NBA Draft Combine Recap: Part 1By: Scott Phillips

The Georgia big man was one of the combine’s most pleasant surprises as his rim protection and increasing skill level showed through. Claxton had an impressive 11 blocks during the combine as he was able to show a natural ability to follow plays and adjust accordingly at the basket. Surprisingly efficient with his movements, Claxton also showed some offensive ability to handle in the open floor and knock down some shots — although his offense in a half-court setting is still a work-in-progress. Claxton has perhaps the most fascinating decision of any player who participated in the combine. If he enters now, he could very well sneak into the first round. If Claxton chooses to return to Georgia, he’ll have NBA scouts at every practice and game with his development and the addition of potential top-five pick Anthony Edwards as a freshman guard. Claxton could play his way into next year’s lottery — but he might not need to if he’s already at this level.

Game 1: 7 pts (3-5 FG, 1-3 3PT), 7 reb, 7 blk

Only playing during the first day of scrimmage action on Thursday, Samanic might have been the player who helped himself the most with just one day of scrimmaging. Showing he belonged among the American college prospects, Samanic showcased his versatile offensive skills to go along with solid shot selection and good production on the glass. Defensively, Samanic was more willing to get physical and switch than initial scouting reports led me to believe as he’s a lot more fluid and quick on his feet than anticipated. While Samanic still drifts a bit when shooting on the move, he has the capability of knocking down shots at a high clip if he makes some small adjustments. It wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to see Samanic play his way into the first round based partly on Combine performance.

The most unique player at the combine (and maybe in the NBA, if he makes it), Fall’s massive size and ability to impact on defense was a major talking point. Registering insane measurables at 7’7" with an 8’2" wingspan and 10’3" standing reach, going at Fall when he’s standing near the rim can be a daunting task. Although Fall’s lack of mobility and agility will give him problems in an up-and-down game where he has to defend in space, as a stationary backup defender, Fall could be an asset because he’s such a unique force around the basket. Offensively, Fall doesn’t provide much, but he’s a capable lob finisher because he doesn’t even need to jump to finish an oop. Fall’s game isn’t going to be for everyone. But if he can show one or two go-to post moves and continue to defend the rim, some team could take a second-round flyer on him or get him on a two-way.