2024 NBA draft combine Top prospects highlights more

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The NBA's pre-draft season is in full swing as the league held its draft lottery Sunday, with the Atlanta Hawks moving up to grab the No. 1  pick, and there are more than 120 prospects in Chicago this week for the draft combine and agency pro days.

The G League camp got things going Saturday, and Monday marked the start of drills, measurements, athletic testing, medical examinations, team interviews and 5-on-5 scrimmaging at Wintrust Arena. On Tuesday and Wednesday, players took to the court for scrimmages and games.

NBA draft experts Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo, Bobby Marks and Jamal Collier recap the biggest takeaways from the combine, assess the prospects who are rising (or potentially falling) and address league reaction and news around the 2024 NBA draft, to be held June 26-27 in Brooklyn.

Wednesday's workouts | Who stood out? | Bronny's day Tuesday's recap | Monday's stars | Hawks at No. 1

What's your biggest takeaway from Wednesday?

Givony: It's clear many NBA teams are still in the early stages of their decision-making process. Most teams and executives say they have considerable work in front of them -- watching player film, conducting private workouts and interviews and a thorough examination of medical records and background intel. Usually by this stage, the draft is decently clear, but due to the lack of star power at the top and how flat the talent level is outside the lottery, things seem wide-open. Expect considerable movement on our upcoming mocks and big boards, and all the way up to draft night as we piece together how things are evolving.

Woo: This draft is just as challenging to figure out as it was two days ago before the start of the combine. Players always stand out here, but if you ask 10 different scouts who the best prospect out of scrimmages is there might be 10 different answers. For me, this week reaffirmed this is very much an eye-of-the-beholder draft class. And based on conversations with teams, there will be a lot of drafting for best fit, which means less adhering to consensus -- and most likely, some surprises on draft night.

Who stood out during Wednesday's scrimmages?

KJ Simpson, PG, Colorado: After a strong first scrimmage, Simpson (ranked No. 47 in our ESPN 100) wrapped up the combine with 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists in a win. Simpson, who averaged 19.7 points for a Colorado team that won two NCAA tournament games, helped his cause in Chicago with his passing ability -- showing unselfishness and creativity with impressive timing and pace. He's smart using screens, drives the paint with his head up and can operate in short and midrange spots.

Simpson measures at 6-foot-1½ in shoes and 187 pounds, so demonstrating his point guard abilities rather than at combo like he has been billed most of his career was important. Defensively, he pressured the ball and fought over screens -- critical at his size. In a league filled with oversized wings, some NBA teams won't consider drafting a player of Simpson's stature, so showing he can be productive in a different role was a positive step in positioning himself to get drafted. -- Givony

AJ Johnson, PG/SG, Illawarra Hawks (NBL): This was a positive two-day stretch for Johnson, who had a significant platform at his disposal running the point full time for Team St. Andrews. Johnson, 19, dished out 10 assists in 48 minutes, showing some real vision and pace finding teammates driving and passing over the top out of pick-and-roll. He had several highlight-reel finishes showing his fluidity and explosiveness, hit a deep 3 and looked much improved defensively relative to where he was a year ago prior to signing in Australia, showing that his apprentice season playing limited minutes in the NBL wasn't for naught. NBA teams are intrigued by the long-term upside the 6-foot-5 1/2 teenage guard possesses, who has moved himself firmly into the guaranteed contract conversation with his play in Chicago this week. -- Givony

Ulrich Chomche, C, NBA Academy Africa: Chomche, ranked No. 40 in our ESPN 100, didn't have an incredibly productive two-day showing in Chicago, posting 7 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 assist and 4 turnovers in 31 minutes, leaving him on somewhat uncertain standing going into the NCAA's early-entry withdrawal deadline on May 29. The 18-year old Cameroonian showed flashes of attacking slow big men on the perimeter, intelligent passes, energetically running the floor and exceptional mobility and length trapping ball screens out to half court. He also looked unsure in moments with his rudimentary skill level and lack of experience on both ends of the floor. It might take several years of development before he's ready to play real minutes in the NBA.

