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

The 2026 NBA Draft second round showcased several prospects who slipped from higher expectations, with the action concluding in Brooklyn, New York on Wednesday after the first round on Tuesday. Among the biggest fallers, UNC center Henri Veesaar dropped to No. 52, where the Los Angeles Clippers selected him, while Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton went No. 1 in the second round to the Houston Rockets. Minnesota took Isaiah Evans at No. 33, Indiana added Purdue’s Braden Smith at No. 38, and the New York Knicks selected Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel at No. 47. Clippers also picked 7-foot Veesaar in need of a youth resurgence. The selections matter as teams address specific roster gaps and potential bench upside.