Oregon center Nate Bittle entered the 2026 NBA Draft with hopes of hearing his name called, but the road hasn't been straightforward. Initially passed over for the NBA Scouting Combine—where over 70 prospects showcase their skills in agility tests, drills, and scrimmages—Bittle has instead taken the G League Elite Camp route. His goal? Impress enough to earn a late invite to the combine.

After just one day of action, it seems that mission is well underway. Spotrac's Keith Smith spoke with NBA executives and scouts at the camp, and Bittle's name came up repeatedly as a standout performer. In his first scrimmage, the 7-footer came off the bench to provide a spark, logging 12 minutes and putting up 9 points and 7 rebounds. He converted 4 of 5 shots from the field, including 1 of 2 from beyond the arc, helping his team secure a 97-87 victory.

Bittle's senior season with the Ducks was a mixed bag. A lower leg injury sidelined him for seven games, and he finished with averages of 16.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game on 46.5% shooting. Oregon struggled to a 12-20 record, which may have dampened his draft stock. The big man had the option to enter the draft after the 2024-25 season but chose to return for another year—a decision that, in hindsight, may have cost him some momentum.

Still, Bittle's performance at the G League Elite Camp is turning heads. If he can keep this momentum, earn that combine invite, and continue to shine, the former Duck could very well defy the odds and find his way onto an NBA roster. For now, it's all about making the most of every opportunity—and he's off to an excellent start.