NBA draft prospects participated in the first of two scheduled 5-on-5 scrimmages in Chicago on Wednesday [1, 2].
These scrimmages serve as a critical evaluation tool for professional scouts and team executives. While athletic testing provides raw data, the 5-on-5 format allows teams to observe how prospects translate those physical traits into game-time decision-making and team chemistry.
The event took place as part of the 2026 AWS NBA Draft Combine, an annual gathering designed to showcase the skills of the league's top incoming talent [1, 3]. According to reports, about 25 to 30 players completed the initial phase of the combine, which included athletic testing and shooting drills [4].
Wednesday's action focused on the first of two planned scrimmages [2]. These games are highly scrutinized, as they provide the only opportunity for prospects to play in a structured team environment under the direct observation of all 30 NBA front offices in a single location [1, 3].
Scouts typically look for versatility and defensive awareness during these sessions. The transition from collegiate or international play to the professional level often hinges on a player's ability to adapt to the faster pace and higher physical demands of the NBA game [1, 3].
The combine continues to be a cornerstone of the draft process, blending quantitative measurements, such as wingspans and vertical leaps, with qualitative performance in the scrimmage rounds [3]. With the draft approaching, these highlights provide a final glimpse into the readiness of this year's prospect pool [1, 4].
“NBA prospects participated in the first of two scheduled 5-on-5 scrimmages in Chicago.”
The transition from athletic testing to 5-on-5 scrimmages marks the shift from evaluating a player's ceiling to evaluating their floor. By observing prospects in a competitive team setting, NBA teams can better determine if a player's physical tools are functional within a professional system, which directly influences draft board rankings and lottery strategy.
