The 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, held from May 11–18 at Wintrust Arena, is a critical stage for prospects who are looking forward to improving their draft stock ahead of the June 25–26 draft in Brooklyn.
While top prospects like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey opted out of 5-on-5 scrimmages, Day 2 (May 14) saw 40 players compete in high-intensity games that impressed NBA scouts with their competitiveness and potential. Below, we have ranked some of the best performances we got to witness in the NBA Draft Combine 2025.
Best Day 2 Performances of the 2025 NBA Scouting Combine
1) Tahaad Pettiford (PG, Auburn)
Performance: 23 points (4-of-8 from three), eight assists, two steals, one turnover in 26 minutes
Pettiford, a 6’0¼” point guard, was the day’s top scorer. His smashing dunk with a 42-inch vertical leap got recorded as the second-best leap at the combine. His diverse shot-making featuring pull-up threes and crafty finishes was also able to impress the scouts.
Despite his 169-pound frame, Pettiford’s defense and playmaking blew out the little clouds of doubt that experts had about this highly promising young prospect. His performance likely vaulted him into top-60 consideration.
2) Maxime Raynaud (F, Stanford)
Performance: 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists in 25 minutes
Raynaud, a 7’0″ barefoot French big man, delivered the most impactful performance from a draft stock perspective. His 9-2 standing reach and 237-pound frame drew comparisons with Jakob Poeltl, but Raynaud’s skill set with on-the-move threes, perimeter ball-handling, and post scoring set him apart from the rest.
He showed unexpected physical prowess, anchoring the paint, hedging ball-screens, and dominating smaller defenders. Scouts noted his improved intensity, addressing prior defensive concerns. Experts believe his impressive combine performance can position him as a potential first-rounder.
3) Yaxel Lendeborg (PF, UAB/Michigan)
Performance: 13 points, nine rebounds, one block in the opening scrimmage
Lendeborg, a 6’10” power forward with a 7′”4 wingspan, continued his strong combine showing with another strong performance. His ability to push the ball off rebounds, create shots, and deliver smart passes highlighted his power-forward skill set in a center’s frame.
Despite not hitting threes as he did in drills, his performance earned praise from analysts and experts. Lendeborg’s 50/50 stance on staying in the draft may make the teams consider guaranteeing him a top-20 pick.
4) Ryan Nembhard (PG, Gonzaga)
Performance: 13 points, eight assists, three steals, one turnover
Nembhard, a 5’11” point guard, earned his combine spot via the G League Elite Camp and proved his worth as the day’s best playmaker. His quickness, vision, and low-turnover passing shone in ball-screen scenarios, setting up teammates like Raynaud. Despite his size, Nembhard’s defensive skills and crafty scoring drew comparisons with Patty Mills.
5) Hunter Sallis (SG, Wake Forest)
Performance: 14 points (6-of-9 shooting), 10 rebounds, +23 plus-minus
Sallis, a 6’5″ shooting guard with a 6’10” wingspan, posted a well-rounded game, impacting both ends. His shot creation, midrange pull-ups, and defensive plays, including a charge at midcourt, showed how versatile he can be on the court.
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Grabbing 10 rebounds may help brush off concerns about his non-scoring contributions. While his 27% three-point shooting last season remains a question, his 66% jumper accuracy in Tuesday’s drills and lone three on Wednesday somewhat helped his case.
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