Take a look at some of the best plays from the 2024 NBA Combine!
Sunday started the NBA pre-Draft season, as the Atlanta Hawks secured the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This also marked the first year that all invited players were required to attend and participate in the Draft Combine, including G-League Elite Camp participants. Over 120 prospects participated in on- and off-court evaluations at the Wintrust Arena and Marriott Marquis in Chicago in hopes of improving their Draft stock.
Bronny James garnered the most media attention during the week, as parents LeBron and Savannah James watched their eldest son attempt to make a lasting impression on NBA scouts and executives.
Bronny James showed the ability to make shots from deep, with smooth mechanics during his shooting drill sessions. His ability to play off the ball at 6-foot-1, along with shot creation limitations at this stage of his development are reasons why the 19-year-old might benefit from returning to school. If James signs with an agent, he and other players who did likewise have until May 29 to finalize their choice.
These prospects made a case for themselves with strong showings in the Windy City.
Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman put notable performances in both combine scrimmages.
Baylor Schierman (Creighton)
If an MVP were awarded for the scrimmage portion of this week’s events, Schierman would have earned it. The 6-foot-7 guard was 11-for-18 through two games and averaged 13 points, all of which were quality looks. Schierman shot 38% on 3-pointers in his senior season, proving to be a capable rebounder and passer for the Bluejays. He was locked in all week and competed in every test, drill and scrimmage. His high hoops IQ could be an asset to any NBA franchise as are his shooting ability, versatility and motor.
Nikola Djurisic (Serbia)
If Schierman was the MVP, Djurisic might have been the most talented. A member of the Mega Basket family of the ABA, that produced reigning Kia MVP Nikola Jokic and Nikola Topic, a potential 2024 lottery pick. The 6-foot-8 player is highly effective off the pick and roll as both a passer and a scorer from all three levels. Djurisic, 20, scored 16 points in 20 minutes in his final scrimmage, displaying his ability to create space off the dribble to get to his spots. He also has playmaking prowess and sneaky athleticism. Djurisic made a strong case this week to be a first-round pick in the 2024 Draft after this showing.
Illinois’ Coleman Hawkins displayed a strong offensive prowess on the hardwood.
Coleman Hawkins (Illinois)
This second-team All-Big Ten performer has an interesting situation: he can exercise his extra year of college eligibility or stay in the draft after his week in Chicago. A quintessential pick-and-pop forward at 6-foot-10, Hawkins displayed robust offensive skills and finished with 17 points (on 6-for-7 shooting) in his final scrimmage. Hawkins finished around the rim consistently and showed his mobility and passing ability all week. The lone concern regarding Hawkins’ game may be on defense.
Boogie Ellis (USC) vs. KJ Simpson (Colorado)
This matchup between two smaller guards was one of the more entertaining ones this week. Ellis, one of the select players called up from the G League Elite Camp, impressed Tuesday with 11 points, five rebounds and five assists in 18 minutes. The 6-foot guard is explosive off the bounce and can get to the rim consistently.
Simpson, similar to Ellis, plays bigger than his size. The 6-footer averaged 13.5 points through two games, showcasing his knack for finishing above bigger defenders and rebounded capably.
Both guards communicated well and were focused on the intangibles in both games. Their competitiveness and leadership stood out and made their matchup entertaining.
Marquette’s Oso Ighodaro shows off his agility and quickness during Combine drills.
Oso Ighodaro (Marquette)
At 6-foot-9 with a strong frame, Ighodaro can defend multiple positions and rebound. The 21-year-old showed his ability to set solid screens and switch onto smaller players. Despite not being a perimeter threat, Ighodaro scored 11 points on 4-for-4 shooting.
Adem Bona (UCLA)
One of the most physically gifted prospects in Chicago, Bona’s athleticism and imposing physique stood out. The 21-year-old Nigerian manned dunker spot effectively with his finishes at the rim and can protect the basket on defense.
Houston’s Jamal Shead brought both tenacity and hustle to Chicago.
Jamal Shead (Houston)
He measured just 6 feet tall at the Combine, but Shead stood tall all week. Using his stout frame and scrappy demeanor, Shead averaged 14 points and five assists in Chicago. After much success at Houston, Shead hopes to find a rotational role in the NBA by using his pestering ball pressure and overall toughness.
Additional standouts: Dalton Knecht, Devin Carter, Alex Karaban
