The NBA Draft Combine in Chicago is always a pivotal moment for rising stars, and the 2026 edition did not disappoint. With evaluators from every team watching closely, this year's event saw a deep class of point guards rise to the occasion—and a few others struggle to keep pace. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers from the week.
Winner: Kingston Flemings
Kingston Flemings is making a serious case to be the No. 5 pick. While his 6-foot-2.5 height and 6-foot-3.5 wingspan raised some eyebrows, his performance in drills was nothing short of dominant. He topped the 3-point star drill (19 of 25), finished second in shooting off the dribble (26 of 30), and clocked top-five times in the sprint and shuttle run. His defensive instincts, honed at Houston, remain a major asset—even if his reach is a concern. Flemings proved that basketball IQ and athleticism can outweigh physical limitations.
Winner: Cameron Boozer
Cameron Boozer continues to build on his legacy as one of the most polished big men in the draft. His combination of strength, footwork, and passing ability stood out in scrimmages. Boozer showed he can anchor an offense from the high post and hold his own defensively. He’s solidified his spot as a top lottery pick, with many scouts praising his maturity and feel for the game.
Loser: Koa Peat
Koa Peat entered the combine with high expectations but failed to separate himself from the pack. His measurements were solid, but his performance in drills and scrimmages was inconsistent. Peat struggled to finish through contact and didn’t show the same explosiveness that made him a standout in high school. He’ll need a strong pro day to regain momentum.
Loser: Small guards
It was a tough week for undersized point guards. While Flemings thrived, others like Jaden Acuff and Marcus Wagler didn’t make the same leap. The combine’s emphasis on length and defensive versatility exposed their limitations. Acuff’s shooting was streaky, and Wagler struggled against bigger, quicker defenders. In a draft rich with backcourt talent, being under 6-foot-2 without elite athleticism is a tough sell.
Key Takeaway
This year’s combine didn’t produce a “Jalen Williams” style breakout—a late first-rounder who skyrockets up boards—but it did clarify the pecking order among point guards. Flemings and Boozer are the clear winners, while Peat and the smaller guards have work to do. For fans and scouts alike, the race for the top five just got a lot more interesting.