For former Oregon Ducks center Nate Bittle, the path to the NBA just got a little steeper. After a standout college career that saw him average 16.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season, Bittle was notably left off the initial invite list for the 2026 NBA Scouting Combine in Chicago (May 10-17). Instead, he received an invitation to the G League Elite Camp—a proving ground where he'll need to impress to earn a late call-up to the main event.

Bittle's journey has been anything but smooth. After testing the draft waters following the 2024-25 season, he opted to return to Oregon for another year, hoping to boost his stock. But last season was a tough one for both Bittle and the Ducks. The team won just 12 games, and a frustrating foot injury sidelined him for several weeks, adding to a string of roster setbacks. Despite these challenges, Bittle finished the season healthy and is now fully committed to the draft process.

The G League Elite Camp is the NBA's secondary showcase, designed for players who just missed the combine cut. Here, Bittle will undergo the same agility and strength testing, on-court drills, and scrimmages that take place at the combine. The key difference? Combine invitees also get face-to-face meetings with NBA teams. For Bittle, the mission is clear: dominate at the Elite Camp and force the league to take a second look.

Listed among USA TODAY's top snubs for the combine, Bittle is no stranger to fighting for his spot. With his eligibility now exhausted, every drill, every scrimmage, and every opportunity to showcase his skills matters. Whether he can turn this setback into a stepping stone remains to be seen—but if his time at Oregon taught us anything, it's that he's ready to compete.