Big men who can theoretically stretch the floor, switch onto smaller players and protect the rim are rare, but Chomche didn't make as strong a case for a guaranteed contract as he probably hoped this week. -- Givony

Nikola Djurisic, SG/SF, Mega MIS: Djurisic, ESPN's No. 53-ranked prospect, had a quiet first day, scoring 4 points in 11 minutes, but in the final scrimmage scored 16 points in 21 minutes -- giving teams a stronger viewing of his offensive versatility.

He made a pair of 3s off movement, several above the rim finishes running the floor and attacking closeouts and showed his passing vision with creative and unselfish play.

After two up and down seasons on a Mega MIS team, it was important for Djurisic to show he can hold his own against his American peers. NBA teams still have some questions about his feel for the game, shooting consistency and general streakiness, but big wings in Djurisic's mold who have size, skills, shot-making versatility and passing aren't easy to come by, making him a viable prospect to draft in the second round. -- Givony

Bronny James, G, USC: James looked a lot more comfortable Wednesday, bouncing back from a shaky showing Tuesday to finish with 13 points on 4-of-10 shooting. James, who is ranked No. 98 in ESPN's Top 100, had a pair of catch-and-shoot 3s and showcased creative passes. His poise held up well against a team of older, more experienced college upperclassmen.

While evaluators generally view Bronny as a second-round talent at best, the immediate feedback from scouts was better today. He showcased his willingness to share the ball, play a role and knock down shots. Still, most of the concerns have always been the same: He's undersized for an off-ball guard in the NBA, particularly on the defensive end, and struggles to create for himself. Still, Wednesday was a much better look for James as he attempts to strengthen his case for draftability in June. -- Woo

Alex Karaban, SF/PF, UConn: After a quiet first game, Karaban had a much more active day Wednesday, with a number of good moments and solid defensive play to help remind teams why he's been important and successful at UConn. His game is predicated more on cutting and spacing for teammates -- not always obvious in a scrimmage setting -- but Karaban was decisive about his touches (12 points on five shots) and moved his feet on the perimeter, boxed out and showcased his excellent basketball IQ. His decision to turn pro or return to UConn hinges on how good he feels about his potential landing spots. -- Jeremy Woo

Oso Ighodaro, F/C, Marquette: Ighodaro had a good showing in Wednesday's second scrimmage, scoring 11 points, on 4-for-4 shooting and hitting three free throws. He showcased his passing ability, effectiveness as a screener and defensive versatility, switching onto smaller players. However, he's a non-shooter outside the paint, a below-average rebounder and lacks elite rim protection skills. A creative team might see more of his upside and envision a way to optimize him off the bench. -- Woo

Coleman Hawkins, F, Illinois: Hawkins had a notable showing in Wednesday's first scrimmage, showcasing a wide range of offensive skills. He's a plus passer, looked comfortable shooting from distance, moves well for his size and finished well around the basket, scoring 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting. However, he lacked on defense with occasional lapses in decision-making. The concern with Hawkins has always been on his reliability but he has the potential to become a useful frontcourt player if he puts it all together. If he can win people over in interviews and private workouts, he'll help his chances of getting drafted. -- Woo

Pelle Larsson, SG/SF, Arizona: Larsson turned in another solid performance Wednesday which wasn't reflected in the box score: While he shot just 1-of-7 from the field, he made positive contributions all over the floor with good passes, boxing out and battling defensively. While more of a connector than a scorer, Larsson played more assertively than he did in college and was able to get into the paint and draw fouls against weaker defenders. He checks a lot of boxes teams value in perimeter role players, such as being able to contribute on both ends without needing heavy usage and operating as a secondary handler. Larsson is the type of unselfish, experienced prospect who might soak up minutes on a team with playoff aspirations early in his career but will need to shoot well in workouts to show teams his potential. -- Woo

