2026 NBA Draft: Top 5 Players Left Ahead Of Second Round
· Yahoo Sports
The 2026 NBA draft is underway, and the first day came with a lot of surprises. Perhaps the biggest one was the LA Lakers stealing Cameron Carr just before he was picked at No. 24 by the New York Knicks. And now, it’s the other 30 players’ turn on the second day, with a lot of talent still on the board.
Visit turconews.click for more information.
One of the most talented rookie classes of the last few years had no surprises at the top. AJ Dybantsa was the top pick by Washington, while the Utah Jazz acquired Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer went to the Memphis Grizzlies. The second-round players are mostly those who have no option of returning to college. Let’s see the top five picks of the second round.
#1. Isaiah Evans
Probably the most exciting pick in the next round of the NBA draft and the first one to go could be the Duke wing and guard Isaiah Evans. The ACC’s Sixth Man of the Year in the last season has a 6-foot-9 wingspan and an excellent jumper, shooting 43.3% from the field and 36.1% from deep. Evans was one of the prospects the Lakers had the option to pick in the first round, but the team went with Cameron Carr Jr. by trading up one position with the Knicks. He will be picked on the 31st.
#2. Meleek Thomas
Meleek Thomas is also an elite perimeter shooter, shooting 41.6% from deep. The Arkansas guard averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists with a 6-foot-7 wingspan. He has a decent jumper and the ability to finish at the rim, even with his small size. Given that the Grizzlies have already acquired Duke superstar Cameron Boozer, Thomas’ addition will only be another positive for the team.
#3. Henri Veesaar
Henri Veesaar is a talented rookie out of Estonia who played for North Carolina. The forward improved his game this season multifold, averaging 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. He is a solid rim protector and versatile in his scoring. He can work on the paint and shoot 3-pointers at the same time, making 42.6% of his shots from deep. If the Timberwolves can snatch him at the 33rd spot, he can be a solid addition to the frontcourt.
#4. Baba Miller
The 6-foot-11 forward, from Spain, out of the Cincinnati Bearcats, Baba Miller could add serious size and explosiveness to the Cleveland Cavaliers squad, which is slated to pick 34th. In his four seasons in college, his game has shown consistent development, averaging a double-double (13 points and 10.3 rebounds) per game last season. He can finish on the rim and play off the ball, making cuts and helping the lineup.
#5. Richie Saunders
Richie Saunders is another exciting pick from the BYU Cougars, who has everything from slick handles, the ability to change speed and get fouls, to catch and shoot three-pointers. AJ Dybantsa’s college teammate averaged 18 points, shooting 37.6% from deep. The Denver Nuggets can acquire the guard to come off the bench and develop under Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!