Much like the NFL, the NBA conducts measurements of (almost) every prospect at the Orlando combine. The numbers for this year’s group of prospects are in, and there are a few surprises. Click here for a Excel file of the results and here for a PDF file.
Regarding the Blazers’ decision between Greg Oden and Kevin Durant, the combine results probably put Oden over the top. He tested very well, especially for a big man. Even though he didn’t participate in the bench press due to concerns over his wrist, his lane agility drill and 3/4 court sprint shows that he has excellent speed. He ranked #62 amongst all participants, but would have been higher had he participated in the bench press.
Meanwhile, Durant didn’t test very well. His maximum vertical leap of 33.5 inches was average at best and, according to the numbers, he wasn’t able to press 185 lbs a single time. Moreover, Oden beat him in both speed drills. He finished #78 amongst all participants.
Other combine winners were Mike Conley (#4), Thaddeus Young (#7), Jason Smith (#8) and Rodney Stuckey (#10). Meanwhile, Corey Brewer (#42), Brandan Wright (#61) and Julian Wright (#66) didn’t test as well as expected. Yi Jianlian didn’t test at all. The Chinese government wants to be sure that he goes to a “good” situation so presumably, he’ll only test for those teams.