Justin Edwards, SF, Kentucky: The highest-ranked prospect on the ESPN Top 100 who participated in scrimmages, Edwards was a touch inconsistent, scoring just five points Wednesday after turning in 14 on Tuesday. That being said, he looked a bit leaner physically, hitting a number of shots from the perimeter, and looked like a player capable of eventually filling an NBA role. Edwards still doesn't have much of a secondary skill set and lacks creation for others, but wings his size who can knock down open shots, finish plays and step in defensively tend to earn minutes in the league. Once projected as a lottery-level talent, Edwards made a good decision to play at the combine and looked comfortable enough on the floor to help reassure teams that he's worth a shot from a development standpoint. -- Woo

Pay close attention to Tidjane Salaun

While all NBA eyes were on the combine in Chicago, an notable development was happening in Paris, France, where Tidjane Salaun had a career-best performance in the most important game he has played to this point in the season. With 19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal later, the gym was buzzing about Salaun's highlight-laden performance, which included deep 3s, monster dunks, important offensive rebounds, clutch late plays and incredible energy and activity level to help his Cholet team win Game 1 of the French league playoffs against No. 2 seed Paris. One of the best teams in European basketball, Paris is fresh off winning a EuroCup championship and was in the midst of a 25-game winning streak.

Digging into the film, Paris' strategy of not guarding Salaun at all on the perimeter backfired, as the 6-11 teenager stepped into NBA range 3-pointers confidently, broke free off cuts for above-the-rim finishes, and used his tremendous physical tools to crash the paint and secured multiple extra possessions for his team.

After talking with numerous NBA teams about Salaun this week, it seems he's much closer to being a top-10 pick than the late lottery candidate he is currently ranked in the ESPN Top 100 at No. 10. Several teams are flagging the San Antonio Spurs at No. 8 as a real landing potential spot for Salaun. The French connections with Victor Wembanyama are obvious, as the two share an agent and know each other dating back to 2017 when their sisters played together at the FIBA U-16 European Championship.

Salaun clearly didn't hurt his draft stock, and a big contingent of NBA executives is now en route to France to take in the rest of the LNB quarterfinals, where both him and potential No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher are competing against Parisian-based teams, making for one-stop scouting shopping for lottery teams. -- Givony

What's your biggest takeaway from Tuesday?

Givony: I was pleasantly surprised by the level of participation in the scrimmages. We heard that because the NBA made scrimmages voluntary for fringe first- and second-rounders, agents were considering advising their players not to participate. Instead, both combine games were littered with elite players and several younger prospects coming off disappointing seasons hoping to improve their standing. We'll see what happens Wednesday -- typically many of the top performers from the first day decline to play on Day 2. But between the first day of drills and Tuesday, we've seen far more basketball activity from the draft's best players than I can remember in quite some time.

Woo: The energy level and quality of play in both combine games was quite good and helped reinforce the value in players participating. Echoing Jonathan, it was great to see quality prospects taking the floor -- it feels like we say this every year, but in recent history, the list of players who have helped themselves in this event is much longer than those who have harmed their stock. The NBA's changes to the combine format seem to have made a positive impact on the week.

Marks: Bypassing the combine has now been eliminated with the most recent collective bargaining agreement. Former player and camp director Derek Fisher talked to ESPN on the impact he sees with the new participation rule. "It is vital to the future of the game," Fisher said. "We should be able to evaluate players coming into the league. Just having them here, allowing teams to sit down face to face. To go through the medical process and go through the testing in front of the teams. To me that is important. If you want what comes with being in this league, you should want to show up. If you are as great as you think you are and your representative feels you are, it is OK to come here and get evaluated." Year by year the NBA saw a significant drop in first-round prospects not attending the draft combine. Because of the absence, teams were left scrambling to obtain medical information, measurements and conduct interviews. Simply put: Player participation matters.

How did Day 2 work out for Bronny James?

After an impressive showing during the drills and athletic testing on the first day of the combine, USC guard Bronny James, who is ranked No. 98 in our top 100, could not maintain that momentum during his first scrimmage opportunity on Tuesday. He played 19 minutes in the first game of the afternoon, scoring four points on 2-of-8 shooting and grabbing four rebounds.

"He needed to assert himself," an Eastern Conference general manager told ESPN.

