Category: NBA

Gonzaga Bulldogs’ Graham Ike may have gone undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, but the 6-9 forward will still get his NBA shot in Northern California.

His agent, Fess Irvin of Fess Irvin Basketball, told The Consensus NBA Substack that he will sign a free agent deal with the Golden State Warriors. The nature of the deal is an Exhibit 10 contract.

The Golden State Warriors have agreed to a deal with undrafted free agent Graham Ike out of Gonzaga, his agent Fess Irvin tells @TheConsensusNBA.

Ike measured 6-foot-9¾ with a 7-foot-5 wingspan and 9-foot-2 standing reach, bringing size, physicality and interior presence.

— Aryan (@Ary_Report) June 25, 2026

An Exhibit 10 is a one-year, non-guaranteed training camp deal that pays the league minimum salary. This partnership gives Ike a chance of possibly making the 2026-27 opening day roster on a standard contract or spending the majority of his time with the Golden State’s G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, on a two-way contract.

The Warriors currently have the maximum three players signed to a two-way deal. If he’s waived before the start of the regular season, Ike would most likely join a G League roster as a full-time player.

The 23-year-old native of Aurora, Colorado, was a proven winner and scoring threat throughout his three seasons in Spokane, Washington. During that 101-game stretch under coach Mark Few, Ike averaged 17.8 points on a shooting split of 58.9 percent from the field, 35.8 percent on three-pointers, and 79.6 percent at the free throw line. The 2025-26 West Coast Conference Player of the Year and Associated Press’s Third Team All-American also grabbed 7.5 rebounds per game and 31 double-doubles across that span.

Recent Gonzaga alums have found success after grinding their way through the G League to the NBA. Just take a look at Los Angeles Lakers forward Drew Timme, Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard, and Brooklyn Nets guard Malachi Smith, who all went undrafted.

Ike’s first chance at proving the doubters wrong will come at the 2026 California Classic, a summer league taking place inside both the Golden State’s Chase Center and Sacramento Kings’ Golden 1 Center from July 3 through 6.

Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho

The Detroit Pistons reportedly agreed to trade Isaiah Stewart, their longest tenured player, on Wednesday night for a trio of second-round picks. But that small move might point to something larger, as ESPN reports that the Pistons are looking to go “big game hunting” this offseason. What does big game hunting mean in reality? Brian Windhorst and Bobby Marks, who were discussing potential Pistons plans during the NBA Draft broadcast, dropped names like Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James as potential targets.

The Pistons have been looking to upgrade scoring and playmaking with two positions — power forward and shooting guard the most obvious targets. The Pistons have incumbent starter Duncan Robinson under contract, and he could shift to a bench role or be included in any trade for an under-contract player. Tobias Harris is an unrestricted free agent, but the two sides reportedly have mutual interest in seeing the longtime veteran return. Though he, too, could be moved in a deal as a sign-and-trade piece to help make salary work.

Leonard would be a risky play for any acquiring team with an extensive injury history, a need to manage his workload throughout the season, and potential penalties related to alleged off-book payments from the Los Angeles Clippers or that the NBA is still investigating.

James, meanwhile, is trying to figure out where he fits for the final season or two of his career. The Los Angeles Lakers are a natural fit, but when the team unexpectedly was able to trade for Luka Doncic, it became Luka’s team, and James had to take a backseat.

There are other big-name players who have been seen as potentially available after their respective teams came up short, including Jamal Murray in Denver and LaMelo Ball in Charlotte.

Of course, wanting to go “big game hunting” and being able to seal the deal are two very different things. We will see how Detroit’s offseason develops. It’ll be a big one.

Eventually, the Knicks did it.

Eventually, they actually made and kept their picks.

They began the second round of the NBA draft Wednesday like they left off in the first round Tuesday — by trading. They started the night with the Nos. 31, 47 and 55 picks. But they sent Nos. 31 and 55 to the Rockets in exchange for Nos. 39 and 53 along with a future Kings second-rounder.

