The NBA Draft Combine started yesterday, which means we got some important information regarding various prospects athletic measurements. Here’s how some of the prospects in the projected range the Kings will be picking stood out:
- Keaton Wagler – 6’5 barefoot, 6’7.75 wingspan, 8’4 standing reach
- Kingston Flemings – 6’2.5 barefoot, 6’3.5 wingspan, 8’2.5 standing reach
- Darius Acuff Jr. – 6’2 barefoot, 6’7 wingspan, 8’2.5 standing reach
- Mikel Brown Jr. – 6’3.5 barefoot, 6’7.5 wingspan, 8’4.5 standing reach
- Nate Ament – 6’9.5 barefoot, 6’11.5 wingspan, 9’1.5 standing reach
- Brayden Burries – 6’3.75 barefoot, 6’6 wingspan, 8’2.5 standing reach
- Labaron Philon – 6’2.5 barefoot, 6’6.25 wingspan, 8’3.5 standing reach\
Kingston Flemings measurements in particular stood out, as he had by far the shortest wingspan of any of the guards, which could be considered a big detriment at the next level and cause his stock to drop. While Flemings is considered one of the best two-way guards in the draft and was known for his defensive intensity in college, his lack of reach isn’t going to help at the next level on either end of the floor and bigger and longer competition. Keaton Wagler also didn’t jump off the page with his wingspan to height ratio, and it makes sense that both Flemings and Wagler dealt with struggles finishing at the rim as a result. Wagler notably didn’t have a single dunk in his entire college season. The other guards all measured reasonably well, including Acuff and particularly Mikel Brown Jr. Nate Ament also has great measurables for a wing, but he will need to fill out as he’s only 210 pounds.
Some other standouts from the combine measurements include Michigan’s Aday Mara, who measured 7’3 barefoot and has a standing reach of 9’9, tying Mark Williams for the highest standing reach ever recorded (Victor Wembanyama notably did not attend the draft combine). Houston’s Chric Cenac measured at 6’10.25 with a 7’5 wingspan and 9’0.5 standing reach, great for a big man, and Baylor’s Cameron Carr measured 6’4.5 with a 7’0.75 wingspan and 8’8 standing reach.
The full results for the measurements will eventually be posted here, and more results for other tests like speed and shooting drills will be added as the combine continues, although not every prospect will participate. Athletic measurements are just one part of evaluation, but outlier results one way or the other can definitely affect draft stock. Still we’ve seen time and time again that sometimes players don’t make the full use of their athletic gifts, while others make the most of it. Only time will tell, and it will be up to Scott Perry and the Kings front office to parse the data and film and decide for themselves who they think will help the Kings the most. For all our sakes, hopefully they get it right.
His wingspan is fine
Mara would be awesome if we can trade for another 1st round pick. Kings desperately need to be like a divorced Dad. Sell everything and go younger.
lol
I don’t understand the Flemings measurements. How could he possibly have the same standing reach as Acuff and Burries? He’s a full inch shorter than Burries and his wingspan is nearly 3 inches shorter, so how is that possible?
Acuff’s wingspan is impressive for being the shortest on the list.
Ament’s measurements look impressive, but so were Donte Greene’s. If Ament can’t learn to shoot it won’t matter much.
I’m with you. Flemings’ wingspan < Dame, but his standing reach > Dame. /Shrugs
Every year we see teams pass on basketball players in favor of hops and measurables. And while I don’t feel strongly enough about Flemings to plant a flag, I liked him over Acuff, Wagler, Brown and Burries before the measurements, and there is nothing about the measurements that changes that. I’ll add that Flemings does not even turn 20 until January, so I’m not sure that I agree with some commentary that I have seen that paints him as a safer, lower upside choice – this is the same stuff that we see about Boozer, who I believe will be the youngest player selected in the lottery (and perhaps the entire draft).
What’s even more wild, if these measurements are accurate, Flemings wingspan is a full inch shorter than Davion Mitchell’s who is a 2.5″ shorter in height.
LOL, Devin Carter is was the exact same height at his combine, but with 6’8.75 wingspan. That’s 5″ more than Flemings!
His standing reach? Exactly the same at 8’2.5.
Make it make sense.
The Merton Hanks effect; aka long neck?
Relatively long arms, slim in the shoulders?
Donte Green…
This is the part that scares me.
Ailene catching strays…..8 years later
Larry Bird would not have done well with the tape or stopwatch or jumping.
Badge Legend