While addressing reporters hours later, James acknowledged that his heart issues hindered him during his freshman year in college but said he was excited to use this week as a showcase for NBA teams. Several NBA executives who spoke to ESPN this week said they were looking forward to seeing him on the court again after his limited college season. Those executives, including Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, stuck around to watch his workouts later Monday. The stands at Wintrust Arena were more full for the earlier scrimmage Tuesday featuring James than later that afternoon.

However, James did not finish Day 2 with the same buzz he generated the first day.

"He made that nice move for a floater," an Eastern Conference scout told ESPN. "But he needed to do something more to stand out." -- Collier

Who stood out during Tuesday's scrimmages?

Baylor Scheierman, SG/SF, Creighton: Scheierman, ranked No. 39 in our top 100, continued to make his case as a possible first-round pick with a strong scrimmage performance Tuesday -- 17 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals in a win. It didn't surprise anyone to see Scheierman make deep 3s from all over the court after what he did in college, but he showed more competitiveness defensively than we had previously seen. He generated quite a few turnovers fighting over screens, denying off ball and sliding his feet with purpose. He communicated nonstop and took a step ahead thanks to his sharp basketball instincts. Big wings who can pass and shoot are coveted in today's NBA, and if Scheierman can convince teams he can hold his own defensively, there's no reason he wouldn't project as a solid rotation player. -- Givony

Ajay Mitchell, PG, UC Santa Barbara: Mitchell only scored five points, but set the tone for his team from the opening tip with his unselfish ball movement and excellent vision operating out of pick-and-roll, generating seven assists in 21 minutes. He made several impressive reads manipulating the defense with his handle, pace and creativity, whipping touch passes to get his teammates easy baskets to help build a 30-point lead. He also used his size (6-foot-4 1/2 in shoes) and strong frame to pressure the ball the length of the floor and make things difficult on opponents, displaying important qualities NBA teams look for when seeking backup point guard candidates in the Andrew Nembhard mold. After an injury-riddled junior season at Santa Barbara, Mitchell (who ranks No. 51 in our top 100) needed a strong combine showing to solidify his standing and could continue to help himself by showing more perimeter shooting prowess than scouts have seen. -- Givony

AJ Johnson, SG, Illawarra Hawks (Australian NBL): This is an important week for the 19-year-old guard, who was in Australia playing limited minutes this season. Johnson, who ranks No. 62 in our top 100, reminded NBA scouts why he began the cycle as a projected first-round pick with impressive flashes of talent, changing speeds attacking the lane fluidly with long strides for touch shot finishes, hitting a 3-pointer off movement and making smart pick-and-roll passing reads. He finished with 13 points and 4 assists. His extremely thin frame (167 pounds), lack of experience and inconsistent defense make him a long-term project for a team, but one with significantly more upside than most projected second-round picks, which could make him an interesting swing for a patient NBA team in June. -- Givony

Trentyn Flowers, SG/SF, Adelaide 36ers (Australian NBL): Scouts are looking to learn more about Flowers after he played just 229 minutes this season in the Australian NBL. Flowers, ranked No. 72 in our top 100, has put work into improving his frame and had several explosive dunks off baseline cuts -- perhaps not a surprise after leading the combine testing in the 42-inch vertical leap. He also ran the floor energetically in transition, stepped into a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer smoothly and looked more competitive defensively than his reputation indicates, fighting over screens and holding his own. It was a good reminder of why he was a top 25 high school recruit and should give him some positive momentum, especially if he can have another strong showing in the final day of scrimmaging. -- Givony

Jonathan Mogbo, C, San Francisco: Mogbo didn't put up eye-popping stats -- 4 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists in 18 minutes -- but had impressive glimpses of playmaking and versatility not typically found among big men. His coach, Ryan Forehan-Kelly, gave him the freedom to push the ball up the court off defensive rebounds and initiate the half-court offense as a pick-and-roll ball handler. Mogbo, ranked No. 70 in our top 100, had flashes of pace, creative passing and polished footwork, which isn't surprising considering he's a late bloomer who grew up playing more guard until hitting a growth spurt.

