COVID-19 is forcing the NBA to tweak certain elements in the path towards the NBA Draft.
The NBA Draft Combine will start in phases, beginning September 28 until mid-November at the latest, with activities to take place in the different NBA team markets as well as virtually. The adjustments will allow teams to be able to continue player evaluations in the midst of the pandemic, allowing teams to make informed choices in time for the NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm, which is tabled to take place on November 18.
NBA League Operations President Byron Spruell says, "NBA Draft Combine is an essential part of the pre-draft evaluation process. While the circumstances surrounding this Combine are unique, we’re excited to creatively deliver a valuable experience for our teams, who have remained flexible through the process, and for prospective draftees who are just beginning their NBA journeys."
Players will go through league and team interviews via videoconference starting September 28 until October 16. They will also take part in an individual on-court program that consists of strength and agility testing, anthropometric measurements, shooting drills, and a "Pro Day" video. These, as well as the medical tests and evaluations, will take place at the NBA team facility nearest to where the player is based, during the month of October.
During the NBA Draft Combine 2020, the league will incorporate HomeCourt technology. Developed by NEX Team, Inc., an NBA strategic partner, HomeCourt is a mobile basketball training application that utilizes advanced machine learning and computer vision to record the shooting evaluation of the Combine and provide analytics. Players can then use the data to create a "Pro Day" video for as long as 45 minutes, which teams can then evaluate and make decisions.
In addition, the NBA is expanding its use of an online tool called "Combine HQ." Developed by Fusion Sport for its Smartabase software platform, Combine HQ is a one-stop shop teams use for scouting information gathered during the Combine's on-court portions. Data procured can be used as a basis to compare information on draft prospects past or present.
