The NBA Draft Combine is a great way for teams to get a closer look at prospects who they can add to their organizations. And for prospects, this allows them to boost their stock and take a step closer to achieving their NBA dream. Given that the Draft Combine is one of the most anticipated events leading up to draft night, it’s worth looking at the athletes who ruled the annual event. For this piece, let’s take a closer look at the NBA Draft Combine records.
Highest Max Vertical Jump: Keon Johnson (2021)
Tally: 48.0 inches
Standing only at 6’4 and 3/4 inches, Keon Johnson broke the record for vertical jump. He also tallied a standing vertical leap of 41.5 inches. Although he needs improvement in other departments of his game, he surely doesn’t lack athleticism.
Because of this, Johnson was selected in the first round by the New York Knicks. He eventually played for the Los Angeles Clippers and currently suits up for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lowest Vertical Jump: Mike Smith (2000)
Tally: 21 inches
Standing at 6’8, Smith could barely get up as he tallied the lowest vertical jump in NBA Draft Combine history. But despite the record, the Wizards still managed to select him in the second round of the 2000 NBA Draft.
Longest Wingspan: Tacko Fall (2019)
Tally: 8 feet and 2.25 inches
When Tacko Fall declared for the 2019 NBA Draft, there was no doubt that he was a physical specimen. Because of this, he had all the potential to succeed as a rim protector. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to get him drafted.
Shortest Wingspan: Shane Larkin (2011)
Tally: 5 feet and 10.75 inches
A short wingspan can be disadvantageous, especially in the modern NBA. Nevertheless, Shane Larkin made up for it in terms of scoring as he was drafted in the first round by the Atlanta Hawks.
Most Reps in Bench Press: Jason Keep (2003)
Tally: 27
Strength is a great asset to have in a highly physical sport such as basketball. However, it isn’t everything. Despite logging in a record-breaking number of reps, it wasn’t enough to get Jason Keep drafted. Furthermore, he also didn’t get to play in the NBA.
Least Reps in Bench Press: Several Players
Tally: 0
Given that strength isn’t everything, sometimes finesse is the way to go. Despite these players not making a single rep of bench press, some of them did pretty well in the NBA. These include guys like Monta Ellis, Jamal Crawford, Luke Ridnour, and Kevin Durant.
Among these players, Durant is probably the most successful. Drafted as the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, Durant also has two NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, and an MVP trophy.
Tallest: Tacko Fall (2019)
Tally: 7 feet and 7 inches
Although Tacko Fall failed to get drafted, pretty sure teams just couldn’t ignore his towering height. Aside from breaking the record for the longest wingspan, Fall also broke the record for the tallest player to participate in the Draft Combine.
Furthermore, Fall was able to play for two NBA teams including the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Shortest: Kay Felder (2016)
Tally: 5 feet and 9.5 inches
Height isn’t all mighty in the NBA, as seen here. In contrast to the tallest participant in the NBA Draft Combine, the shortest participant was able to get drafted in the second round of the 2016 NBA Draft.
Felder was able to play alongside LeBron James and the Cavs who were entering the season as the defending champions. His other stopovers include the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls.
Heaviest: Dexter Pittman (2010) and Isaac Haas (2018)
Tally: 303 lbs.
Being the heaviest basketball player on the court might be one back in the days when a lot of teams relied on the post. However, it is hardly an asset in the modern style of play. As a result, heaviest weight holder Isaac Haas never got drafted and saw action in the NBA.
On the other hand, Dexter Pittman was luckier as he got selected in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft. Furthermore, he was also able to make two straight Finals trips and win a championship with the Miami Heat in his sophomore season.
Lightest: Tyler Ulis (2016)
Tally: 149 lbs.
Apart from being one of the shortest players in the Draft Combine, Ulis was also the lightest of his draft class. Being the lightest of the bunch is like a double-edged sword. For one, having a light weight can give you quickness. However, it can also allow you to get bullied by stronger players.
Nevertheless, that didn’t stop him from getting drafted into the NBA. He was selected in the second round by the Phoenix Suns. Aside from the Suns, he also played for the Chicago Bulls.
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