NBA Combine Invite List Released
The NBA Combine has grown pretty much every year and is also a key date now in the offseason. With the ability for players to test the water without an agent, the combine signifies an important date. First, if you receive an invite to the Combine you’re not going to announce your intentions for at least 10 days. Second, is that 10 day line I just mentioned. College players have to announce if they are staying in the Draft or returning to school 10 days after the Combine ends.
So with that in mind let’s take a look at this year’s Combine list. We know right off the bat that Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams will be skipping the Combine, which opens up three spots for guys who wouldn’t have the opportunity originally. I’ll separate the list by guys who are for sure picks, borderline picks and then work to do – meaning I’d be shocked if they get drafted. Here’s what I have.
For sure picks
Grayson Allen
Marvin Bagley
Mo Bamba
Keita Bates-Diop
Tyus Battle
Mikal Bridges
Miles Bridges
Bruce Brown
Troy Brown
Jalen Brunson
Tony Carr
Jevon Carter
Wendell Carter
Hami Diallo
Donte DiVincenzo
Trevon Duval
Jacob Evans
Melvin Frazier
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Devonte Graham
Aaron Holiday
Chandler Hutchison
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Justin Jackson
George King
Kevin Knox
Caleb Martin
Brandon McCoy
Chemi Metu
De’Anthony Melton
Shake Milton
Josh Okogie
Malik Newman
Jontay Porter
Michael Porter Jr
Jerome Robinson
Mitchell Robinson
Collin Sexton
Omari Spellman
Landry Shamet
Anfernee Simons
Zhaire Smith
Khyri Thomas
Gary Trent
Allonzo Trier
Moe Wagner
Lonnie Walker
Trae Young
Rawle Alkins
Borderline picks
Bruno Fernando
PJ Washington
Jarred Vanderbilt
Udoka Azubuike
Jaylen Barford
Yante Maten
Austin Wiley
Cody Martin
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk
Brian Bowen
Work to do
Kevin Hervey
Kenrich Williams
Kostas Antetokounmpo
Devon Hall
Jaylen Hands
Kevin Huerter
Alize Johnson
Sagaba Konate
Billy Preston
Kris Wilkes
Kenrich Williams
Some important names not listed here that didn’t sign with an agent include; Jordan Caroline (Nevada), Ky Bowman (Boston College), Isaac Copeland (Nebraska), Carsen Edwards (Purdue), Wenyen Gabriel (Kentucky), Charles Matthews (Michigan), Ethan Happ (Wisconsin) and James Palmer (Nebraska).
Now just because they weren’t invited to the Combine doesn’t mean they won’t leave, because who knows everyone’s situation, perhaps they just want to be pros and can still work out in front of teams.
The Combine takes place in Chicago from May 16-20. Now, all 69 (nice) players that were invited won’t necessarily participate in every activity as some will just do measurements and interview while others will go through every drill and 5 on 5. Expect some of the top guys to skip the drills as they are guaranteed top-10 picks no matter what. This list will also change before then as some guys will drop out and other names will be added to replace those.