And then at No. 39, they drafted German youngster Jack Kayil. A 20-year-old, 6-foot-5 guard, Kayil played professionally for Alba Berlin in the German Bundesliga. He averaged 12.3 points and 3.5 assists per game on 40 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent shooting from 3-point range last season.

Kayil won the Bundesliga’s Best Young Player award and committed to Gonzaga before opting to stay in the draft.

He plans to join the Knicks, not go back to Germany as a stash option.

“Not really,” Kayil said. “My plans are to stay here and get into the organization and keep going with them.”

He thinks his experience overseas has helped his development.

“I think I already saw,” Kayil said, “for a young guy, a lot of places and different things, different plays and different systems and I think it can help me in the future.”

Then at No. 47, they selected Tyler Nickel, a big-time shooter out of Vanderbilt. A 6-foot-7 forward, he averaged 13.5 points and shot 40 percent from 3-point range as a senior last year.

Finally, at No. 53, the Knicks picked shot-blocking center Ugonna Onyenso out of Virginia — who could have been potential insurance with Mitchell Robinson’s future uncertain — but quickly sent him to the Pistons for cash.

It is clear the Knicks, who have limited space to stay under the second apron, which owner James Dolan said they intend to do, did not want to pick in the first round and have to pay the salary that comes with the guaranteed contracts first-rounders get. And even though second-rounders are usually less expensive and don’t automatically get guaranteed contracts, the Knicks opted against making a selection at the beginning of the round, which would have likely commanded a higher salary than they could afford to give.

But, eight and 16 picks later, Kayil and Nickel should command less money — at or closer to the rookie minimum — than anyone they would have selected at No. 31. They could even potentially be signed to two-way deals.

On Tuesday, the Knicks originally had the No. 24 pick but, after a four-team deal, moved out of the first round and left with five additional second-round picks, the draft rights to three international players who are unlikely to ever sniff the NBA, plus cash.

So, in total between the two rounds, the Knicks sent away three picks, kept two picks that should be economically friendly and added a handful of second-rounders for the future.

Everything right now revolves around the second apron. The Knicks acted accordingly.

The Knicks traded down in the second round before eventually selecting Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel with the No. 47 pick of the 2026 NBA Draft...

By The Numbers

Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 217 pounds
2025 Stats: 13.5 points (43%/40% from three), 3.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists in 36 games (30.6 minutes)

Prospect Overview

NBA.com:Nickel is a movement shooter, comfortable launching off pindowns, flares and curls without needing to gather. He reads the floor and relocates constantly. He has the frame to hold up on the wing, and his physicality lets him absorb contact through screens. Other offensive positives include playing within himself, keeping the ball moving and avoiding mistakes. The tools to grow defensively are there, and he competes on every possession.

Bleacher Report: Nickel's shooting ability is the foundation of his NBA appeal. He connected on 40.0 percent of his three-point attempts while also shooting 84.7 percent from the free-throw line....he's a good movement shooter who understands how to create opportunities without the ball. He relocates effectively, uses screens well and consistently finds open space along the perimeter.

NBA Comparison

NBA.com: Duncan Robinson, Sam Hauser and Max Strus

The final pick of the NFL draft is always referred to as "Mr. Irrelevant." The NBA Draft equivalent is not always such a throwaway pick.

The one that many overlook, often forgotten about, except for one team looking to take a chance on a prospect.

This year's Mr. Irrelevant title goes to Malique Lewis out of Trinidad and Tobago after being taken with the No. 60 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards.

However, through a trade, the pick will go to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lewis is considered to be a 'three-and-D' player. An area that the Bucks are looking to surround their team with after a blockbuster trade that sent out Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis and the No. 13 pick.

Lewis joins a Bucks draft class that includes Brayden Burries (Arizona) and Nate Ament (Tennessee).

