Combine Scrimmage Takeaways: Day 1
After two games, were there any standout players who improved their draft stock or maybe even moved into the first round discussion?
Of all the events and moments at the combine, the public-facing ones that matter most are the scrimmages. Those games are great barometers to see how guys play off each other, if they’re self-aware of their strengths and limitations, how they compete on a consistent basis, and whether they can play.
There are really three things I look for when I watch these scrimmages:
Players who don’t belong on the floor — either because they’re above this level of competition or beneath it.
New skills/ traits that were unable to be shown in a college system due to limitations placed on the prospect.
Continual high-IQ, mistake-free, and self-aware plays that illustrate how a prospect can fit into playing with other great players.
Beyond that, many musings feel like minutia. I’ll mention some of the flashes of playmaking and moments of being able to execute what they do well on the scrimmage floor. However, doing what you do well for stretches isn’t quite good enough to increase your draft profile.
I did think there were a few risers from the first scrimmages, who helped their draft stock by proving they were too good in comparison to their peers or simply belong on a floor with other great guys.
The Biggest Day One Winners
Olivier-Maxence Prosper - I thought O-Max was the best player on the first day. He makes no mistakes, is really bursty and athletic, and looked bigger than I remember him being at Marquette. He’s really active on the glass and showed those defensive chops in live action. He carries himself like a pro throughout. O-Max was a major winner from the anthro testing, too. I had him in the high-30s/ low 40s coming into the week, but he’s making a quick ascent on my board.
I’d expect the first-round buzz starting to pick up now, especially considering his position and how many NBA teams (especially drafting in the 20s) are looking for those impactful two-way wings. I’d be shocked if he plays on Thursday, as the wise move is probably to shut it down and ride the positive wave into a top-30 spot.