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5 things to watch for at the NBA Draft Combine

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 1, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) shoots a layup against the USC Trojans during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) shoots a layup against the USC Trojans during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Zach Collins, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Pacific Tigers
Feb 18, 2017; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) goes up for a shot against Pacific Tigers forward Jack Williams (11) during the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Agility Drills and 5-on-5s

As much as all the off-court intrigue will fill the day and perhaps overshadow what is going on in Chicago, this is still a Combine, right? This is a chance to see some of these prospects on the court and get the official measurements, watch them in five-on-five situations and going through some of the league’s agility drills.

Some of these are kind of silly drills. There is no 40-yard dash and no one really cares about how fast you can run. There is no one number from this Combine that seems to perfectly encapsulate skill or affect draft status.

The only thing that usually matters with these drills and measurements is if someone underperforms. The NBA Draft Combine is a place where you can hurt yourself more than you can help yourself if you are a first round pick.

There will undoubtedly be some surprises. There will be someone who measures bigger or longer than anticipated or has a much better vertical jump than anticipated (hello Pat Connaughton).

These drills do provide some information. Every little thing provides some information in the long run for the team.

What happens in these drills and these games may not be the most important thing in the world, but everything has some value.