More: Best players available in 2026 NBA Draft: Who is worth taking in Round 2?

Can Malique Lewis become the next Isaiah Thomas?

Truth of the matter is that being Mr. Irrelevant doesn't come with any pressure or expectations. A lot of the time, the player is just happy to have their name called. But that doesn't mean they can't carve out a nice career in the NBA.

The last notable "Mr. Irrelevant" was the Sacramento Kings' No. 60 selection in the 2011 NBA Draft, who selected Isaiah Thomas out of Washington.

Thomas played 14 NBA seasons with the Kings, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets.

In his rookie season in Sacramento, he finished with All-Rookie second team honors and seventh in Rookie of the Year voting. He quickly became a fan favorite for his skill, community presence and 5-foot-9 stature.

Thomas's best season came in 2017 with the Celtics, when he became an All-Star, averaged 28.9 points per game, led the Celtics to a 53-29 record, and finished fifth in MVP voting.

In his 14-year career, Thomas averaged 17.5 points and 4.8 assists in 556 career games.

Lewis isn't expected to become that, by any means. It's all about enjoying the journey. Once the real work begins, surely the Bucks would love for him to develop into half of what Thomas became.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Who is Mr. Irrelevant in NBA Draft? Meet Malique Lewis

A lot has been said about the Raptors’ first round picks by the fans and the pundits alike. Some bad, some good, but the Toronto front office seems cool, calm, and collected about their decisions.

The Raptors have taken Allen Graves and Jaden Bradley with the 19th and 50th overall picks, adding the forward and the guard to the upcoming year’s squad. In the case of Graves, Bobby Webster has stood firm on him fitting the Raptor’s draft strategy: “It’s always been best available two-way players, right,” he said, during last night’s presser, when discussing the addition to the Raptors another part of “vision 6’9″”, alluding to the type of player that the Raps have favoured of late. “I think sometimes you get into a little bit of a trap if you try to take for fit in the first round or too high in the draft,” he said, with this ringing true: the Raptors drafted more for fit later, taking Bradley, a guard, in the second round.

Webster, recently extended and granted a promotion to executive VP, looked collected and talked smooth last night. When asked about the analytical rationale behind drafting Graves, he joked, saying that he was “not smart enough” to answer the question, but came back around, arguing that “we watch so many games in person, but we don’t watch every game,” and that “in some ways, you know, the analytics watch every game.” Evidently, the Raptors were willing to trust the numbers, in part, when taking a swing at the forward.

Dan Tolzman spoke to the media about picking Bradley, echoing much of the same about the Raptors’ valuation of two-way play that the guard could bring. He called the rookie “a very accomplished player” who “has pretty much seen it all”, without having played a single NBA game. The Raptors seem uncertain as to whether or not Bradley will be joining the roster directly, or on a two-way deal at this point. Despite the number of point guards that the Raptors currently have on the team, Tolzman said that “he’s not just going to take a back seat” regarding the player’s personality and work ethic. He described this as a motivational strategy, where “we bring in more competition for the guys ahead of him”. Indeed, the Raptors bringing in another dogged defender at the guard spot can alleviate some ball-handling responsibility from Quickley and Shead, while serving as an experienced backup.

Toronto has both brought on another one of it’s favoured big wings, as well as another point guard, all the while maintaining true to their philosophy of true two-way contention that won them their championship in 2019.

The Grizzlies are bolstering their frontcourt.

The Pistons traded Isaiah Stewart to Memphis for three future second-round picks during the second night of the 2026 NBA Draft, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday.

With the move, the Pistons shed Stewart’s salary and added future assets, while the Grizzlies brought in a young frontcourt piece.

Stewart, 25, is under contract until 2028, having signed a four-year, $60 million extension two years ago. He has a team option for 2027-28.

In 58 games last season, Stewart averaged 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in 22.7 minutes. He came in seventh place in Sixth Man of the Year voting on a Detroit team that passed 60 wins for the first time in two decades.

