Cam Carr entered the 2026 NBA Draft process viewed by many evaluators as a mid-to-late first-round prospect. One week into the NBA Draft Combine, that perception appears to have changed dramatically.
NBA insider Evan Sidery reported Thursday that Carr has officially ended his on-court participation at the combine after a 30-point scrimmage performance that elevated his stock into the lottery conversation. According to Sidery, several executives would now be surprised if the Baylor guard falls outside the top 14 selections.
The projected range now attached to Carr includes teams drafting between No. 8 and No. 12, including the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Carr’s rise is tied directly to the traits NBA teams prioritize in modern perimeter players. At Baylor during the 2025-26 season, the 6-foot-6 guard averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 49.4% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range across 34 starts.
Scouts also viewed his efficiency as a major development after an uneven start to his college career at University of Tennessee. Carr played sparingly during his first two seasons with the Volunteers before transferring to Baylor University, where he became one of the Big 12’s top scoring wings.
His combine performance reinforced the upside teams believed existed when he arrived as a highly regarded recruit. Executives reportedly came away impressed by his shot creation, transition scoring and physical tools, especially in an event setting where athletic wings often separate themselves quickly.
The timing also matters within the context of the 2026 draft. League personnel have consistently described this class as one of the deepest in recent years, featuring prospects such as AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson near the top of draft boards.
That depth has increased the value of players who can fit multiple roster timelines. Carr’s age, production jump and two-way wing profile now place him in a category that playoff teams drafting in the late lottery could target immediately.
The 2026 NBA Draft will take place June 23-24 at Barclays Center. After his combine breakout, Carr appears increasingly likely to hear his name called much earlier than projected just a few weeks ago.
