2025 NBA Draft Combine Begins in Chicago Amid High Player Stakes

CHICAGO, Ill. — The 2025 NBA Draft Combine officially kicks off this Saturday, welcoming around 120 players to the Windy City. This event includes the much-anticipated G League Elite Camp and agency pro days. NBA teams, along with fans and players, will closely watch the lottery reveal on Monday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, determining the first-round draft order set for June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Among the standout prospects is Cooper Flagg, whose potential selection will dominate discussions for weeks following the lottery. Teams will be evaluating talent during drills, measurements, and scrimmages at the Wintrust Arena, hoping to boost their draft stock in front of hundreds of NBA executives.

This combine period is informally recognized as the beginning of the free agency process, setting the stage for player negotiations once the window opens on June 30. The pressure is high for prospects to showcase their skills, with many vying to improve their draft standing or avoid becoming lower picks.

Notable past players have used the combine as a turning point in their careers, including recent standouts who advanced from the combine to secure their draft spots. However, not all prospects find success at the combine, leading many to opt out of competitive scrimmages due to fears of damaging their stock.

Agents are wrestling with the delicate balance of showcasing their clients without exposing weaknesses. Several players plan to use this week’s evaluations to make crucial decisions, including whether to remain in the draft or return to college.

Decisions from notable prospects such as Michigan’s and Florida’s hopefuls can greatly influence the dynamics for the upcoming college basketball season. The deadline for players to withdraw from the draft is May 28.

This year’s combine also marks an opportunity for talented international prospects who could heighten their visibility in front of NBA teams. Players aiming to secure their professional future understand that a strong performance could lead to favorable NBA contracts.

As the week unfolds with drills and scrimmages, the combine could mean significant changes for many athletes. NBA teams eagerly anticipate the excitement and discussions that will stem from the 2025 Draft Combine.