Category: Sports News

Jalen Brunson — the reigning NBA Finals MVP, a man who should never have to pay for his own dinner in Manhattan again — was a second-round pick. So were Nikola Jokic, Dillon Brooks and Draymond Green and if you want to go back, there's Manu Ginobili, Marc Gasol and many more players who slipped to the second round, then had impressive NBA careers.

There will be players taken in Wednesday night's second round who will become key parts of their team's rotation and maybe more. Let's grade these picks (and note, my grading in this round is more gentle and on a curve compared to the first round; expectations are relatively low, and with that, the misses are not painful like missing in the lottery).

(Check out the grades for the first round picks here.)

Houston Rockets: A-

Bruce Thornton (31)
The only reason Thornton is in the second round is that he is an even 6'0", undersized for a point guard. Everything else screams NBA rotation player: He's incredibly polished, strong, efficiently scored from everywhere on the floor and averaged 19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists last season for Ohio State. Houston is a perfect fit for a guy who can come in and play behind Fred VanVleet (something the Rockets did not have last year).

Memphis Grizzlies: A

Richie Saunders (32)
. It shows you how much the Grizzlies like Saunders that he tore his ACL in February, and they still took him here (he would have gone in the first round if healthy). Saunders is a quality shooter (37.6% from 3 last season) who can do enough of everything else that he looks like he can be a solid rotation wing player in the NBA.

Minnesota Timberwolves: B

Isaiah Evans (33), Trey Kaufman-Renn (59)
Evans is a quality movement shooter about to play with Nikola Jokic — he will find Evans if the Duke star gets open. He's got good size (6'6") but needs to get stronger and become a better defender to earn steady NBA run. Kaufman-Renn has NBA size (6'8") and physicality, but he's got to show he has the skills to stick at the next level.

Cleveland Cavaliers: B+

Meleek Thomas (34)
Cleveland is betting on Thomas' upside. He was a five-star recruit coming out of high school who slid a little but still averaged 15.6 points a game last season for Arkansas. Early in the second round, that's a good bet.

Denver Nuggets: A

Trevon Brazile (35), Bryce Hopkins (49)
Brazile has good size (6'11", with a 7'4" wingspan), and he averaged 13 points and 7.3 rebounds a game for Arkansas, but the really intriguing stat combo is that he averaged 1.6 blocks and 1.3 3-pointers a game. Looking for someone to play behind Jokic, Brazile is a good pick at this point. Hopkins is a 6'6" forward with a high motor but needs to develop a shot.

LA Clippers: B

Baba Miller (36), Nick Martinelli (55), Narcissie Ngoy (57)
Miller is a great roll of the dice here, a 6'11" big but with very fluid athleticism, he can pass, averaged 13 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, plus is a solid defender. Martinelli has good size (6'7") and shot 41.7% from 3 at Northwestern, he scored at the college level and might be worth a two-way contract to see if he can translate that to the next level. Ngoy almost went to Auburn, stayed in France, and is seen as a project at the guard spot (don't be shocked if he stays in France for now).

Miami Heat: B-

Ryan Conwell (37)
Miami picked up Conwell in a trade with Oklahoma City, and the Heat get a guy who wasn't afraid to put it up last season and averaged 18.8 points a game for Louisville. He needs to tighten his handles and become a more efficient shooter, but it's a good roll of the dice by the Heat at this point in the draft.

Indiana Pacers: B+

Braden Smith (38)
Indiana brings in the Purdue star who is maybe the best passer in the draft (he is the college all-time assist leader) who is a better athlete than realized. He's undersized (5'10') but as a backup point guard with the Pacers, there's a role for him.

New York Knicks: B

Jack Kayil (39), Tyler Nickel (47)
Kayil played professionally in Germany and is a 6'4" combo guard who does a lot of things well but wasn't efficient and isn't really explosive as an athlete at the NBA level. Nickel is a high-level movement shooter with good size, and while there are questions about athleticism and footwork, getting a good shooter that deep in the draft is a good bet.

