Potential gems picked in 2026 NBA Draft second round: Isaiah Evans, Tyler Nickel

The second round of the 2026 NBA Draft wrapped up in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Wednesday, following the anticipated first round on Tuesday. While several prospects slid, teams still added depth and role-fit options as selections continued through the late picks. The Houston Rockets took Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton at No. 30, adding backcourt depth after a year without Fred VanVleet. UNC center Henri Veesaar fell to No. 52, where the Los Angeles Clippers selected him, after he averaged 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks and improved his three-point shooting to 42.6%. Minnesota grabbed Isaiah Evans, a 6-foot-6 guard, with the No. 33 pick. The New York Knicks selected Tyler Nickel at No. 47, a 6-foot-7 Vanderbilt forward who shot 40% from three on 7.6 attempts. Other notable picks included Indiana’s Braden Smith at No. 38 and the Clippers’ selection of more young talent further down the order.