NBA Combine Review Part II

Kevin Durant bombed the Pre-Draft Combine, statistically finishing dead last out of 78 players. But for Durant, it hardly matters. He is almost certainly going to be drafted by Seattle second overall. Washington’s Spencer Hawes also disappointed at the combine, but he is still a virtual lock for the lottery. Most players who worked out last weekend were not so lucky. The bulk of the combine participants are in a dogfight for draft position. Some are trying to move themselves into the late first-round, while others would be thankful to be drafted in the late second round. After a weekend of jumping, lifting, and running, here is how they stand.

Likely Moved Into 1st Round
Reyshawn Terry 6’7.5’’ 222 North Carolina SF
Terry powered out 18 reps on the bench and flashed a vertical leap of 37.5’’. He ran the ¾ court sprint in 3.26 seconds. Scouts knew he was a heady player and a good defender, but Terry showed that he has the athleticism to be a legitimate NBA player. San Antonio at #28 would be an ideal fit for the former Tar Heel.

Demetris Nichols 6’7’’ 211 Syracuse G/F
Nichols still may be considered an early second round pick by most, but he has a good chance to find a spot in the bottom of the first round after his impressive combine. While he didn’t jump well, the sweet-shooting Nichols exhibited strength (16 bench reps), long arms (7’0.25’’ wingspan), and superior quickness (the best lane agility time in the combine at 10.39 seconds) that can make him more than just a three-point specialist at the next level. Most teams at the end of the first round will be looking for the best available player, and Nichols very well could be at the top of their boards by the time they pick.

Aaron Brooks 6’0’’ 161 Oregon PG
Oregon’s little speed demon tested extremely well in the speed drills as expected, running a 3.20 sprint and a 10.57 lane agility. His 39.5’’ vertical and 6’4’’ wingspan raised some eyebrows as well. With small, quick guards such as Steve Nash and Tony Parker having such success in the NBA recently, a team in the late first round may be willing to take a flier on Brooks.

Likely Moved Out Of 1st Round
Jamareo Davidson 6’11’’ 230 Alabama PF
Going into the combine, Davidson had a chance to get himself into the first round if he showed athleticism to compliment his versatile offensive game. Unfortunately, he didn’t. Davidson jumped just 30’’, performed only 7 bench reps, and ran slow times of 3.53 in the sprint and 12.63 in the lane agility en route to finishing second to last overall to only Kevin Durant. As it stands now, Davidson has taken a tumble to the middle of the second round.

Helped Their Chances Of Being Drafted
Russell Carter 6’4.5’’ 221 Notre Dame SG
Carter was the big winner of last weekend’s combine. He came in a little taller than expected and displayed his NBA-level athleticism by jumping 38.5’’ and running a 3.29 sprint. Carter’s most impressive feat, however, was his combine-best 25 bench reps. We all know that Carter can score from the outside, but he obviously possesses the strength and athleticism to get to the rim and draw fouls. He did not put his physical tools to use last year with Notre Dame, as he attempted 213 3-pointers and just 112 free throws, but if he improves his ballhandling and shows a desire to drive to the hoop, Carter could be a big-time scorer in the NBA similar to Corey Maggette. He has far too much potential to go undrafted.

Carl Landry 6’8.5’’ 248 Purdue PF
Once considered a late second round to undrafted prospect, Landry now sits in the middle of the second round. He weighed in about 15 lbs heavier than he was listed at Purdue, but proved the added weight was muscle, as he turned in 21 bench reps and registered just 7.5% body fat. He also showed solid athleticism by jumping 36.5’’ and running a 3.29 sprint. Landry has a good post game a body that is ready to compete with NBA forwards. He could end up being a second round steal similar to Carlos Boozer in 2002.

Ron Lewis 6’4.5’’ 194 Ohio State SG
Lewis played for a Ohio State squad with three first round draft picks, but more often than not, Lewis was the Buckeyes’ best scorer. To add to his accolades on the court, Lewis had a spectacular workout at the combine. He completed 16 bench reps, jumped 38’’, and ran a 3.22 sprint. He should come in and compete for a back-up job in the NBA right away.

Ekene Ibekwe 6’9’’ 208 Maryland PF
Ibekwe is a bit raw offensively, but after sporting a combine-best 7’6’’ wingspan to go with a 39’’ vertical, he should find a spot in the second round as shot-blocker.

Chris Richard 6’8.75’’ 252 Florida PF
Richard was overshadowed by Florida’s starting five, but may have been the best 6th man in the country last year. Richard’s vertical leap of 30.5’’ was disappointing, but his strength (15 bench reps), length (7’4.5’’ wingspan), and surprising quickness (3.29 sprint and 11.39 lane agility) might be enough to get Richard drafted. If not, he will almost certainly get a tryout with a summer league team.

Coby Karl 6’4.75’’ 204 Boise State SG
Coby, (the son of Denver Nuggets Head Coach George Karl), didn’t blow anyone off the charts with his numbers, but his lanky wingspan (6’11’’) and respectable vertical (34.5’’) combined with his deadly long-range jumpshot are enough to make him a late second round pick. If not, Karl will resort to Plan B, where he legally changes his last name to “Bryant” in hopes that someone will sign him to the max contract.

Note: Maryland G DJ Stawberry statistically had the best performance with a 35’’ vertical, 3.14 sprint, 10.87 lane agility, and a shocking 21 bench reps. Although he may have been the best athlete there, Strawberry is a tweener who doesn’t have a polished offensive game. He could get a look as a late second rounder, but he is more likely to get a chance as an undrafted free agent.

Hurt Their Chances Of Being Drafted

Jared Jordan 6’1.75’’ 183 Marist PG
Jordan, the two-time NCAA assist champion, was once thought to be a mid-second round pick because of his incredible playmaking ability. No one is questioning his basketball skills. After the combine, however, Jordan's physical skills have become a concern. His standing vertical leap was an embarrassing 14.5’’ and he could muster only 6 bench reps. While raw body strength and vertical leap are not necessary to be a great PG, Jordan will have a tought time going up against bigger, faster players with the same skill set.

Marcelus Kemp 6’5’’ 218 Nevada G/F
Kemp is just a junior and would be wise to exercise his option to pull out of the draft and return to school. His 29.5’’ vertical, 9 bench reps, and 3.49 sprint time will not cut it for an undersized guard whose game is predicated on driving to the basket.

Mario Boggan 6’7’’ 240 Oklahoma State PF
Boggan is a poor man’s version of Marcus Fizer. He was a tremendous scorer at the college level, but his lack of athleticism will keep him out of the NBA. Boggan’s 26.5’’ vertical leap will prevent him from shooting over taller NBA power forwards, and his slow sprint (3.45) and agility (12.18) times will keep him from getting to the basket against quicker defenders.

Sammy Mejia 6’7’’ 218 DePaul SG
Mejia’s vertical leap (31.5’’) and bench (7 reps) were very average, and his sprint time of 3.49 and agility time of 11.87 raise some serious questions. Mejia won’t be able to create the shots he did in college against NBA defenders, and his lack of foot-speed will make him a defensive liability.