Boston Celtics: A

Dillon Mitchell (40)
Great bet at this point by Boston: Mitchell is a 6'7" high-level athlete, but he struggles with his shot. If Boston can develop his shooting touch (it's an issue) they could have a second-round steal.

Oklahoma City: A-

Otega Oweh (41)
Oweh fits in with OKC — a physically strong guard and high-level defender who needs to work on his offensive game but goes to one of the best developmental programs in the league. He might be on a two-way, we might not see a lot of him for a season or two, then suddenly we'll wonder where this latest quality find from OKC came from.

San Antonio Spurs: A-

Ja'Kobe Gillespie (42), Maliq Brown (44)
Gillespie is an elite shot maker who fell to the second round because he is undersized (6'0"), but a Spurs kind of guy because he gets steals and helps teams win the possession battle. Brown is a great pick at 44, a high-level front court defender at 6'8" but he's going to have to show a little more offense to stick in the NBA.

Brooklyn Nets: C

Tyler Bilodeau (43)
Shooting matters, and Bilodeau does that and has good NBA size (6'7"). The question is whether he is athletic enough to play at the NBA level. We'll see, but guys who can shoot get a chance.

Sacramento Kings: A-

Emanuel Sharp (45)
Sharp is a great pick up where the Kings got him in the draft. He proved he can shoot (including from 3) and defend in four years at Houston. There were questions about his athleticism at the next level, but Sharp should have gone higher than this.

Washington Wizards: C+

Felix Okparpa (46)
Okparpa is an old-school rim-running big who can block shots on one end and dunk on the other, and has good athleticism.

Dallas Mavericks: B-

Tobi Lawal (48), Vsevolod Ischenko (56)
Lawal is a bet on new coach Dusty May's developmental skill. Lawal, 6'7", may be the best pure athlete in this class. He put up monster numbers at the combine, but his skills have a lot of work to do to catch up with that. Ischenko has been a standout young player in the Russian league but is a draft and stash for now, he will stay overseas.

Toronto Raptors: C

Jaden Bradley (50)
Bradley is a good floor general and a pesky defender who could be a backup point guard in the league if he develops a 3-point shot.

Orlando Magic: B

Izaiyah Nelson (51)
Nelson is the kind of player you should get at 51 — good athlete, good size (6'8"), can defend multiple positions, but he needs to work on his feel for the game. If the Magic can develop that then this becomes a great pick.

Atlanta Hawks: A+

Henri Veesaar (52)
Veesaar is an absolute steal at 52, one of the best picks of the second round. Veesaar is a 7-foot floor-spacing center who averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds a game last season for North Carolina while shooting 42.6% from 3-point range. He can step in as a backup big next season for the Hawks.

Detroit Pistons: B

Ugonna Onyenso (53)
Onyenso is arguably the best rim protector in the draft, he averaged 2.9 blocks per game last season, and that's a huge plus, but he's going to have to show more offensive game than he did at Virginia.

Golden State Warriors: B

LaJae Jones (54)
Jones is a big guard/wing (6'7") who projects as a strong defender but has to develop his offensive game if he wants a spot in the NBA.

New Orleans Pelicans: C

Jaon Pierre Jr. (58)
Pierre is a 6'6" guard or wing who averaged 17.6 points a game at SMU. He has potential, but he's got to show better defense and playmaking to stick with the Pelicans.

Milwaukee Bucks: C

Malique Lewis (60)
Lewis has played internationally in Spain and Australia as a 3&D player. He plays with a high motor and if his skills continue to improve it could work out in Milwaukee, a good bet at this point in the draft.

With the star-studded 2026 NBA Draft officially complete, it's time to start looking at how to value these players in your dynasty leagues.

There are multiple future stars at the top, but there are also some talented players that went later in this draft that will one day make an impact for your fantasy team. For the redraft managers, you may not hear some of these names for a few seasons, but in dynasty leagues, you can't wait that long.