Measured at 6-7 1/2 and 217 pounds, albeit with a 7-2 wingspan and 9-0 1/2 standing reach, Mogbo doesn't have great size or bulk for a big man who doesn't shoot 3-pointers. A return to college for his final year of eligibility to address some of the things teams want to see him work on might help improve his standing for the 2025 draft. -- Givony

KJ Simpson, PG, Colorado: Simpson was his usual self on Tuesday, showcasing his aggressiveness as a scorer racking up 16 points and 3 steals. Despite his size, measuring at just over 6-feet barefooted, Simpson gets into the paint effectively with a fearless approach going downhill and a good understanding of how to work his way to the rim. On the heels of an efficient junior year at Colorado, there has been curiosity from teams if Simpson can find a niche as a microwave-type scorer off the bench, or if he's best suited for a strong career overseas.

Some of Simpson's weaknesses were evident -- he doesn't have great vision as a playmaker, nor is he a high-level passer. But the No. 47th-ranked player in our Top 100 is an excellent athlete (reinforced by positive combine testing), changes speeds well off the dribble and proves tough for defenders to stay in front of. He did well on Tuesday to remind scouts he was one of the top guards in college basketball last season, and his mix of speed, strength and scoring instincts at his size should give teams something to think about. -- Woo

Isaac Jones, PF/C, Washington State: Jones, ranked No. 65 in our Top 100, has been one of the biggest risers in the early part of the pre-draft circuit, turning in a good showing at Portsmouth and playing well enough at G League Elite Camp to earn a spot in the combine, where he turned in another solid showing Tuesday. He made the most of his opportunities, scoring 14 points on just five field goal attempts and making all eight of his free throws to go with six rebounds (three on the offensive end) and three steals. Jones has been on a unique trajectory, playing three years of junior college -- where he began as a walk-on -- benefiting from a late growth spurt, then turning in productive seasons at Idaho and Washington State.

Jones measured well, with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and 9-foot standing reach despite standing just 6-foot-7½ barefoot, and has continued to help himself in Chicago. While not the quickest vertical leaper, Jones has good feet and hands for his size, has flashed some passing and shooting potential, and generally makes smart plays. At 24 years old, his unique story and strong play will likely earn him interest from teams as the draft draws closer, and he'll get a chance to develop into a useful depth player off some team's bench. -- Woo

Jamal Shead, PG, Houston: While still working his way back conditioning-wise from the ankle injury that ended his season in the Elite Eight, Shead opted to play at the combine and fared well, finishing with 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting and four assists. One of college basketball's top players, Shead earned a following after leading the Houston team, with a chance to follow in the footsteps of stylistically similar guards such as T.J. McConnell and Jose Alvarado into an NBA role.

While known primarily for his defensive play and active hands, Shead, who is ranked No. 55 in our Top 100, also has positive qualities as a game manager, making excellent reads and passes and taking care of the ball. While he made 1 of 4 3-point attempts, he looked comfortable taking open catch-and-shoot looks, an area of growth for him to earn minutes. His playmaking skills and toughness are easy to appreciate if you can get past his size (6-1, 190). -- Woo

Enrique Freeman, PF, Akron: Freeman has been on a good run this spring, working his way from Portsmouth into the G League Elite Camp and earning enough votes to make the combine, where he looked like he belonged. Freeman scored a game-high 17 points on 5-of-6 shooting and knocked down a pair of 3s, showing off inside-out versatility. While not a historically good shooter from range, Freeman seems to be developing that part of his game. He has enough skill to create mismatches in the post and was productive the past two years at Akron.

After originally making the team at Akron as a walk-on with an academic scholarship, Freeman hit a late growth spurt and finished his career as the MAC Player of the Year. His mix of length, productivity and flashes of two-way ability at power forward, coupled with that late-blooming trajectory, should make him a solid two-way contract candidate as he proves he can hold his own. He's the type of underexposed player who can benefit from this part of the pre-draft process. -- Woo

What's your biggest takeaway from Monday?

