2026 NBA draft combine: Top scrimmage performers from Day 1 in Chicago

Baylor sophomore Cameron Carr was among the top performers from the first day of scrimmages at the 2026 NBA draft combine on Wednesday in Chicago, Illinois.

The 70-plus prospects hit the court for the first time on Monday for measurements, strength and agility testing, shooting drills and other exercises throughout the week-long event at the Winstrust Arena. The group will wrap up 5-on-5 on Thursday.

The players who agreed to participate in scrimmages were split into four teams, with several possible first-round picks taking the court. The competition has helped prospects improve their draft stock with strong performances over the years.

Rookie Wire examined some of the standouts from the first day of action, including a few players who have already withdrawn from the competition after dazzling performances.

Cameron Carr, Baylor

Carr is viewed as perhaps the biggest winner of the draft combine, after registering a 30-point performance on Wednesday. He also added seven rebounds and two blocked shots, while knocking down six of his 12 3-point attempts in nearly 27 minutes.

The 6-foot-4 guard was also tied for the second-highest max vertical jump, recording a 42 1/2-inch mark in the testing earlier this week. He also measured in with a 7-foot, 3/4-inch wingspan, representing one of the largest plus-differentials.

Carr entered the week considered a possible late first-round pick, and likely put himself firmly in the mix as a possible lottery selection after his performances. He unsurprisingly withdrew from the competition and will look ahead to workouts and interviews.

Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee

Playing alongside Carr, Gillespie finished with 28 points, five rebounds, three steals and one blocked shot in nearly 26 minutes. He came out of the gate aggressively and had a tremendous first half of action, recording 24 points to lead all players early.

The 22-year-old arrived in the Windy City projected to be a second-round pick, but likely helped his draft stock with the performance on Wednesday. He'll get another shot at it on Thursday to further showcase himself as an experienced guard who can score and distribute the ball.

Baba Miller, Cincinnati

Miller recorded 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals while shooting 2-of-5 from 3-point range in 22 minutes of work. He dazzled at times with his ability in the open court by either finishing or drawing contact to get to the free-throw line (6-for-6).

Earlier in the week, Miller measured in at 6 feet, 10 1/2 inches barefoot with a 9-foot, 3-inch standing reach. He also recorded the third-fastest shuttle run (2.7 seconds), showcasing his agility and quickness for his size, further highlighting his unique skill set.

Rueben Chinyelu, Florida

Chinyelu, who is testing the predraft process, had a productive outing in his first scrimmage appearance on Wednesday, tallying 13 points, five rebounds and two steals. He displayed his patented high motor down in the paint, scoring and cleaning the glass.

The 6-foot, 9 1/4-inch Nigerian tested well earlier in the week by measuring a 7-foot, 7 1/2-inch wingspan, the longest mark of any prospect this year. He will play again on Thursday and then will have a difficult decision to make: Either remain in the draft or return to Gainesville.

Dailyn Swain, Texas

Swain finished with eight points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals in 20 minutes. While those numbers certainly don't jump off the page, the possible first-round pick opted to withdraw from the 5-on-5 competition after the performance. He said earlier this week that he is forgoing his remaining eligibility.

Otega Oweh, Kentucky

Oweh produced 20 points and four rebounds, shooting 7-of-12 from the field in 18 minutes of action. He showcased his ability as a scorer, defensive versatility and intensity on both ends of the court. The 22-year-old emerged as a standout among the top draft prospects in front of executives and helped his stock with a strong Day 1 effort, heading into Thursday.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 2026 NBA draft combine: Top scrimmage performers from Day 1 in Chicago