At this point, there have only been a handful of two-way deals handed out to undrafted players. There are some players that will likely be more than just additions to the bottom of the list once they get a deal, but until then, it's difficult to place them. A few players to keep an eye on include Tamin Lipsey, Nate Bittle and Aaron Nkrumah, among others.

For now, here's how I rank the 2026 rookie class for dynasty leagues. These are tailored towards category leagues, so I'll be sure to highlight the players that should go earlier in points leagues.

1. Forward, Cameron Boozer, MEM, 18.9

For the second year in a row, a Duke forward leads the rankings following a historic freshman season. Boozer should immediately be seen as a top-15 dynasty asset, though it may not be long before he enters earlier conversations. Take him first regardless of format.

2. Guard, Darryn Peterson, UTA, 19.4

Peterson was my top prospect in this class, just not for fantasy basketball. That speaks more to just how special Boozer is. Peterson has a chance to be one of the best scorers in the league while still making an impact on defense. He was also a better playmaker in high school when he was in a higher volume role because he was healthier. He's a special talent.

3. Forward, Caleb Wilson, CHI, 19.9

The lack of shooting is concerning, but there is a lot to like about Wilson's fantasy game. He may not be an elite defender, but the defensive production as a result of his athleticism plays well in fantasy basketball. He's going to be a star.

4. Wing, AJ Dybantsa, WAS, 19.4

I'd take him second in points leagues, but there is some concern about his production in category formats. The lack of defensive production in college knocks him down a touch, plus he's an average free throw shooter with a high free throw rate and a low three-point rate. Still, he should be considered a top-40 asset in dynasty leagues, and he is certainly talented enough to answer some of the questions that are there in year one and soar up rankings.

5. Guard, Kingston Flemings, ATL, 19.5

Atlanta has a new point guard of the future after Trae Young's departure. Flemings should be more efficient than the other guards at the top and provide more defensively.

6. Guard, Mikel Brown Jr., BKN, 20.2

For all the inefficiencies Brown had at Louisville, there is still a lot to like about his game in fantasy hoops. He took a ton of tough, deep threes and got to the free throw line at a high rate. Like many star guards, you'll have to account for a low field goal percentage and a bunch of turnovers, but he's abundantly talented.

7. Guard, Darius Acuff Jr., SAC, 19.6

Acuff is another incredible offensive talent, and he'll provide plenty of buckets and assists. He wasn't able to provide much defensively in college, but if he's able to contribute more on that end in the NBA, he can be a superstar.

8. Guard, Keaton Wagler, LAC, 19.4

I'm probably more skeptical on Wagler than others are. He's a crafty guard that can get to his spots and create for others. I don't love the fit next to Darius Garland; not because it can't work, but because it limits the output of both guards. Still, all these guards at the top have star upside.

9. Big, Morez Johnson Jr., DAL, 20.4

Johnson has all the traits of a star fantasy post player, and now he's reunited with his college coach. He should fit in well next to Cooper Flagg, though it's fair to start questioning what this means for Dereck Lively II.

10. Guard, Brayden Burries, MIL, 20.8

He wasn't the volume scorer that some of the other freshman guards were in college, but he was efficient, played defense and did a lot of winning. Burries has a high floor, but that doesn't mean he has a low ceiling. He's going to be productive for a long time, which is a great way for the Bucks to start their rebuild.

11. Forward, Yaxel Lendeborg, GSW, 23.7

It's fair to be hesitant about Lendeborg at his age, so if you're rebuilding, it makes sense to choose someone else. But if you're contending, there's an argument to take him even earlier than this. There's not much he can't do, and he should play big minutes for a good team immediately.

12. Forward, Dailyn Swain, CHI, 20.9

If you haven't already, just go compare Swain's stats during his final collegiate season to Jimmy Butler's final season at Marquette. Not saying Swain is going to be that level of player, but it's intriguing. There's a lot to like about him as a prospect, especially if he continues to improve as a shooter.

13. Big, Hannes Steinbach, CHA, 20.1

One of the best rebounders in the draft landed with one of the best rebounding teams in the league. He'll compete for center minutes early on, and even if he wasn't a great defender, he was able to collect some stocks.