Givony: Talk about a very productive first day at the NBA draft combine. The many NBA executives I spoke with seemed pleased with the format, participation and the way prospects competed. The league has found a home in the sparkling Wintrust Arena, with a huge staff that kept the 77 participating prospects flowing through drills, athletic testing and live action. The league avoided mass withdrawals from the competitive 5-on-5 action, so there's quite a bit to look forward to on Days 2 and 3. Bronny James, the USC point guard who ranks No. 98 in our Top 100, was a major standout in drills and athletic testing. Lottery-level prospects, such as Providence's Devin Carter, also elected to participate in competitive action and thoroughly improved their draft stock.

Woo: It was a refreshing sight to walk into the arena first thing Monday and see a number of top prospects, including projected No. 1 pick Alex Sarr, Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey, warming up for drills and testing. Through changes to combine protocol in the new CBA, the NBA secured full participation from top prospects, including their medical information, in exchange for allowing agents into the building and making scrimmaging optional. These players aren't required to do much beyond measuring, athletic testing and shooting drills -- nobody would mistake this for a real eval setting. But the immediate feedback I heard from team personnel Monday was strongly positive.

Having high-profile prospects partake in any type of action adds legitimacy to the combine. In recent years, lottery picks essentially never touched the court. This year, even the basic shooting drills were a sizable upgrade. The majority of teams won't be able to get these players into their buildings for workouts, so any opportunity to get eyes on them is helpful. For example, seeing players such as Clingan and Edey get out of their comfort zones launching 3s -- not to mention faring OK -- was a scene we never would have witnessed in years past and a tangible improvement to the pre-draft process overall.

Who stood out during drills and scrimmages?

Bronny James, PG, USC: With dozens of cameras tracking his every move, James had an overwhelmingly positive first day in Chicago, showing he more than deserves to be in attendance. He is in excellent shape, clearly having put on some good bulk from the end of the season. James tested extremely well athletically, with a 40½-inch inch vertical leap that placed him fourth highest among combine participants, a 32-inch no step vertical, a 3.02 second time in the shuttle run drill, 3.09 seconds in the three-quarter court sprint, and 10.96 seconds in the pro lane agility drill -- all solid marks relative to his peers. More impressive was how well he shot in drills, demonstrating a clean, compact stroke and outstanding accuracy in the 3-point star shooting drills (19-for-25, second best behind UConn's Alex Karaban) as well as the off-movement 3-point shooting drill, hitting 77% of his attempts in the side-mid-side pull-up shooting drill.

While he looked bouncy in the transition drills, he showed some of his limitations as a ball handler and playmaker in the half-court pick-and-roll live action competition, where he was unlucky to run into one of the best defenders in college basketball in Providence's Carter. He also faced some extremely mobile big men (such as Arizona's Keshad Johnson, who had an outstanding day in his own right) who were making life miserable on opponents every play. This was a positive day for James, who looks to be in outstanding shape and has quite a bit to gain in the 5-on-5 scrimmaging Tuesday and Wednesday. -- Givony

Zach Edey, C, Purdue: Edey, ranked No. 14 in our Top 100, measured exceptionally well, as expected (299 pounds, 7-foot-5 in shoes, with a near 7-foot-11 wingspan and a 9-foot-7½ standing reach). Those were unprecedented figures that we learned at last year's NBA draft combine before Edey withdrew from the draft. But he also tested better than last year, shaving off time from last year's pro lane agility drill, and measuring a solid vertical leap and three-quarter-court sprint time, showing the significant improvement he has made with his conditioning and mobility since electing to return to Purdue for his senior season.

He also put on a pretty impressive showing in shooting drills, hitting 3s off movement, spotting up and pulling up off the dribble, showing some real potential in that area as he has long insisted he possesses. Edey has quite a few fans around the NBA at this point, and there are plenty of executives who say they have him ranked as a lottery pick, or even as a top-10 prospect because of how well he rates in their analytics models. -- Givony

Devin Carter, PG, Providence: Carter (No. 17 in our Top 100) was our highest-ranked prospect to participate in Monday's optional 4-on-4 component, which, unsurprisingly, proved to be a good decision. Known for his toughness and physical style of play, Carter was his usual self in the drill setting, battling defensively and raising the energy level of others on the floor. He also tested quite well, recording an unofficial 42-inch max vertical (tied with Reed Sheppard and Trentyn Flowers for the top mark), 35-inch standing vertical (also tied for the top score), and setting a combine record for three-quarter-court sprint time.

