2026 NBA Draft Combine Highlights: Who Stood Out in the First 5-on-5 Scrimmages in Chicago?

The bright lights of the Wintrust Arena in Chicago have once again become the epicenter of the basketball universe. The 2026 NBA Draft Combine is in full swing, and after the first wave of measurements, athletic testing, and media scrums, the real action has finally begun: the 5-on-5 scrimmages. These high-intensity, often chaotic games are where draft stock can skyrocket or plummet. Scouts, general managers, and analysts have been glued to the floor, looking for that diamond in the rough or the star who can separate himself from the pack. This year’s class is notoriously deep, but lacks a consensus top-five phenom, making these scrimmages even more critical for players trying to solidify their first-round status. Here are the biggest takeaways from the first stretch of 5-on-5 competition in Chicago.

Explosive Guards Dominate the Early Sessions

If the first day of scrimmages taught us anything, it’s that this draft class is loaded with dynamic, score-first guards. The pace was relentless, and several perimeter players used the open floor to showcase elite-level athleticism and shot creation. Jayden “J-Mac” McAllister, a 6’4” combo guard out of Texas, was arguably the most impressive player on the floor. He didn’t just score; he controlled the entire tempo. McAllister dropped 22 points in his first scrimmage, connecting on four of seven from deep, but it was his defensive intensity that turned heads. He recorded three steals and two blocks, showing he can be a two-way force at the next level.

Another guard who demanded attention was Isaiah “Icy” Coleman from Kentucky. Coleman is a pure scorer, but his passing vision was a revelation in Chicago. He finished with 11 assists to go with his 18 points, threading needles in the pick-and-roll that left defenders flat-footed. Scouts were buzzing about his improved decision-making, a key question mark entering the combine. The takeaway here is clear: any team in the late lottery or mid-first round looking for a primary ball-handler will have multiple high-quality options.

Bullet Points: Guard Standouts

• Jayden McAllister (Texas): 22 points, 4/7 3PT, 3 steals. Elite two-way potential.
• Isaiah Coleman (Kentucky): 18 points, 11 assists. Showcased elite court vision and change of pace.
• Marcus “M.J.” Jenkins (UCLA): 15 points, 8 rebounds. Physical guard who attacks the glass relentlessly.

Big Men Show Versatility, But Questions Remain

The center position in the 2026 draft has been a topic of heavy debate. The first scrimmages provided some clarity, but also raised a few red flags. Victor Andersen, the 7’0” shot-blocking machine from Duke, was a force on the defensive end. He swatted five shots in his first game and altered countless others. However, his offensive game remains a work in progress. He struggled to finish through contact against stronger, older prospects, and his post moves looked mechanical. His rebounding instincts are elite, but he’ll need to develop a reliable hook shot or face-up game to justify a top-10 selection.

On the other end of the spectrum, Kofi Mensah from Memphis turned in a more well-rounded performance. Mensah is a 6’11” center with a modern skill set. He hit a 17-foot jumper off a pick-and-pop, showed soft hands in the dunker spot, and ran the floor like a gazelle. He finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks. His motor and conditioning were noticeably better than in college, which is a huge win for his draft stock. The concern? He was bullied a bit on the low block by stronger traditional centers. The NBA game is getting faster, and Mensah’s versatility might outweigh Andersen’s raw size in the eyes of many front offices.

One dark horse big man to watch is Darius “D-Fense” Okonkwo from San Diego State. He is a pure energy guy with a 7’4” wingspan. He didn’t score much (8 points), but his activity on the offensive glass and his ability to switch onto guards in pick-and-roll coverage was a sight to behold. In a league that values switchability, Okonkwo’s stock is rising fast.

Wings and Forwards: The Swing Factor of the Draft

The wing position is where the 2026 draft class truly separates itself from recent years. We saw a strong, physical, and skilled group of forwards who can impact the game in multiple ways. Brandon “B-Train” Taylor from Kansas was the star of the second scrimmage. At 6’8” and 230 pounds, he is built like a truck. He used his strength to get to the rim at will, drawing fouls and finishing through contact. He scored 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, but his passing out of the post was the most impressive takeaway. He found cutters and shooters with precision, showing a high basketball IQ that many scouts had doubted.

Another wing who opened eyes was Amari “Silk” Johnson from Gonzaga. Johnson is a lanky 6’9” shooter with a picture-perfect release. He hit five three-pointers in his scrimmage, many of them off movement and screens. His catch-and-shoot consistency was elite, making him a perfect fit for any team that runs a motion offense. The downside? He struggled to stay in front of quicker guards on defense. He’ll need to add lower-body strength to avoid being hunted in switches at the NBA level.

The biggest surprise in the forward group was Jalen “J-Hop” Hopkins from Michigan State. Hopkins is not a flashy player, but he is a winner. He recorded a near triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. His defensive versatility was on full display, as he guarded positions 1 through 4 effectively. He doesn’t have a single elite skill, but his all-around game and high motor make him a safe bet to be a rotation player for a decade. Expect his name to climb into the late first-round conversation after this performance.

Bullet Points: Forward/Wing Key Performances

• Brandon Taylor (Kansas): 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists. Physical bully-ball with playmaking.
• Amari Johnson (Gonzaga): 5/8 3PT, 17 points. Elite off-ball movement and shooting.
• Jalen Hopkins (Michigan State): 12 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists. Swiss Army knife defender.

Expert Analysis: What This Means for the 2026 NBA Draft

After digesting the first scrimmages, a clear pattern is emerging. This draft class is not top-heavy with a generational talent like a Victor Wembanyama, but it is incredibly deep with high-level role players and potential starters. The lack of a clear-cut No. 1 pick means that teams in the 5-15 range have a real shot at landing a player who can start immediately. The guard play was electric, but the wing and forward depth is what will define this draft.

My biggest prediction: Jayden McAllister will vault himself into the top-10 conversation by the end of the combine. His combination of scoring, defense, and leadership is rare. He looks like a future All-Star. On the flip side, Victor Andersen needs to show more offensively in the next scrimmage. If he struggles again, he might slide out of the lottery.

Another key takeaway is the importance of the 5-on-5 setting. This is not the NCAA tournament where one bad game can end a season. Here, players have multiple chances to showcase their skills. We saw several players who were tentative in the first quarter become aggressive scorers in the second half. The ability to adjust and compete in real-time is a massive green flag for NBA teams. Expect a lot of movement on big boards after this weekend.

Strong Conclusion: The Race is Wide Open

The 2026 NBA Draft Combine scrimmages in Chicago have delivered exactly what we hoped for: drama, surprises, and clarity. The first stretch of 5-on-5 action confirmed that this class has elite guard depth and intriguing versatility in the frontcourt. While no single player has yet to separate himself as the definitive top pick, the sheer number of players who looked like legitimate NBA contributors is exciting. For teams picking in the middle of the first round, this is a goldmine. For the players, every possession from here on out matters. The stock of guards like McAllister and Coleman is soaring, while big men like Mensah are proving that modern skill can trump traditional size. The combine is far from over, but the foundation has been laid: this is a draft class full of competitors, not just prospects. The only question left is: who will rise to the top when the final buzzer sounds in Chicago?

Source: Based on news from ESPN.

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