Rumors were flying around Stewart’s future in Detroit since the beginning of June, mostly to shed the high salary in pursuit of bringing back several other pieces from last season’s team that was the No. 1 seed in the East.

The Pistons could now attempt to find an upgrade to help ease the burden on Cade Cunningham.

On the first night of the draft, Memphis acquired three second-rounders from Detroit. The Grizzlies sent them right back the following night for the 6-foot-8, 250-pound Stewart, often called “Beef Stew.”

In Memphis, Stewart likely will see most of the backup center minutes as he slots in behind Zach Edey, providing solid depth on the worst rebounding team in the second half of last season.

With a healthy Edey and Stewart coming in, the frontcourt will be far improved next year. Add in third overall pick Cameron Boozer and 21st overall pick Karim Lopez, and the Grizzlies’ frontcourt could go from lackluster to highly threatening very quickly.

Round 2, Pick 36 – Baba Miller – Florida Atlantic – Los Angeles Clippers

Coming into FAU for his junior season, anyone who had seen him play on a court knew that Baba Miller was an NBA talent, but after a single season under John Jakus, he had proven himself. The 6-foot-11 athletic big brings skill and agility to the interior. He was a highly-touted prospect coming into the draft but exceeded what many expected, getting picked just six picks into the night.

Headed to the Clippers, Miller will have to compete with players like Derrick Jones Jr. and Kobe Sanders, but as a true power forward, the former Cincinnati Bearcat will have a solid chance at cracking the lineup.

Round 2, Pick 37 – Ryan Conwell – Indiana State and South Florida – Oklahoma City Thunder (Traded to Miami Heat)

Conwell was made into a power-level talent during his time under Josh Schertz at Indiana State. While spending just one year with the Sycamores during his sophomore season after a sub-par freshman season at South Florida, the 6-foot-4 guard brough his talents to a Xavier team that immediately felt his impact. A season later, Conwell led a rejuvenated Louisville program to the AP top 25 while averaging just under 20 points per outing.

Conwell is now on his way to Miami, which is notorious for developing second-round talent to play for the recently vacated shooting guard position following Tyler Herro’s trade to the Milwaukee Bucks. All-star Norman Powell looks to serve as a valuable mentor to the four-year collegiate player.

Round 2, Pick 42 – Ja’Kobi Gillespie – Belmont – San Antonio Spurs

Gillespie looks to be the second Belmont transfer in the past three years to get NBA minutes following Will Richard’s rise with the Warriors this past season. While it has been two years since the guard has suited up for the Bruins, the 6-foot guard can credit most of his collegiate success to his development under Casey Alexander.

Joining the NBA runner-up San Antonio Spurs, it remains to be seen whether Gillespie will garner minutes with the team early on, but with a reputation of incredible development within the Spurs organization, it may be sooner rather than later that we see the Tennessee standout backing up Dylan Harper at the one.

Round 2, Pick 48 – Tobi Lawal – VCU – Dallas Mavericks

Lawal’s incredible leaping ability and athleticism had to have made NBA scouts salivate when watching him light it up at Virginia Tech, but that vertical was also on display during his time at VCU under Ryan Odom. While only starting one single game in two years with the Rams, the 6-foot-8 forward displayed enough to garner a transfer to the ACC’s Hokies and now into the NBA Draft.

Lawal comes as the second big man drafted for the Mavericks in the draft, following up Morez Johnson Jr. at pick No. 9, and he will look to stake out a claim in the now-competitive frontcourt battle headed into the 2026-27 season.

Round 2, Pick 51 – Izaiyah Nelson – South Florida and Arkansas State – Washington Wizards (Traded to Orlando Magic)

Nelson became the second player drafted straight out of a mid-major following a successful season at South Florida last year where he earned AAC Player of the Year in his first season with the Bulls. Developing under Bryan Hodgson at Arkansas State, the Marietta, Ga., native blossomed into an elite rebounder and dominant interior finisher, following his coach to USF in his final season.