While he won't play in scrimmages this week, a solid day at the combine helped back up Carter's reputation as one of the draft's top defenders and athletes. He'll be a strong consideration for teams searching for NBA-ready backcourt help, and presuming he takes this momentum into private workouts, Carter could feasibly come off the board as high as the late lottery. -- Woo

It's early, but there's injury news to share

Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky: Dillingham, a projected top-five pick who ranks No. 4 in our Top 100, wasn't able to fully participate in the draft combine Monday. He sprained an ankle in a workout two weeks ago, Klutch Sports agent Lucas Newton told ESPN, and is expected to be out for another two to four weeks. Even with a more conservative timetable, Dillingham should have enough days available before the June 26 draft to conduct workouts with teams as needed, though he may not need to do more than a handful given his draft projections. -- Givony

Nikola Topic, PG, Serbia: While players in Chicago were going through shooting drills, NBA executives could be seen nearly simultaneously pulling up their phones and witnessing a scary sight via social media as Topic went down with what appeared to be a serious injury in Game 1 of the Adriatic League finals in Belgrade, Serbia. In early January, Topic suffered a sprained left knee ligament, which cost him nearly 3½ months of action. Monday, he appeared to reinjure the same knee, looking unable to put any weight as he limped off the court in obvious distress. A postgame examination revealed Topic avoided serious injury, sources told ESPN, and he will not require surgery. His injury is being described as a left knee sprain. A source told ESPN that Topic "froze up" after feeling pain in his previously injured knee, but recovered quickly in the locker room.

While this injury will keep Topic, who is ranked No. 5 in our Top 100, out of the remainder of the Adriatic League finals, he is still expected to be a full participant in a Global NBA pre-draft camp that the league is organizing in Treviso, Italy, from June 4-6. NBA teams will be taking a close look at the medical examination that will be conducted at this NBA combine equivalent in Treviso, which will be dispersed to teams picking in the top-15 portion of the draft according to new rules that were put in place in the CBA signed in 2023. -- Givony

More notes, thoughts and things we heard from the combine

While in Chicago, I took in a private workout featuring Clingan, G League Ignite's Matas Buzelis and Cairns Taipans' Bobi Klintman. While Buzelis' improving frame and highlight reel explosiveness were certainly notable, it's Clingan's development as a perimeter shooter that could really open some eyes in the pre-draft process as he makes his way to visit lottery teams.

The center, who ranks No. 3 in our Top 100, has a natural shooting stroke, soft touch and real range that should make him a threat from the perimeter in the not-too-distant future. He spoke at length afterward about the importance of expanding this part of his game, and he continued to put that on display at the combine, where he made shots with varying consistency in drills. It's not entirely clear what Clingan's draft range looks like, as some of the teams that need centers the most -- such as the Portland Trail Blazers (No. 7) and Memphis Grizzlies (No. 9) -- moved down in the draft lottery. He has a natural suitor in the Washington Wizards at No. 2, but also some real competition from other prospects, such as Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher. -- Givony

Quick hitters

Creighton shooting guard Baylor Scheierman, ranked No. 39 in our Top 100, had some positive buzz in the gym after a scorching shooting performance in drills, shooting 24-for-30 on pull-up jumpers (second best at combine) and 22-for-25 on spot-up 3s (tied for No. 1). The 23-year-old has good size for the wing, sharp basketball instincts and a plug-and-play NBA skill already with his dynamic shooting ability. He's likely to receive consideration from teams drafting in the first round thanks to his well-rounded profile, strong analytic model numbers and the outsized importance teams are placing on 3-point shooting. -- Givony

