The 2017 NBA Draft Combine is underway this week in Chicago. It started on Tuesday, but the televised portions of it take place on Thursday and Friday. Several of the draft’s top projected picks skipped the event, including Duke’s Jayson Tatum. Washington’s Markelle Fultz — a likely top-five pick — is attending the event but not participating in any of the physical parts. That is a trend that is likely to continue, too.
That aside, on Thursday, the combine released measurements for the 67 participants. Here is a look at some notable ACC-related observations, including what Tony Bradley decided against doing.
(Note: Here is a Google Doc with all of this year’s combine measurements.)
Thursday highlights
- Wake Forest’s John Collins measured with a 6-11 wingspan and a sub-9-foot standing reach (8-10.5). Collins posted a block rate of 6.5 percent, according to KenPom.com, which is solid; however, despite projecting as an NBA center, he did not play super long in college. These measurements do not exactly bode well for that. Collins is an insanely good player; I would not worry too much about this, but it has me wondering if Collins needs to figure out a jump shot if he has to slide to the power forward position. That would require some work — Collins attempted just one three-pointer in two college seasons and shot just 27.3 percent on jump shots in 2016-17, according to Synergy Sports.
- Justin Jackson of North Carolina recorded a height of 6-7, a wingspan of nearly 7-4 and a standing reach of 8-11. It is clear that he has the length to defend small forwards on the next level. That could help his draft status.
- North Carolina’s Tony Bradley, who has not signed with an agent, will not play in the 5-on-5 portion of the event, according to Chad Ford.
NBA just released 5-on-5 rosters for the Combine. 2 more in our Top 30, Tony Bradley & DJ Wilson, now appear to be skipping it pic.twitter.com/XSmiZGFWQl
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) May 11, 2017
- Another undecided ACC freshman, Duke’s Frank Jackson, had measurements in Chicago, too. Jackson checked in with only 6.7 percent body fat and a 6-7.5 wingspan. That is not quite Rajon Rondo-esque, but it is right there with former Wake Forest star Jeff Teague.
- Speaking of wingspan, say hello to Donovan Mitchell — a favorite of ours at the ACC Analytics tab. Mitchell rocketed up mock draft boards this afternoon after measuring with a wingspan of 6-10. The length mixed with that dude’s leaping ability…yowza. Big men, be careful; you may end up on a poster.
- NC State’s Omer Yurtseven, who struggled in 5-on-5 play, checked in with a wingspan of 7-1. That reach is not too bad, although it is four inches shorter than that of Bradley. Kennedy Meeks also posted a wingspan of 7-1; Isaiah Hicks was just below that 7-0.5.