Winners and Losers of the 2024 NBA Combine

The 2024 NBA Combine, held in Chicago, was a crucial event for NBA hopefuls aiming to elevate their draft stock. The combine provided a platform for players to showcase their skills, athleticism, and potential in front of scouts, coaches, and executives. Let's delve into the winners and losers from this year's event.

Winners

Bronny James

Bronny James silenced his critics with an outstanding performance. Known as LeBron James' son, Bronny faced immense pressure but rose to the occasion. He recorded a 40.5-inch max vertical leap and excelled in

shooting drills, particularly impressing with a 19-of-25 performance in the 3-point star shooting drill. His strong defensive skills, agility, and improved shooting significantly boosted his draft stock​.

Trevon Brazile

Trevon Brazile turned heads with his athleticism, posting a 41.5-inch max vertical and a 33.0-inch standing vertical, both ranking among the top marks at the combine. His performance alleviated concerns about his recovery from a previous ACL injury. Brazile's combination of agility, shot-blocking, and shooting range makes him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking a versatile big man​.

Yves Missi

Yves Missi was another big winner, showcasing his impressive athleticism and shooting skills. The Baylor big man demonstrated his ability to hit three-pointers and displayed significant agility and strength. His performance at the combine has likely moved him into lottery pick consideration, as teams look for big men who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions​.

Losers

Rob Dillingham

Rob Dillingham, despite his talent, faced significant scrutiny due to his physical measurements. Standing at 6-foot-1 without shoes and weighing 164 pounds, his size raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NBA. While his skill set remains impressive, the size issues could make teams hesitant to invest a high draft pick in him​.

Alex Sarr

Alex Sarr, projected as a top pick, underwhelmed at the combine. His athletic performance did not meet expectations, raising doubts about his explosiveness and overall athleticism. For a player billed as a defensive specialist, failing to showcase elite athleticism could affect his draft positioning​.

Caleb Love

Caleb Love struggled to impress during the combine, with inconsistent shooting and questionable decision-making. His performance raised concerns among scouts about his ability to perform under pressure at the professional level, likely impacting his draft stock negatively​.

The 2024 NBA Combine was a critical juncture for many prospects, some of whom capitalized on the opportunity to enhance their draft appeal, while others struggled and saw their stock dip. As we move closer to the draft, these performances will be crucial in shaping the decisions of NBA teams.