14. Big, Aday Mara, OKC, 21.2

I would've been higher on Mara in a different landing spot. He's going to be good, but it seems like he's going to be in a minutes jam at center. He's a high-level shot blocker and passer, but if he's only playing 18-20 minutes per game, his impact will be limited.

15. Guard, Bennett Stirtz, OKC, 22.7

If the Thunder like a guard, it seems smart to listen. They're looking for cost-controlled contributors, and Stirtz should be ready to go from day one. He profiles as a special offensive talent, which is something OKC could've used more of in the playoffs when Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell were hurt.

16. Guard, Ebuka Okorie, DET, 19.2

Another player I would've liked more in a different situation. He is going to make a big impact for the Pistons immediately as a creator when Cade Cunningham isn't on the floor, or when they want to get Cade off-ball reps. However, I'm just not confident he gets enough usage to be a fantasy start, unless you're willing to wait for him to be on a different team than Cunningham.

17. Forward, Allen Graves, TOR, 19.9

Graves profiles as a statistical star, and there is am argument for him to go much earlier than this. However, one year after we questioned why Toronto would pair Collin Murray-Boyles with Scottie Barnes, they've doubled down. I don't see how all three can coexist, and there is a chance Graves' production at Santa Clara doesn't translate to the NBA. Still, I'd have no qualms about having Graves ranked higher than this.

18. Guard, Labaron Philon, PHI, 20.6

There's a lot to like about Philon as a talent, but being stuck behind Maxey to start your career isn't ideal. Still, he's a crafty scorer and creator.

19. Forward, Zuby Ejiofor, ATL, 22.2

A do-it-all forward, Ejiofor should have a role from day one, but he may struggle to carve out enough minutes to truly make an impact for fantasy managers. However, if he does, the statistical profile is enticing.

20. Wing, Cameron Carr, LAL, 21.6

Carr is going to be a better fantasy player than NBA player. He hits threes and gets defensive stats, plus he was a star at the combine.

21. Guard, Bruce Thornton, HOU, 22.8

I'm really excited about Thornton landing in Houston. Fred VanVleet only has one year left on his contract, and there were so many problems for the Rockets last season that would've been solved by having better point guard play.

22. Forward, Karim López, MEM, 19.2

He scored. He got boards. He got stocks. There is plenty to like here from López, and he lands with a young squad where he'll have an opportunity to earn minutes quickly.

23. Guard, Christian Anderson, CHA, 20.2

Arguably the best shooter in the draft, Anderson could see a bump up the rankings if the LaMelo Ball trade rumors end up becoming a real deal.

24. Forward, Baba Miller, LAC, 22.4

Miller can't provide much as a shooter, but his success on defense and as a rebounder is enough for me to take him much earlier than his draft slot.

25. Forward, Nate Ament, MIL, 19.5

I'd take Ament earlier in points leagues, but the lack of efficiency as a scorer was concerning. Hoping for the best here, but I just can't spend an earlier pick on the idea that he turns into the next Kevin Durant.

26. Big, Jayden Quaintance, SAS, 18.9

If it weren't for medical concerns, Quaintance would be a top-five pick. He's that type of fantasy prospect. If you're willing to be patient, he can be a steal. However, reports currently indicate he may not be ready for training camp, which is concerning.

27. Big, Tarris Reed Jr., SAS, 22.9

San Antonio wanted to add depth down low. They took a risk with Quaintance and made their safe pick with Reed. He may be the backup center for them next season.

28. Guard, Sergio de Larrea, DAL, 20.5

There is a chance de Larrea ends up remaining overseas for another season, but he's talented enough that I'm willing to take him in the first 30 picks until that's confirmed. I'd bump him up a few spots if he ends up in Dallas and down a few if he stays in Spain.

29. Forward, Joshua Jefferson, BKN, 22.6

A big player that can pass is always intriguing. He's an older prospect that can impact the game in various ways, and he should carve out a role early on for a rebuilding Nets squad.

