Could the former Wildcats captain and back-to-back Big Ten leading scorer hear his name called in the 2026 NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft Combine tips off in Chicago this week, and Northwestern forward Nick Martinelli will have every opportunity to prove to scouts that he's worthy of a roster spot at the next level.
Brooks Barnhizer broke Northwestern's 26-year drought last June when the Oklahoma City Thunder drafted him with the No. 44 overall pick in the second round. He became the first ex-Wildcat to be drafted to the NBA since Evan Eschmeyer, whom the New Jersey Nets selected with the No. 34 overall pick in 1999.
Now, Martinelli will hope to join his old college roommate in the NBA following a prestigious Big Ten career. According to early projections, Martinelli is very likely to be taken in the same range as Barnhizer.
ESPN's Jeremy Woo slotted Martinelli in as the No. 58 pick to the New Orleans Pelicans following Sunday's Draft Lottery. That would make him the only Pelicans draft pick and a near lock to join the team's roster. Martinelli would certainly be an intriguing fit next to Zion Williamson, Derik Queen and Herb Jones, each of whom is under contract and expected to occupy New Orleans' frontcourt next season.
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie was one of the first draft analysts to move Barnhizer into a top-60 projection last year, and he's following a similar train with Martinelli this time around. In Vecenie's latest mock, Martinelli came off the board to the Warriors at No. 54 overall, uniting him with fellow former Wildcat Pat Spencer in the Bay Area.
Feb 8, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northwestern Wildcats forward Nick Martinelli (2) is defended by Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn ImagesGolden State is looking for a way to squeeze one last postseason run out of Stephen Curry's career, and Vecenie has the Warriors targeting the frontcourt twice in his newest prediction. After adding 7-foot-3 Michigan center Aday Mara in the first round at No. 11 overall, Martinelli's second-round selection would immediately give Golden State some secondary scoring next to their Hall-of-Fame guard.
One of the most difficult paths to rotation minutes for Martinelli would be the Minnesota Timberwolves, which ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel has selecting the Northwestern senior No. 59 overall. The Wolves are two wins away from their third consecutive trip to the Western Conference Finals and already have a loaded frontcourt between Julius Randle, Naz Reid and Rudy Gobert. That's not to mention Jaden McDaniels either on the wing, where 6-foot-7 Martinelli would likely have to operate.
However, Martinelli's character and leadership could entice the Wolves to draft him as a depth piece.
The 2026 NBA Draft will occur in Brooklyn on June 23 and 24.