The 6-foot-10 forward joins an Orlando Magic squad featuring all-star Paolo Banchero at power forward and Wendell Carter Jr. at the center position, and he will be granted the opportunity to battle for a spot in the interior under new head coach Sean Sweeney.

Round 2, Pick 57 – Jaron Pierre Jr. – Jacksonville State, Wichita State, and Southern Miss – New Orleans Pelicans

Pierre had some decently productive seasons at both Southern Miss and Wichita State, but no one in Conference USA was prepared for the 6-foot-5 guard to lead the Jacksonville State Gamecocks to the second-best record in the conference despite being picked toward the bottom in the preseason. An electric scorer that can get points at all three levels, Pierre finished off his college career at SMU this past season in the NCAA Tournament.

Pierre joins a logjam at the guard position in New Orleans but looks to fight for a position among young stars in Jeremiah Fears and Dejounte Murray.

This was the moment Austin Reaves had been waiting for. It was time for him to have his big payday and secure himself a long-term deal.

However, instead of feeling joy about thinking of all the teams that potentially wanted him, Reaves was anxious, eager to find out where he would be.

In the end, everything worked out fine. Reaves reportedly agreed to a four-year, $185 million deal with the Lakers, securing that he’ll remain with the franchise that took him back in 2021 as an undrafted player.

In a piece by Dan Woike of The Athletic, Reaves discussed how stressful these negotiations were for him.

“I mean, it was a breath of fresh air because I hadn’t stopped thinking about where I was going to be. And it’s just like a sigh of relief,” he said in a phone interview Wednesday. “I mean, regardless of whatever played out, I’m obviously grateful and in a good position to take care of the people I love. My heart’s been in L.A. Every morning I wake up, I’m just like, ‘I hope we can get this done today.’

Reaves has always let his emotions be known.

It’s what’s made him a player Lakers fans love. During his first playoff stint, when he was torching the Grizzlies, he yelled “I’m him” on the floor, and this past season, when he tied a game against the Nuggets, he was caught saying “I love you” to the basketball on camera.

So, naturally, with his career up in the air, even for good reason, it was going to cause him to be a bit worried. Seeing a photo of him lying on the floor, relieved that he was staying with the Lakers, doesn’t feel like a cheesy social media stunt. It just seems like Reaves being himself, unbothered by what the world thinks of him.

This photo was taken by his girlfriend, capturing Reaves’ reaction on the golf course Wednesday. “That's the picture of a dude that gets more opportunities to win a chip in L.A.,” the source close to Reaves told ESPN. https://t.co/IrWbxlXwX0

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 24, 2026

While the Lakers ended up offering him a max deal, it was reported that teams like the Pistons were interested in signing him. It’s naturally good to be wanted, but this also put Reaves’ future up in the air, and he wasn’t sure he was going to remain in LA.

“A couple of times actually,” Reaves said. “I didn’t know how negotiations would go. I don’t think Aaron and Reggie really knew how negotiations would go, so we learned a lot throughout the process. But like I said, we wanted to be in L.A., my heart was in L.A., and we got it done.”

During this process, Reaves made it clear he wanted to remain a Laker, and the franchise has obliged.

Now, this great tale of the Lakers hitting the jackpot by discovering Reaves can continue for years to come. They have secured Luka Dončić’s backcourt partner, and everyone seems thrilled about the situation.

Reaves can get off the golf course now and celebrate with his family and friends. This new deal means LA can now be his forever home, and the Lakers, potentially the only team he ever plays for.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

Braden Smith was not the only Purdue player that heard his name get called tonight at the NBA Draft. Trey Kaufman-Renn was one of the final picks, going 59th out of 60 picks to the Timberwolves. ESPN had this to say about the late pick:

Kaufman-Renn is likely a G League dart throw for the Timberwolves. I enjoyed watching him shoot floaters live for the last four years.

