The AWS NBA Draft Combine is where dreams meet reality. In Chicago, the brightest young basketball talents put everything on the line, hoping to impress team scouts and cement their place in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. This isn't just a workout; it's a week-long crucible designed to unearth every facet of a player's game and character.
Key Takeaways from the Combine:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Prospects undergo rigorous physical measurements, athletic testing, and detailed skill drills to provide teams with a complete profile.
- Skill Showcase: Required shooting drills, including Off-the-dribble and Spot-up scenarios, test a player's shooting prowess under pressure.
- Live Game Scenarios: Optional 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 drills simulate real NBA game situations, allowing players to demonstrate their basketball IQ and adaptability.
- Medical & Mental Scrutiny: Beyond the court, medical screenings and team interviews offer insights into a player's health and readiness for the professional grind.
The Gauntlet Begins: What is the NBA Draft Combine?
From May 10-17, the AWS NBA Draft Combine transforms Chicago into the ultimate proving ground for aspiring NBA stars. This intensive week provides an invaluable platform for top prospects to showcase their skills, athleticism, and mental fortitude. It’s a make-or-break opportunity to influence their draft stock, catch the eye of a general manager, or solidify their position as a potential lottery pick.
Last year's Combine saw a star-studded lineup, including future 2025 NBA Draft top prospects like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey. With 71 early-entry candidates for the 2026 NBA Draft, this year's contingent promises to be equally competitive, if not more so. Every jump, every shot, and every interview is meticulously scrutinized by NBA front offices.
Physical Foundation: Measurements and Athletic Testing
Before players even touch a basketball, they face a battery of physical assessments. These aren't just for fun; they provide objective data on a player's raw physical tools, which are critical for projecting NBA potential.
- Anthropometric Measurements: Every detail is captured, from height without shoes and weight to wingspan, hand length and width, standing reach, and body fat percentage. These numbers help scouts understand a player's frame and growth potential.
- Strength and Agility Tests: After a dynamic warm-up, prospects are pushed through intense athletic drills. These include the no-step vertical jump and maximum vertical jump to measure explosiveness, along with the pro lane drill, three-quarter court sprint, and lane shuttle drill to evaluate speed, agility, and quickness. These drills directly translate to in-game performance, highlighting who can run the floor and defend multiple positions.
Sharpshooting Spotlight: The Demanding Shooting Drills
Shooting is arguably the most coveted skill in today's NBA, and the Combine leaves no stone unturned in evaluating a prospect's accuracy and versatility. All participants are required to complete a series of challenging shooting stations designed to test range, precision, and shooting mechanics under various scenarios.
Dribble-Drive Mastery
The Off-the-dribble shooting drill pushes players to create their own shot. From multiple spots around the arc, players take 10 shots, alternating dribble directions before pulling up for a jump shot. This assesses a player's ability to attack off the bounce and convert from mid-range, a crucial skill in modern offenses.
Catch-and-Shoot Precision
The Spot-up shooting drill is a bread-and-butter test of a player's ability to hit open looks. Prospects shoot five shots from five spots around the NBA 3-point line (corners, wings, top of the key) for a total of 25 attempts. This highlights their readiness to space the floor as a perimeter threat.
The All-Around Star Drill
Both a 3-point and Mid-range option, the Star Drill evaluates a player's movement shooting. Players sprint to five different spots around the arc or mid-range, catching passes and shooting off the catch. This drill simulates offensive actions where players come off screens or move without the ball to find scoring opportunities.
Endurance and Accuracy: Side-Mid-Side
Another drill with 3-point and Mid-range variations, the Side-mid-side drill is a grueling test of shooting stamina and accuracy on the move. For two minutes, players repeatedly sprint to different spots for catch-and-shoot jumpers, replicating the continuous movement and effort required in a fast-paced game.
Crucial Free Throws
No shooting assessment is complete without the fundamentals. Prospects wrap up their shooting drills by taking 10 free throws, a simple yet critical measure of composure and consistent technique from the charity stripe.
Game On: Optional Live-Action Scenarios
While drills offer a controlled environment, NBA teams crave to see how prospects perform in actual game-like situations. The optional live-action offense vs. defense drills provide just that, allowing players to demonstrate their basketball IQ, decision-making, and defensive effort. These drills closely mirror situations players will face nightly in the NBA.
Two-on-Two & Three-on-Three Advantage Plays
The Simulated Actions feature Two-on-Two and Three-on-Three scenarios that focus on specific offensive sets like Dribble Hand-Offs (DHOs) and read-and-react plays. These drills test a player's ability to communicate, execute tactical plays, and make quick decisions with limited defenders.
High-Octane Transition Drills
The Transition Drill (Four-on-Four) puts players into fast-break situations, evaluating how quickly they can push the ball, find open teammates, and get back on defense. This is a vital test for players adapting to the blistering pace of the NBA.
Half-Court Tactical Battles
In Four-on-Four Half Court scenarios, prospects engage in fundamental NBA offensive and defensive schemes. This includes Pick and Roll actions, off-ball screens, cuts, and various defensive coverages (hedge, switch, trap). These drills are invaluable for assessing a player's understanding of team basketball and their ability to execute complex plays.
Beyond the Court: Medical and Biomechanical Deep Dive
The Combine isn't just about what happens on the court. A player's long-term potential heavily relies on their health and physical resilience.
- Biomechanical and Functional Movement Testing: Advanced assessments evaluate a player's movement patterns and isometric strength, identifying any potential weaknesses or areas for improvement. This data helps teams understand injury risk and optimize training plans.
- Medical Intake & History: Extensive medical screenings, exams, blood tests, and DEXA scans provide a comprehensive overview of a player's health. This ensures teams are fully aware of any pre-existing conditions or injury concerns before making a significant investment.
The Road to the League: What's Next for Prospects?
Beyond the structured drills, prospects also engage in Five-on-Five scrimmages (optional) and Pro Days. These final opportunities allow them to showcase their full game in a more natural setting or highlight specific skills in a tailored workout for teams. Ultimately, the AWS NBA Draft Combine is a pivotal moment, shaping perceptions and solidifying futures on the path to becoming an NBA pro.
