Virtual Draft Combine Expected To Be Announced Soon

This year’s version of the NBA draft combine will likely be virtual and will take place at a few regional team facilities in September, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, who adds that plans may be finalized by next week.

The league typically holds its combine every May in Chicago, where players go through drills and hold one-on-one meetings with team executives. This year’s event, like many other league functions, was postponed because of coronavirus concerns.

The new plan would have players attend selected team facilities for their workouts, sources tell Wojnarowski. Physicals would be conducted at area hospitals, and league officials would record body measurables and put players through physical tests. COVID-19 testing will also be part of the experience.

Wojnarowski believes nearly all the projected top prospects will participate in the virtual combine, which will be shared with all 30 teams. However, there will be an option for players to engage in a “limited combine workout environment.” Woj adds that pro day sessions, which are sometimes arranged by agents, won’t be permitted this year because of the pandemic.

Teams have been limited so far to virtual interviews with players, as the league has banned meetings and workouts in person. Further interviews can be requested during the virtual combine, but the league hasn’t said if players will be permitted to travel before the draft to meet with interested teams. Agents have been barred from sending videos of workouts to individual organizations.

The NBA’s annual lottery will be held virtually tomorrow night, but sources tell Wojnarowski the league still hasn’t determined the location or format for its October 16 draft.