5 players to watch at the NBA Draft Combine
Pete Nance, Northwestern
Before the NBA Draft Combine begins Monday, several prospects will get an extra shot and an extra look before the actual Combine begins. The NBA G-League Elite Camp is an invitation to 44 prospects who are projected in the second round or just outside of the Draft to get a look for potential G-Leauge spots.
Some of the top players will get invites to the NBA Draft Combine.
The NBA G League announced the 44 draft prospects who accepted invites to the NBA G League Elite Camp, which will take place May 16-17 in Chicago. Some players will work their way into the NBA Combine later that week. pic.twitter.com/hcrgRy8NNu
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 9, 2022
To say the least, this is an extremely competitive period and a big chance for any of these players to make a name for themselves among NBA circles.
Each of these players will not only be going through drills but also playing in the five-on-five scrimmages. Among these players will probably be the star of the NBA Draft Combine. These are the guys that are likely to make the biggest waves and improve their draft stock the most.
I will be a homer and give some love to a prospect from my alma mater. But he actually does stand a good chance to make a roster, if he ends up staying in the draft.
Pete Nance had a solid run at Northwestern, improving and growing each season in Evanston, Ill.
If his name seems recognizable, it should be. He is Larry Nance Jr.’s brother, so he comes from an NBA family.
Nance finished his senior year averaging 14.6 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game. He shot 49.7-percent from the floor and 45.2-percent from beyond the arc.
Like with Christian Koloko, Pete Nance got better each season. His scoring, rebounding and shooting all improved each season. So even for a senior, he has shown tremendous growth.
The new addition to his game this year was a willingness to take 3-pointers — he went from 2.8 attempts per game to 3.1 attempts per game. Nance was a lot more aggressive offensively, showing the ability to hit low-post turnarounds.
But that is not what he would do in the NBA. He would be a good energy defender off the bench if he makes an NBA roster. And that is something that he could fill and do well. Even in small doses.
There are plenty of others like him who will emerge over the course of the weekend in the G-League camp. And from there, someone is likely to stand out in the Combine.