30. Big, Henri Veesaar, ATL, 22.2

Veesaar slid far, but there were reports that he didn't want to be on a two-way contract. He could fill in as the backup center in Atlanta from day one.

31. Forward, Trevon Brazile, DEN, 23.5

32. Guard, Richie Saunders, MEM, 24.8

33. Wing, Isaiah Evans, MIN, 20.5

34. Big, Chris Cenac Jr., BOS, 19.4

35. Big, Ugonna Onyenso, DET, 21.7

36. Guard, Meleek Thomas, CLE, 19.9

37. Guard, Ja'Kobi Gillespie, SAS, 22.3

38. Forward, Koa Peat, PHX, 19.4

39. Guard, Quadir Copeland, HOU, 22.8 (UDFA)

40. Guard, Jaden Bradley, TOR, 22.8

41. Big, Rafael Castro, MIL, 23.2 (UDFA)

42. Big, Felix Okpara, WAS, 22.2

43. Guard, Braden Smith, IND, 22.9

44. Guard, Emanuel Sharp, SAC, 22.3

45. Big, Izaiyah Nelson, ORL, 22.7

46. Forward, Tobi Lawal, DAL, 23.1

47. Guard, Ryan Conwell, MIA, 22

48. Guard, Lajae Jones, GSW, 22.1

49. Wing, Dillon Mitchell, BOS, 22.7

50. Forward, Maliq Brown, SAS, 22.6

51. Forward, Alex Karaban, SAC, 23.6

52. Big, Tobe Awaka, CHI, 22.4 (UDFA)

53. Guard, Jack Kayil, NYK, 20.4

54. Guard, Tre Donaldson, MIA, 22.5 (UDFA)

55. Guard, Bryce Hopkins, DEN, 23.8

56. Guard, Otega Oweh, OKC, 23

57. Wing, Malique Lewis, MIL, 21.6

58. Guard, Tyler Nickel, NYK, 22.8

59. Forward, Tyler Bilodeau, BKN, 22.2

60. Forward, AK Okereke, LAL, 23 (UDFA)

61. Big, Trey Kaufman-Renn, MIN, 23.8

62. Guard, Peter Suder, LAL, 22.9 (UDFA)

63. Wing, Nick Martinelli, LAC, 22.2

64. Big, Narcisse Ngoy, LAC, 22

65. Wing, Vsevolod Ishchenko, DAL, 21.4

66. Guard, Josh Dix, OKC, 22 (UDFA)

67. Guard, Jaron Pierre Jr., NOR, 23.9

68. Guard, Sam Hoiberg, PHX, 23.3 (UDFA)

LaMelo Ball is a walking highlight package, a social media and fan favorite around the league because of it and his style. He is incredibly popular with a younger generation of fans.

And the Charlotte Hornets are open to trading him, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. He adds that while the Hornets are keeping the asking price high, a couple of the suitors are being very aggressive.

Minnesota and Toronto are two of the teams interested, reports Marc Stein at the Stein Line. In addition, Jake Fischer adds that Milwaukee has long had interest in Ball and would be open to bringing him in after trading away Giannis Antetokounmpo.

It's not a coincidence that Charlotte has looked to trade Ball coming off arguably his best season as a pro. He averaged 20.1 points and 7.1 assists per game, shot 36.8% from 3-point range, and, most importantly, was largely healthy, playing in 70 games. Ball has battled a series of injuries and had not played in more than 47 games the previous three seasons.

The team that trades for Ball will have him for a while, he has three years fully guaranteed remaining on his contract, including $40.8 million next season.

For Charlotte, this is about pivoting to a new era, Charania said on the ESPN Draft broadcast, although he added Ball himself wants to stay in Charlotte.

"They're pivoting. The Hornets are looking at an opportunity to pivot. They *had* been about LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. They want their future to be about Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller."

While Charania suggested this could be wrapped up in a couple of days, don't be surprised if it drags out well into free agency.