NBA Draft Combine Set to Begin in Chicago with Top Prospects

CHICAGO, Illinois — The 2025 NBA Draft Combine is set to commence on Saturday, bringing together around 120 players, including top prospects, at Wintrust Arena. This multiday event offers athletes a chance to showcase their skills ahead of the highly anticipated NBA Draft.

From May 11 to May 18, the combine will lead into the crucial NBA lottery, where the order of selection for the upcoming draft will be determined, scheduled for June 25-26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NBA teams and fans eagerly await the lottery, which will set the stage for the draft’s first round.

This year, the centerpiece of discussions is Cooper Flagg, a Duke freshman, whom many expect will be a highly sought-after pick. Teams will analyze performances at the combine to predict how draft rankings might shift over the weeks to come.

During the combine, players will participate in drills, measurements, medical exams, and interviews with team executives and coaches. The event is seen as an essential opportunity for players to raise their draft stock, with a history of athletes leveraging it for significant improvements in their rankings.

While the focus is on competition, some players opt out of scrimmages to avoid potential negative impacts on their draft status. The 5-on-5 games are optional, but all participants must attend the drills and interviews.

Among notable players in attendance will be those weighing decisions on whether to stay in the draft or return to college. The deadline for NCAA withdrawal is on May 28, making the combine critical for many prospects.

Young talents like Dylan Harper and Jeremiah Fears are also among the many players who will be closely watched as NBA teams assess their potential contributions. The excitement is palpable as players prepare to dazzle and impress in front of NBA decision-makers.

Givony and Woo, renowned analysts, have noted that the outcomes of this week’s events could shape the futures of dozens of prospects while setting up compelling narratives for the upcoming draft.