The 2026 NBA Draft’s second round begins Wednesday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with eight standout prospects still available after the first round’s surprises—including Duke guard Isaiah Evans, who left the green room early after going undrafted in the first 30 picks. With second-round steals like Nikola Jokić and Jalen Brunson rewriting NBA history, teams are eyeing this year’s late-round class for hidden gems who could outperform their draft position.
Who’s Left? The Top 8 Prospects Still on the Board
According to NBA.com, the eight best remaining prospects offer a mix of elite athleticism, polished scoring, and defensive upside. The most intriguing name? Isaiah Evans, Duke’s 6-foot-6 sophomore guard, who averaged 15 points per game this season and delivered a 25-point performance in the Sweet 16. His fall to the second round could be a steal—especially after he improved his three-point shooting and physicality as a sophomore. “Evans won’t have to wait long to hear his name called,” NBA.com notes, positioning him as the clear No. 1 target in Round 2.
Behind Evans, North Carolina center Henri Veesaar stands out as the most NBA-ready prospect. The 6-foot-11 junior averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds this season after transferring from Arizona, and his decision to enter the draft—rather than return for a senior year under new coach Michael Malone—signals confidence in his readiness. Veesaar’s size and rim-running ability make him a potential rotational big for any team’s second unit.
Other standouts include Arkansas freshman Meleek Thomas, a 6-foot-3 guard/forward who sat in the stands during the first round, hoping for a late call. His combination of size and scoring ability could make him a sleeper pick for a team needing a versatile wing. Meanwhile, Bruce Thornton—selected 31st by the Houston Rockets—is drawing praise from The New York Times’s Sam Vecenie, who called him “one of my top two-way grades in the class.” Thornton’s polished scoring and defensive potential make him a rare second-round find with immediate NBA upside.
Why the Second Round Matters: History’s Best Steals
The second round has produced some of the NBA’s greatest steals. Nikola Jokić, the 2014 No. 41 pick, is now a three-time MVP. Jalen Brunson (33rd in 2018) and Draymond Green (35th in 2012) followed similar trajectories, proving that late-round picks can redefine franchises. More recently, the Memphis Grizzlies landed Jaylen Wells at No. 39 in 2024, turning him into a reliable rotational player.
This year’s class features prospects who could follow that path. Evans, Veesaar, and Thornton all have the physical tools and production to thrive in the NBA’s second unit—or even earn starter roles if they develop quickly. The key question: Will any of them become the next Jokić?
Who’s Getting Drafted Tonight? The Likely Order
With the second round starting at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, teams are likely to prioritize players who fit specific needs. Evans, as the highest-upside prospect, could go early—possibly in the top 10 picks. Veesaar, with his size and experience, might follow shortly after. Thornton, despite his polished game, could slip further due to his size concerns, though his scoring ability makes him a high-floor pick.
A deeper dive into NBA.com’s breakdown suggests Meleek Thomas and Arkansas guard Richie Saunders (a 6-foot-5 shooter recovering from an ACL injury) could also hear their names called in the first half of the round. Saunders, in particular, is a high-risk, high-reward pick—his shooting could make him a valuable role player, but his injury history adds uncertainty.
What Happens Next? The Impact on Teams and Prospects
The second round isn’t just about finding hidden talent—it’s about roster construction. Teams with cap space (like Houston, which traded up for Thornton) are aggressively targeting players who can contribute immediately. For prospects, a second-round pick means a longer path to the NBA, but also a chance to develop without the pressure of a first-round contract.
One wildcard: Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Several prospects, including Evans and Veesaar, could leverage their draft status to secure lucrative endorsements—even if they don’t make an NBA roster right away. For teams, the gamble is whether these players will develop into rotation players or get traded for assets down the line.
The biggest story may not be who gets picked, but who gets left. With only 60 picks in the second round, teams will have to make tough choices between high-upside prospects and polished role players. The difference between a top-10 pick and a late-round selection could determine a player’s NBA future.
The Bottom Line: Who Wins and Who Loses?
For teams, the second round is a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. A steal like Evans or Veesaar could become a franchise cornerstone, while a bust (like an undersized guard who can’t defend) might get cut before training camp. For prospects, the stakes are high: a second-round pick means a longer road to the NBA, but also the chance to avoid the pressure of a first-round contract.
As the clock ticks down to Wednesday’s draft, one thing is clear: The second round isn’t just about who gets picked—it’s about who gets the chance to rewrite their NBA story.
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