Ranking the top players in 2026 NBA draft combine scrimmages this week

Several notable players, including former UConn star Tarris Reed Jr., will participate in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine five-on-five scrimmages.

While these scrimmages do not include big stars or players projected to hear their name called at the top of the draft next month at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, there is typically first-round talent broadcast on national TV for fans to watch and for front offices to evaluate.

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The most interesting players are often the ones who declared as early entry candidates because if they perform well, they can skyrocket on draft boards (like Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams did in 2022) or return to college and make more money in the modern NIL era.

Here’s how the NBA draft combine scrimmage pool breaks down entering this week based on consensus rankings across major draft boards.

Early entry candidates with collegiate eligibility remaining

These players have the most on the line because they will use feedback to determine whether they return to school or stay in the draft. Kentucky big man Malachi Moreno, who is also an early entry candidate, was originally included on scrimmage rosters but opted not to participate.

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Potential first round picks

3. Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt)

Potential early-to-mid second round picks

3. Billy Richmond III (Arkansas)

Potential mid-to-late second round picks

1. Matthew Able (NC State → North Carolina)

3. John Blackwell (Wisconsin → Duke)

Players who could play their way into guaranteed long-term deals

These players are ranked relatively near the first-round cutoff and can potentially move up with especially strong showings during scrimmage reps. They fall between No. 30 and No. 50 on the consensus rankings. Guaranteed contracts are signed if a player is picked in the first round and sometimes negotiated for early second-round picks, too.

4. Trevon Brazile (Arkansas)

6. Ugonna Onyenso (Virginia)

8. Izaiyah Nelson (South Florida)

Notable second-round prospects to watch closely

These players have shown occasional NBA traits and are being evaluated on whether they can translate into consistent roles. They fall between No. 50 and No. 65 on the consensus rankings.

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2. Bruce Thornton (Ohio State)

4. Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee)

8. Rafael Castro (George Washington)

10. Tyler Nickel (Vanderbilt)

Under-the-radar names to know

These players are currently outside most consensus rankings but earned combine invites and could raise their profiles this week. These players rank beyond No. 65 on consensus rankings.

1. Nick Martinelli (Northwestern)

2. Tobi Lawal (Virginia Tech)

5. Trey Kaufman-Renn (Purdue)

9. Aaron Nkrumah (Tennessee State)

How to watch the NBA Draft Combine scrimmages

The 2026 NBA Draft Combine scrimmages are on Wednesday, May 13, at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and on Thursday, May 14, at 2 p.m. ET on NBA TV.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA draft combine top players in scrimmages, including Tyler Tanner