At the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Duke star Cooper Flagg had a significant day that offered insights into his potential future. To start, he measured nearly an inch taller than recorded before his single season with the Blue Devils. By the end of the day, he attended the annual draft lottery, which determined that he will likely begin his NBA career in Dallas, as the Mavericks secured the top pick despite only having a 1.8% chance.
Flagg`s measurements, including a barefoot height of 6-foot-7.75 and adding 12 pounds to his frame, were just some of the revealing details from the combine`s initial phase. Despite Flagg`s high profile, other surprising results from top prospects generated considerable buzz among evaluators.
Some outcomes were positive, while others were less favorable.
Here is a summary of notable players based on measurements and shooting drills during the first few days of the combine, highlighting those who performed well and those whose stock might be affected.
Winner: Cooper Flagg Grows Taller
Cooper Flagg measured nearly 6-8 without shoes, indicating almost a one-inch growth spurt since prior to his season at Duke. He also added 12 pounds. While his projection as the likely No. 1 overall pick has been solidified for months, regardless of measurements (barring extreme circumstances), growing taller and adding mass certainly enhances his prospect profile.
- Height: 6-7.75 barefoot
- Weight: 221 lbs
- Wingspan: 7-0
- Standing reach: 8-10.5
Loser: Ace Bailey Measures Shorter Than Expected
Conversations with individuals in Chicago suggested that few expected Ace Bailey to measure at the 6-10 height Rutgers listed him at during the season. However, his barefoot measurement of 6-7.5 was a genuine surprise even to those who anticipated a slight decrease from his listed height.
Bailey has long been touted as a natural scorer with exceptional size, capable of shooting over defenders due to his length. While his scoring talent remains, a measurement of 6-7.5 makes him a less unique prospect compared to the anticipated 6-10 “jumbo wing” profile.
For much of the past year, Bailey was considered a clear top-three player in this draft class. However, with the draft order finalized and new information emerging, the top five spots behind Flagg at No. 1 now appear wide open. Bailey, along with Tre Johnson, Dylan Harper, and VJ Edgecombe, are candidates for the No. 2 pick, and Bailey is no longer seen as a guaranteed top-three selection. His combine measurement adds to this uncertainty.
Winner: Cedric Coward Impresses in Chicago
Cedric Coward`s presence and performance at the combine have quickly become a major talking point. He measured 6-5.25 barefoot with an impressive 7-2.25 wingspan and an 8-10 standing reach, making him one of the longest wings in the class with a remarkable plus-8 wingspan.
Following these measurements, Coward also performed strongly in on-court drills. His results included a 38.5-inch maximum vertical jump, a 32.5-inch no-step vertical jump, and excellent numbers in shooting drills, highlighted by making 17 of 25 attempts in the 3-point star drill.
Coward, a Washington State transfer committed to Duke, has transitioned from a player with quiet pre-combine buzz to a significant breakout performer. He is no longer a hidden prospect. His performance strongly suggests he is likely headed for a top-30 spot on draft boards and is seriously contending for a first-round pick.
Loser: Jase Richardson Shows Length, But Limited Height
There are both positive and negative takeaways for Michigan State guard Jase Richardson`s draft outlook following the combine.
On the positive side, he measured with a 6-6 wingspan and an 8-2.5 standing reach, and recorded a 38-inch maximum vertical jump.
However, the less favorable news is that his barefoot height was 6-0.5 and his weight was 178.4 pounds.
Michigan State listed Richardson as 6-3 and 185 pounds, making the disparity between his college listing and the combine reality notable, similar to Ace Bailey`s situation. For Richardson, this difference feels particularly impactful regarding his chances of cracking the top 10. His projected draft range currently appears to be between pick 10 and roughly pick 22.
Winner: Standout Plus-Wingspans
Although measurements from Day 2 of the combine are still being finalized, several players have already showcased remarkable wingspans this week. Players of particular note include Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Thomas Sorber, and Yaxel Lendeborg, among others.
Their notable `plus-wingspans` (calculated as wingspan minus height) include:
- Maluach: +9 inches
- Sorber: +8.75 inches
- Coward: +8 inches
- Lendeborg: +7.5 inches
Winner: Powell Displays Impressive Leaping
It was widely known that North Carolina wing Drake Powell possessed impressive leaping ability, often referred to as having “bunnies.”
He confirmed this athleticism during Tuesday`s testing at the combine.
The freshman recorded a 43-inch maximum vertical jump and a 37.5-inch no-step vertical jump – both leading all participants tested so far in the combine`s 75-player field.
Powell also performed well in other drills, making 10 of 10 free throws in shooting drills and ranking among the fastest participants in both the pro lane drill and the three-quarter court sprint.
Entering the week as a player potentially deciding between the draft and returning to college, Powell has had an excellent start at the combine, significantly strengthening his case for selection in the first round.
Jasper Hawthorne