NBA Draft 2021: 6 big observations from the NBA Combine

Quentin Grimes, the prospect in front of our eyes the whole time

Admittedly, I shouldn’t be surprised that Grimes killed the combine this week. Despite averaging 17 points per game, on 40% shooting from three on a Final Four team, I neglected to change my initial views of the former Kansas guard. But Grimes clearly has the skillset and body of an NBA player.

Grimes went for double-figures in both scrimmages, erupting in the second game  for 27 points on 7-12 totals from three. He showed his shooting versatility, hitting shots off the move, catch, and dribble and was clearly the best player on the floor.

Having Grimes just outside my top-60 was a mistake, and he showed me this week why he’s a clear NBA player. He fits right in with other “three-and-D” wings in this class like Terrence Shannon Jr. and Aaron Henry. Grimes will likely end up in the top-40 on my next board.

Jason Preston, the passing genius

I was super-high on Preston after watching him score over 30 points in person against Illinois, but started to cool during conference play. But a recent Preston rewatch, combined with his play this week at the combine have me back on board.

At 6’4 (in shoes), Preston has plus size for a guard and he uses it to his advantage. His height allows him to see over the defense and hit passing windows that shorter guards don’t have access to. Spamming pick-and-roll with him as the ball-handler is an easy way to create an offensive advantage. He reads the weak side of the defense so well, and knows whether to hit the roll man or a shooter

His scrimmage stats weren’t overly impressive, but he did rack up seven assists in the second game and was the best passer at the event. His measurements were good, including a surprising 38.5 inch vertical. Preston’s combine week should silence those who didn’t see him as an NBA player, as he definitely helped himself this week.