This week represents a crucial juncture for the NBA's next generation: The 2026 predraft process launches Sunday with combine week at Chicago's Wintrust Arena.

With the combine starting Monday and the G League Elite Camp on Saturday and Sunday, 117 players received invites, drawing all 30 NBA teams to scout talent and handle deals. Sunday's draft lottery at 3 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN casts a shadow over proceedings, spotlighting probable top-five selections AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Darryn Peterson (Kansas), Cameron Boozer (Duke) and Caleb Wilson (North Carolina).

Participants face a comprehensive agenda of drills, measurements, athletic tests, medical checks, team interviews and 5-on-5 scrimmages, offering chances to shine across multiple facets. The event also sparks offseason trades, uniting teams and agents under one roof.

ESPN provides wall-to-wall coverage throughout the week. Below is a rundown of highlights, covering players, key moments and beyond:

Jump to a topic:
Scrimmages matter | NIL impact
Peterson watch | How the PGs stack up
Under-the-radar prospects | G League elite camp

Why scrimmages carry weight

The 5-on-5 scrimmages on Wednesday and Thursday stand as the combine's marquee attraction, serving as the main stage for prospects to boost their rankings. These sessions are voluntary, and elite talents often sit out. Yet annually, several participants elevate their profiles.

Yang Hansen and Yanic Konan Niederhauser shone in last year's scrimmages - Hansen went 16th overall, while Niederhauser (a G League Elite Camp invitee) landed at 30th. Recent standouts like Jalen Williams, Brandin Podziemski and Andrew Nembhard built momentum through 5-on-5 play.

Agents tend to guard their clients cautiously regarding scrimmages, wary of poor showings that could chill interest. Under the current CBA, they have limited leverage on required elements like medicals or measurements, but 5-on-5 remains optional.

That said, NBA front offices generally honor choices to participate, recognizing that a single day's performance rarely overrides a full scouting report.

NIL's transformative role

The NIL landscape has reshaped predraft dynamics, enabling colleges to dangle lucrative deals rivaling or surpassing first-round rookie contracts. Projected first-rounders Thomas Haugh (Florida), Braylon Mullins (UConn) and Motiejus Krivas (Arizona) returned to campus without entering. Guard Juke Harris (Wake Forest), seen as a late first/early second pick, withdrew last week and transferred to Tennessee sans process.

NIL has also curbed international entries, pushing overseas talents toward U.S. college hoops over draft-and-stash paths. Just four overseas prospects got combine nods: Karim Lopez, Luigi Suigo, Sergio de Larrea and Jack Kayil (Gonzaga commit), though the last two likely skip Chicago.

Market dynamics may trigger a second withdrawal surge, with many collegians testing waters while preserving return options. The NCAA deadline looms May 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET, and the combine offers vital intel.

ESPN top-40 talents awaiting resolution include Koa Peat (Arizona), Allen Graves (Santa Clara, transfer), Meleek Thomas (Arkansas), Ebuka Okorie (Stanford), Amari Allen (Alabama), Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt) and Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor).

Additional testers: Flory Bidunga (Kansas to Louisville), Malachi Moreno (Kentucky), Billy Richmond III (Arkansas), Matt Able (NC State to North Carolina), Andrej Stojakovic (Illinois), John Blackwell (Wisconsin to Duke) and Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State).

Insights on Darryn Peterson

Few teams can snag ESPN's No. 2 prospect Darryn Peterson on draft night. Still, this combine holds extra weight for him, especially after slipping from my preseason No. 1 projection. Though AJ Dybantsa leads for the top spot, Peterson eyes lottery winner interest.

Lottery squads have studied Peterson's uneven Kansas freshman year, marred by cramping that affected body and mind amid tough circumstances. Interviews here let teams probe deeper; Peterson shared with ESPN's Ramona Shelburne that creatine caused the issue.

Crucially, top-15 teams access his medicals for clarity on residuals. A strong report bolsters his No. 2 case and keeps No. 1 viable.

Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville, top-10 projection) and Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky, ex-lottery hope) face parallel health/season queries. Combine revelations will reshape boards, with Brown chasing peers and Quaintance steadying his slot.

Point guard measurements breakdown

Executives praise this point guard class for depth and talent across the first round. Many are undersized by NBA metrics, raising defense concerns. Official sizes could sharpen tier separations.

Teams eye measurements for Darius Acuff Jr. (6-foot-3, Arkansas), Kingston Flemings (6-4, Houston), Christian Anderson (6-3, Texas Tech), Bennett Stirtz (6-4, Iowa), Ebuka Okorie (6-2, Stanford) and Tyler Tanner (6-0, Vanderbilt). In a crowded field, these stats prove pivotal.

Sleeper prospects to track

Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt
No. 30 in ESPN's top 100

Tanner capped a stellar sophomore year by nearly carrying Vanderbilt to the Sweet 16 as a top guard. At 6-0, 173 pounds, size and positional depth challenge him.

He could lead Vanderbilt next year but risks not matching his elite efficiency (48.5% FG). Scrimmages offer a shot to lock first-round status.

An explosive athlete and defender, Tanner scores craftily in the paint with savvy pace changes. His outlier tools intrigue as a bench spark.

Tarris Reed Jr., UConn
No. 36 in ESPN's top 100

Reed peaked in the NCAA tourney, fueling UConn's title game run. Turning 23 in August, he's a tough, reliable big who gains if others exit.

At 6-11, 265 pounds with touch, passing and 2 blocks/steals per game, Reed fits the NBA's center resurgence. His rebounding and power suit late-draft plug-and-play; combine lets him flex against elite bigs.

Peter Suder, Miami (Ohio)
No. 76 in ESPN's top 100

Suder dazzled at Portsmouth after a 32-2 MAC title season, earning MAC Player of the Year honors. Bypassing G League Camp, he's two-way contract buzz.

At 6-5 and turning 23 soon, Suder shot 54% FG and 42.1% 3s. Versatile on/off-ball, he passes well but lacks elite quickness - yet competes physically.

His balanced profile piques interest; sustaining vs. top guards could cement depth potential.

G League Elite Camp spotlight

The camp spans Saturday-Sunday, mirroring combine drills, with 5-8 scrimmage stars advancing Monday.

NIL's rise amplifies its stakes. Last year, six draftees emerged, including Niederhauser (30th by Clippers).

Second-rounders: Brooks Barnhizer (Thunder), Amari Williams (Celtics), Lachlan Olbrich (Bulls), Will Richard (Warriors), Jahmai Mashack (Grizzlies). Undrafted like Ryan Nembhard (Mavs) and Caleb Love (Blazers) earned spots.

Watch: Bryce Hopkins (St. John's), Quadir Copeland (NC State), Tamin Lipsey (Iowa State), Jaron Pierre Jr. (SMU), Malique Lewis (Southeast Melbourne, NBL).