Biggest NBA Draft Combine 2024 winners and losers ft. Bronny James, Donovan Clingan and more

The ongoing 2024 NBA draft combine has solidified the prospects of some potential draftees while also giving rise to a few surprises. Players were first cleared for their medical fitness on May 12 before undergoing drills and other athletic tests.

The Combine established the potential of some prospects while giving rise to a few surprises. There were also a few disappointments. Here's an overview of some of the players' performances.

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Biggest NBA Draft Combine 2024 winners and losers

Winners

#1 Alex Karaban

On Day 1, Karaban won the 3-point star drill, shooting 21-of-25. In the final scrimmage, he scored 12 points going 4-for-5 from the floor in 20 minutes. The guard has solidified his status as a reliable shooter to many scouts.

However, Karaban is the only UConn player to maintain his college eligibility in the 2024 NBA draft process. He has until May 29 to forgo his college eligibility or withdraw from the draft.

During the media circuit on Tuesday, he said:

"I don't know what my decision will be just yet. I'm just going to wait to get feedback from teams and go through a couple workouts. I want to really go through the process and weigh all my options before I decide."

#2 Bronny James

In his lone season with the USC Trojans, Bronny James struggled to put on consistent performances. However, in the Combine, he surprised many with his 40.5" max vertical and 3-point shooting drills, making 19-of-25 shots.

He fumbled on Day 2 as he only scored four points during the scrimmage. However, he pulled himself back during the final scrimmage, scoring a team-high 13 points. From being excluded in the mock drafts, Bronny James now finds himself as a late second-round pick.

Losers

#1 Donovan Clingan

During UConn's back-to-back championship run, Donovan Clingan played a crucial role as a low-post player and rim-protector. However, he was not able to translate that during the Combine.

Despite being projected as a top-10 pick, scouts and NBA teams were doubtful of Clingan's athleticism. These doubts persisted, as the center only hit 29" max vertical, two inches below Zach Edey and third among the worst.

His shooting skills were not any better, as he found himself in the last position or around it in lane agility, shuttle run and 3⁄4 court sprint.

#2 Rob Dillingham

Rob Dillingham measured six-foot-one without shoes and had a six-foot-three wingspan, weighing 164 pounds during Day 1 of the Combine. While he's not the only tiny player in the NBA, it proves to be his disadvantage, as he could be the easy target for all opposing teams.

For all his lack in the height department, Rob Dillingham makes up for it with his shooting skills. Given the weak nature of the draft this year, it's unlikely that he will drop out of his predicted top-20 draft position.

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What are your thoughts on the NBA draft prospects' performances at the Combine? Let's know your thoughts in the comments section below.