UCLA big man Adem Bona, who ranks No. 49 in our Top 100, had a strong all-around day that suggests NBA teams should take a deeper look despite his up-and-down sophomore campaign. His measurements -- with a 9-foot standing reach and near 7-4 wingspan -- indicate he'll have little issue playing the center position at 243 pounds. He's clearly one of the best athletes in this draft as he reiterated with shuttle and sprint times comparable with many guards and an explosive 40-inch vertical that ranked second best among big men. Bona showed his power, mobility and intensity translates to the competitive 4-on-4 action as well, where he threw his body around and made his presence felt. While his rudimentary skill level and especially perimeter shooting might put a cap on his upside, he too could get looks starting in the late first round. -- Givony

Power forward Ulrich Chomche is the youngest player in this draft class -- he turns 19 in December -- and is probably the most inexperienced prospect as well. Chomche, who ranks No. 40 in our Top 100, was closely watched by NBA teams who are still in an early stage of building their scouting files on him as he was in Senegal at the NBA Academy Africa. Chomche measured (7-4 wingspan, 234 pounds, 9-4 standing reach) and tested exceptionally well athletically, and did not look as raw as expected in drills and competitive action. NBA teams feel like his shooting will eventually be a strength, which combined with his impressive mobility and defensive versatility, gives him a chance to emerge as the type of switchable, rim-protecting, floor spacing big man that is hard to come by. It will take plenty of time and patience for him to step on an NBA court for meaningful minutes, but his upside suggests that a long-term thinking team could take a swing on him in the late first, or early second round. -- Givony

Coming up Tuesday and Wednesday: scrimmages

Per usual, four teams of prospects are slated to scrimmage on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, with those four games in total serving as the combine's main event. As of Tuesday morning, projected participation in those scrimmages appeared to be better than expected. Only five players were needed as call-ups from the G League Elite Camp -- Jesse Edwards, Isaac Jones, Enrique Freeman, Boogie Ellis and Nae'Qwan Tomlin -- and a solid group of prospects remained scheduled to play.

While only one of ESPN's projected first-rounders is suiting up this week, Justin Edwards (No. 29), there are other top-ranked players who are expected to take the court Tuesday: Harrison Ingram (No. 34), Payton Sandfort (No. 35), Dillon Jones (No. 37), Izan Almansa (No. 38), Scheierman (No. 39) and Chomche (No. 40). NBA teams we've spoken with expect there to be significant opportunity for prospects to work their way into the first round, considering the wide discrepancy in opinion around the league surrounding the talent hierarchy in this draft. There are also some college players facing significant decisions on whether to return to school who might gain clarity this week, including Karaban and Florida State's Jamir Watkins. Bronny James is also currently expected to play, creating a real opportunity for him to continue to change the narrative around his season. -- Woo

Intrigue around Hawks' No. 1 pick centers on ... money?

In any other year, moving up nine slots in the draft to No. 1 would be seen as a coup -- especially for an Atlanta Hawks team that has been mired in mediocrity the past three seasons. But team executives ESPN talked to hours after Sunday's draft lottery did not want to discuss who Atlanta could draft, but instead more the financial ramifications of now having the top pick.

Because the NBA operates with a sliding rookie scale based on when a player is selected, Atlanta is set to increase their payroll by an additional $7 million (the first pick is $12.6 million compared to $5.5 million for a player selected 10th). This matters because Atlanta now has $175.9 million in salary and is projected to be in the luxury tax for the first time since 2010-11.

More important, however, is the Hawks are $2.2 million above the first apron, a result of the unlikely De'Andre Hunter, Dejounte Murray and Clint Capela bonuses. Unlikely incentives continue to count against the first and second apron even if they are not reached. Signing restricted free agent Saddiq Bey to either a qualifying offer or new contract would also push Atlanta over the second apron.

As teams have pointed out, keep an eye on the Hawks' $23 million trade exception that is set to expire July 7. If Atlanta does not shed salary, the exception is not allowed in a trade. Atlanta would also not be allowed to aggregate contracts or take back more money in a trade if the acquiring salary leaves them over the second apron.

Despite the bleak financial outlook, Capela (the Hawks' starting center) is on an expiring $22.3 million contract and could be expendable if Atlanta drafts Alex Sarr at No. 1. Also, outside of veteran Trae Young, no player on the Hawks' roster earns more than $25.5 million. -- Marks