That’s a fair assessment, to be honest. TKR did not have much of a three-point shot, but it was there as he was 18 of 64 for his career from long range, but 13 of those 18 makes came in his first two seasons on the floor. He still had a solid midrange game and he is a strong rebounder and post player. How his athleticism matches up in the league is going to be interesting.

Ultimately, he may end up like Vince Edwards, who was also a late pick and he made it into just two games for the Rockets, hitting a single three-pointer.

That’s the tough break of being a late second rounder, however. He should get plenty of run in the G Leaguewith the Iowa Wolves in Des Moines. The wolves are a rising team, too with Anthony Edwards, so if he can find a spot it will be on a solid team.

The Milwaukee Bucks did not have a selection when the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft began, but that changed when they acquired the No. 60 overall pick from the Orlando Magic for cash considerations.

The Washington Wizards held this pick going into the night, but sent it to the Magic for the draft rights to Tennessee big man Felix Okpara. With the final pick in the draft, the Bucks selected small forward Malique Lewis, who has played in the NBL with the South East Melbourne Phoenix for the past two seasons.

Lewis, 21, is originally from Trinidad and Tobago, but moved to Spain at the age of 16 to grow and develop. Lewis spent two years in Spain with Gwen Labrada before moving to the G League to play for the Mexico City Capitanes in the 2023-24 campaign. That season, he played in 50 games and averaged 8.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

Lewis’ experience in the G League should be intriguing for the Bucks, and it’s possible that he could be a contributor for the Wisconsin Herd going into the upcoming season.

At 6-8, Lewis has the frame for an NBA player and his defense is his calling card. His 3-and-D profile is something worth investing in for the Bucks as they move towards the future.

Brew Hoop community, how do you feel about the Bucks going back into the second round to take Lewis? Start the conversation and let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

It’s time for night two of the 2026 NBA Draft.

After 30 first-rounders were selected on Tuesday night, another 30 players will hear their names called in Wednesday’s second round.

As of the time of publishing, the Philadelphia 76ers do not have a pick in the second round. The franchise made their lone pick last night, selecting Labaron Philon Jr. at No. 22 overall. The guard was the first pick made by new Sixers President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey. Gansey, speaking to reporters after the first round concluded last night, spoke on the possibility of the Sixers trading into Wednesday’s second round.

Gansey said he's "going to be aggressive." Said the team has several needs and they could look to target someone in the second round. https://t.co/3nLPv6h7eT

— Paul Hudrick (@PaulHudrick) June 24, 2026

Whether something actually comes of that or not, we’ll just have to wait and see. There were already a number of second round picks traded around the league last night, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see more movement tonight.

The second round begins at 8 p.m. ET! Just as we did throughout the first round, we will keep you posted on all of the picks live as they happen, right here on this page. Follow along and discuss in the comments below!

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Round 2

No. 31 – Bruce Thornton (Ohio State, G) to the Houston Rockets* (via NYK).

No. 32 – Richie Saunders (Brigham Young, G) selected by the Memphis Grizzlies.

No. 33 – Isaiah Evans (Duke, G) to the Minnesota Timberwolves* (via BKN, pick acquired in the Julius Randle trade).

No. 34 – Meleek Thomas (Arkansas, G) to the Cleveland Cavaliers* (via SAC).

No. 35 – Trevon Brazile (Arkansas, C/F) to the Denver Nuggets* (via SAS).

No. 36 – Baba Miller (Cincinnati, F) selected by the Los Angeles Clippers.

No. 37 – Ryan Conwell (Louisville, G) to the Miami Heat* (via OKC).

No. 38 – Braden Smith (Purdue, G) to the Indiana Pacers* (via CHI).

No. 39 – Jack Kayil (Germany, G) to the New York Knicks* (via HOU).

No. 40 – Dillon Mitchell (St. John’s, F) selected by the Boston Celtics.

