The 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago has already produced several breakout performances, with prospects making significant impressions on NBA scouts and executives. As teams finalize their June 25-26 draft boards, these standout showings could translate to millions in future earnings through improved draft positioning.
The combine scrimmages have provided the perfect stage for borderline first-round talents to showcase their skills in competitive five-on-five action. With today’s games (May 15) set to tip off at 2:15 p.m. ET, several players have already made compelling cases to hear their names called earlier than projected.
Scrimmage Standouts Making Draft Noise
College Basketball Report’s social media post highlighted the impressive statistical outputs from Wednesday’s scrimmages, with several players making their mark against elite competition at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena.
NBA Draft Combine Scrimmage Top Performers:
Tahaad Pettiford: 23 PTS, 8 AST
Eric Dixon: 15 PTS, 5 REB
Hunter Sallis: 14 PTS, 10 REB
Yaxel Lendeborg: 13 PTS, 9 REB
Maxime Raynaud: 20 PTS, 9 REBS
Ryan Nembhard: 13 PTS, 8 AST
Sion James: 10 PTS, 4 STL
PJ Haggerty: 18 PTS, 7 REB pic.twitter.com/462RVZZjBm— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) May 14, 2025
Tahaad Pettiford
Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford led all scorers with 23 points and 8 assists. The explosive guard dominated with efficient 8 of 16 shooting, including 4 of 8 from beyond the arc, displaying the scoring punch and playmaking ability that has scouts buzzing about his potential as an NBA lead guard.
“I just wanted to go out there, have fun, and do what I do best. Help my guys get open, help them create shots that will help me create shots for myself” Pettiford said after his performance. “Just to show everybody that I’m here and that I’m able to play with the best. That I’m ready for the next level.”
Pettiford’s combine showing has generated real first-round momentum. Previously projected as an early second-rounder (around 31st overall), his stock can now move towards the late first round.
Maxime Raynaud
Stanford center Maxime Raynaud provided an impressive performance, posting 20 points and 9 rebounds while showcasing his mobility and floor spacing ability. The 7-footer connected on 2 of 5 three-point attempts and added 3 assists, demonstrating the modern big man skills that NBA teams covet.
As a four-year collegiate player, Raynaud represents a more NBA-ready prospect who can immediately contribute as a backup big man. His ability to run the floor well and knock down perimeter shots made him one of the biggest winners of the combine scrimmages, likely pushing him into late first-round consideration on many draft boards.
Ryan Nembhard
Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard impressed with his playmaking prowess, tallying 13 points and 8 assists with just one turnover. His passing clinic drew praise from ESPN analyst Sean Farnham, who noted, “By the way, this looks a lot like a Gonzaga basketball game right now, Nembhard’s got five assists already in the first half.”
Nembhard’s performance reminded many of his brother Andrew’s combine showings, which helped him get selected 31st overall by the Indiana Pacers. While Ryan was initially projected to go undrafted, his stock should rise after this performance, potentially earning him a spot in the late second round.
Yaxel Lendeborg
UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg strengthened his first-round case with 13 points and 9 rebounds. His 7’4″ wingspan and explosive athleticism stood out during athletic testing, where the 6’8.5″ forward posted impressive measurements that align with coveted NBA physical profiles.
Recently committed to Michigan via the transfer portal, Lendeborg’s strong showing might convince him to leave college basketball behind and remain in the draft. His performance makes a compelling case for first-round consideration, particularly for teams seeking athletic frontcourt players with defensive versatility late in the first round.
Alex Toohey
Sydney Kings forward Alex Toohey continued his impressive showing during Wednesday’s first scrimmage. The NBL Next Star scored 15 points on efficient 5 of 7 shooting (including 3 of 5 from three-point range) while adding three rebounds and two assists in just 20 minutes of action.
Toohey has been projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick after his improved second season in the NBL. His size continues to measure well at the combine, proving he’s capable of playing at a high level on both ends of the floor while bringing international experience to the table.
PJ Haggerty
Memphis guard PJ Haggerty led his team to victory in the second scrimmage with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals on 7 of 13 shooting. His all around game and scoring ability stood out in a guard-heavy combine field.
Following his strong performance, Haggerty confirmed in his postgame interview that he’s “100 percent in the draft.” Originally projected as a potential second round pick or undrafted free agent, his combine showing should move him into consideration for a late second-round selection as teams look for scoring guards with size.
Sion James
Duke’s Sion James made his mark defensively, recording 10 points and 4 steals while showcasing the versatility that has intrigued NBA scouts. His disruptive defense and ability to guard multiple positions highlighted his potential as a defensive specialist at the next level.
James’ defensive intensity and length should push him into late second-round consideration. While his offensive game remains a work in progress, his elite defensive potential and high basketball IQ make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for immediate defensive help in the late stages of the draft.
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Hunter Sallis
Former Gonzaga guard Hunter Sallis, who transferred to Wake Forest and became a two-time All-ACC selection, recorded the only double-double in Wednesday’s early scrimmage with 14 points and 10 rebounds. His improved shooting touch and athleticism were on full display during the combine.
Sallis’ well-rounded performance showcased the growth in his game since his transfer from Gonzaga. Previously projected as a late second-round pick or undrafted prospect, his stock should climb after his combine showing, potentially solidifying him as a draft selection rather than facing the uncertainty of free agency.
The Combine’s athletic testing portion revealed additional standout measurables, with Drake Powell posting a 43-inch max vertical and Khaman Maluach recording the longest wingspan at 7’6.75″. These physical tools, combined with on-court production, will continue to shift draft boards as the combine concludes on May 18.
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