John Blackwell wasn’t invited to the NBA Draft Combine — a snub that, in many ways, already signals how the league currently views him: not quite ready. Still, he hasn’t withdrawn his name yet, continuing to gather intel. He’s participated in workouts with teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks, and there may be others that haven’t been made public.
These workouts are fulfilling their purpose. From the start, the plan was to test the waters, learn what the NBA wants, return to Wisconsin, and boost his stock for next year. But there’s always room for that plan to shift — if the right opportunity comes along. We’ve seen other prospects change course, choosing to stay in the draft after unexpectedly strong feedback.
But for Blackwell, that shift may not come. The NBA Draft Combine might have already made the decision for him.
With more players choosing to remain in the draft after strong combine performances, Blackwell is being pushed further down draft boards. Players like Arizona’s Carter Bryant and Georgetown’s Thomas Sober are staying in, and others — including Cedric Coward, Yaxel Lendenborg, and RJ Luis — seem poised to follow. Each one staying reduces Blackwell’s chances.
Unlike them, Blackwell didn’t get the chance to showcase his talent on the combine stage. That lack of exposure, combined with a swelling draft class, makes a return to Wisconsin more and more likely.
While it was never a sure thing that Blackwell would stay in the draft, the decision seems to be making itself. He has until May 29 to make it official, but the signs are pointing toward one more year in college — and a better shot at his NBA dream in 2026.
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