The Northwestern star capitalized on his draft combine showcase, dropping 18 points while proving his versatile scoring and high-IQ play.
Nick Martinelli always finds a way to prove why he keeps shining.
Though wrapping up his senior year at Northwestern with regrets, Martinelli consistently impressed Big Ten coaches with his scoring prowess and will be remembered as a loyal player who spent all four years of eligibility in Evanston.
Though being in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, where everything was new to him, he still delivered his identity with a limited role. On Wednesday, Martinelli participated in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine's 5-on-5 scrimmage with Team Weems. The Northwestern senior forward posted a solid performance at Wintrust Arena, recording 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal in 24 minutes. Team Weems fell to Team Rivers 105-99.
"I was just kind of doing what I do, filling the role," Martinelli said in his media availability after the scrimmage. The way he played alongside other draft prospects differed from his role with the Wildcats. Despite touching the ball less frequently, Martinelli scored the third-most points on his team by finding space and making timely cuts.
Martinelli made it to the starting lineup in the second scrimmage on Thursday, finishing with 13 points (eight points in the paint), five rebounds and one block in a 76-94 loss to Team Adams.
"There's a mentality you have to bring, which is partially leadership, just making sure guys are in the right places, talking to each other," he said. "You have to bring that smarts and know where you're supposed to be on the court."
Martinelli revealed he's scheduled to meet with several NBA teams, confirming he already interviewed with the Minnesota Timberwolves at the combine and worked out with the Charlotte Hornets.
On Tuesday, Martinelli participated in the combine's strength and agility tests and shooting drills. His measurements included a 6-foot-6.5 height, 223.6-pound frame, alongside a 6-foot-10 wingspan and 8-foot-8.5 standing reach. His vertical numbers were 26.5 inches in no-stop and 33.0 inches in maximum vertical jump.
In shooting drills, Martinelli posted 12-of-25 on three-pointers around the arc (48%), 21-of-30 shooting off the dribble (70%), 12-of-26 on side-mid-side shooting (46%), 15-of-25 on spot-up threes (60%) and 6-of-10 on free throw attempts.
After topping the Big Ten scoreboard with 20.5 points per game in 2025, Martinelli earned an NBA Draft Combine invitation alongside former teammate Brooks Barnhizer last year. He withdrew despite going through pre-draft procedures, returning to Northwestern for his senior campaign. Barnhizer attended the combine and was eventually selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 44th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
"He's been a great role model for me, even starting my freshman year when we were young," Martinelli said of Barnhizer, who's currently with the Thunder in the NBA Playoffs after sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers and advancing to the Western Conference Finals.
Martinelli said on Wednesday he had already interviewed with the Timberwolves and is expected to meet more teams in the future. After wrapping up his first draft combine agenda, the Northwestern forward will be ready for the upcoming NBA Draft in June.