Karaban, Carr Boost 2026 NBA Draft Stock at Combine as Dybantsa Posts 42-inch Vertical
Updated
Updated · ESPN · May 13
Karaban, Carr Boost 2026 NBA Draft Stock at Combine as Dybantsa Posts 42-inch Vertical
7 articles · Updated · ESPN · May 13
Chicago combine drills quickly elevated Alex Karaban and Cameron Carr as early standouts, with Karaban starring as the best shooter Monday and Carr pairing strong measurements with top-tier athletic testing Tuesday.
Karaban, projected around No. 32, hit 22-of-30 off the dribble and posted a standing vertical 5.5 inches better than at the 2024 combine, strengthening his borderline first-round case.
Carr, slotted No. 18 in ESPN's mock, measured 6-foot-4 1/2 with a 7-foot-0 3/4 wingspan, recorded a 42.5-inch max vertical and the fastest pro lane agility time, while weighing 184.4 pounds.
Top prospects AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer already completed testing but will skip 5-on-5 scrimmages; Dybantsa measured 6-foot-8 1/2 with a 42.0-inch max vertical.
Trade chatter around Utah moving from No. 2 to No. 1 for Dybantsa remains speculative, while scrimmages Wednesday and Thursday are expected to create more separation for players outside the draft's top tier.
Combine standouts are soaring while top prospects watch. Could a surprise player crash the top five on draft night?
With top prospects skipping scrimmages, are teams drafting on potential instead of direct combine competition?
Koa Peat's shot has vanished. Will he risk the draft or retreat to college to fix his broken mechanics?