 6-0 frame can handle NBA intensity |
| Tarris Reed Jr. | UConn | Rugged physicality, shot-blocking | Showcase motor against other elite bigs |
| Peter Suder | Miami (Ohio) | Versatile combo guard, efficient 3pt shooting (42.1%) | Maintain momentum from Portsmouth Invitational |
The G League Path
The G League combine, taking place Saturday and Sunday, offers a lifeline for 44 players. The event is a proven pipeline. last year, six players were drafted from this pool, including Yanic Konan Niederhauser. This year’s names to watch include Bryce Hopkins (St. John’s), Quadir Copeland (NC State), and Tamin Lipsey (Iowa State).
- Lottery Impact: Sunday’s lottery determines who gets a shot at Dybantsa and Peterson.
- Medical Focus: Health reports for Darryn Peterson, Mikel Brown Jr., and Jayden Quaintance will shift draft boards.
- NIL Influence: More top talent is opting for college over the rookie scale.
- The “Sleeper” Window: Wednesday and Thursday scrimmages are the primary opportunity for mid-to-late prospects to jump into the first round.