NBA Draft Combine Commences in Chicago: Flagg’s Plans and Event Details
The NBA offseason is heating up, and Chicago is the epicenter of activity this week as the NBA Draft Combine gets underway, even as eight teams continue their pursuit of the championship in the playoffs. Following the NBA Draft Lottery on Monday, the combine officially commences, with projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and other top prospects for the June 2025 NBA Draft expected to be present at Wintrust Arena.
These young talents will undergo thorough medical evaluations, physical measurements, and on-court drills. They will also have the opportunity to meet with reporters and representatives from various NBA teams as part of this annual event, which is closed to the general public.
Some of the players participating in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, including five who earned their spots through impressive performances at the G League Elite Camp held in Chicago last weekend, will be divided into four teams for two days of scrimmages.
According to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, participation in these scrimmages is optional. It is common for top prospects like Flagg to abstain from participating. However, there are numerous instances of players who significantly improved their draft stock by showcasing their skills and potential to scouts at the combine.
The performances over the next few days can have a significant impact on draft decisions. An encouraging or discouraging performance this week could influence a prospect’s decision to remain in the draft or return to college for another season.
As of Monday afternoon, it remains unclear exactly what Flagg intends to do at the NBA Draft Combine. However, it is anticipated that he will attend and participate in the drills, interviews, and medical examinations. It appears that Flagg does not plan to participate in the 5-on-5 scrimmages scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at Wintrust Arena.
Flagg was not included on any of the four team rosters released by the NBA on Monday morning. He is not alone in this decision, as many of the potential lottery picks in this year’s draft class are expected to bypass the scrimmages, which is a common practice.
Cooper Flagg is currently projected to be the No. 1 pick in the latest USA TODAY Sports NBA mock draft, ahead of the combine and the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery.
The NBA Scouting Combine is not open to the public. Only the events and activities taking place on Tuesday, May 13 through Thursday, May 15 are open to media personnel.
The 2025 NBA Draft Combine will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 on Wednesday, May 14, beginning at 2 p.m. ET, coinciding with the start of the 5-on-5 scrimmages at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The action can also be live-streamed via ESPN+, Disney+, and Fubo.
Key Activities and What to Expect
The NBA Draft Combine is a crucial event for NBA teams to evaluate potential draft picks. Players participate in a variety of activities, including:
Medical Examinations: Players undergo thorough medical evaluations to identify any potential health concerns that could affect their careers.
Measurements: Players’ height, weight, wingspan, and other physical attributes are measured to assess their physical potential.
Strength and Agility Drills: Players participate in drills to test their strength, agility, speed, and jumping ability. These drills include bench press, vertical jump, shuttle run, and three-quarter sprint.
Shooting Drills: Players demonstrate their shooting skills in various drills, including spot-up shooting, free throws, and shooting off the dribble.
Scrimmages: Players are divided into teams and participate in scrimmages to showcase their basketball skills in a game setting.
Interviews: Players meet with representatives from NBA teams to discuss their basketball background, personal qualities, and future aspirations.
Why the Combine Matters
The NBA Draft Combine is a significant event for several reasons:
Evaluation: It provides NBA teams with a standardized platform to evaluate potential draft picks.
Stock Improvement: Players can improve their draft stock by performing well in the combine’s various activities.
Decision Making: The combine can influence a prospect’s decision to remain in the draft or return to college.
Insight: The combine offers media and fans a glimpse into the future stars of the NBA.
Flagg’s Decision: A Strategic Move?
Cooper Flagg’s decision to skip the scrimmages is not surprising, as top prospects often choose to avoid this aspect of the combine. There are several reasons why Flagg might make this decision:
Risk of Injury: Participating in scrimmages carries a risk of injury, which could jeopardize his draft stock.
Nothing to Prove: As the projected No. 1 pick, Flagg may feel he has nothing to gain from participating in the scrimmages. He may prefer to protect his status and avoid any potential setbacks.
Focus on Specific Areas: Flagg may want to focus on specific areas of the combine, such as interviews and medical examinations, where he can further impress NBA teams.
Other Prospects to Watch
While Flagg’s presence looms large, the NBA Draft Combine will feature numerous other talented prospects who are vying for a spot in the NBA. These players will be eager to showcase their skills and improve their draft stock.
The combine provides a platform for lesser-known players to emerge and make a name for themselves. Players who perform well in the scrimmages and other activities can significantly improve their chances of being drafted.
Conclusion
The NBA Draft Combine in Chicago is set to be an exciting event, offering NBA teams the opportunity to evaluate the next generation of basketball talent. While Cooper Flagg’s plans remain somewhat uncertain, his presence will undoubtedly draw significant attention. The combine is a crucial step in the NBA draft process, and the performances over the next few days could have a lasting impact on the careers of these young players. The event gives front offices information that will affect not only their team but also many other teams through the league. The effects will be felt for a long time.