No. 41 – Otega Oweh (Kentucky, G) to the Oklahoma City Thunder* (via MIA).

No. 42 – Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee, G) selected by the San Antonio Spurs.

No. 43 – Tyler Bilodeau (UCLA, F) selected by the Brooklyn Nets.

No. 44 – Maliq Brown (Duke, C/F) selected by the San Antonio Spurs.

No. 45 – Emanuel Sharp (Houston, G) selected by the Sacramento Kings.

No. 46 – Felix Okpara (Tennessee, F) to the Washington Wizards* (via ORL).

No. 47 – Tyler Nickel (Vanderbilt, F) selected by the New York Knicks.

No. 48 – Tobi Lawal (Virginia Tech, F) selected by the Dallas Mavericks.

No. 49 – Bryce Hopkins (St. John’s, F) selected by the Denver Nuggets.

No. 50 – Jaden Bradley (Arizona, G) selected by the Toronto Raptors.

No. 51 – Izaiyah Nelson (South Florida, F) to the Orlando Magic* (via WSH).

No. 52 – Henri Veesaar (North Carolina, C) to the Atlanta Hawks* (via LAC).

No. 53 – Ugonna Onyenso (Virginia, C) to the Detroit Pistons* (via NYK).

No. 54 – Lajae Jones (Florida State, G) selected by the Golden State Warriors.

No. 55 – Nick Martinelli (Northwestern, F) to the Los Angeles Clippers* (via HOU).

No. 56 – Vsevolod Ishchenko (Russia, G) to the Dallas Mavericks* (via LAL).

No. 57 – Narcisse Ngoy (Auburn, C) to the Los Angeles Clippers* (via ATL).

No. 58 – Jaron Pierre Jr. (SMU, G) selected by the New Orleans Pelicans.

No. 59 – Trey Kaufman-Renn (Purdue, F) selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

No. 60 – Malique Lewis (Trinidad & Tobago, F) to the Milwaukee Bucks* (via WSH).

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*Trades technically unofficial until July 6.

The Dallas Mavericks traded back into the late second round and selected Russian guard Vsevolod Ishchenko with the 56th pick of the 2026 NBA Draft.

Dallas bought the pick from the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The Mavericks sent cash to the Lakers for Vsevolod Ishchenko at 56, sources said. https://t.co/638X6OhLVi

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 25, 2026

Needless to say, Ishchenko is a very raw prospect. A 6’8 guard with a 7’0 wingspan born in Russia and brought up through their youth basketball development system, Ishchenko averaged 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, two assists, and 1.3 steals per game across 43 games during the 2025-2026 season for Lokomotiv Kuban, a pro team from the Russan VTB United League.

Some scouts love the potential Ishchenko has as a future two-way player, but he will obviously need a lot of seasoning and need to face better competition. This feels like either a draft-and-stash move, or a G-League addition, which Ishchenko will need to get used to NBA basketball. As a dart throw, it seems fun! The chances of Ishchenko ever stepping on an NBA court in a Mavericks jersey are very low, but you can never find a hidden gem if you never give yourself a chance, something the previous two Mavericks front office regimes never seemed to understand.

The Lakers buy back into the draft to select Kuban's Vsevolod Ishchenko with the 56th pick of the 2026 NBA Draft.

The 6'8" Russian with a 7'0" wingspan brings two-way versatility, flashy playmaking, and athletic upside to the table.

Late talent swing on the draft's mystery man. pic.twitter.com/LhRvYmhmrQ

— Jon Chepkevich (@JonChep) June 25, 2026

This marks the fourth Maverick drafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, after Dallas used their ninth overall pick for Morez Johnson Jr., traded up from 30 to 25 to grab Sergio de Larrea, then earlier in the second round drafted Tobi Lawal. While we have no idea how any of these guys will pan out, it’s clear this new Mavericks front office values the draft and wanting as many bites from the apple as possible.

Moments after trading backup center Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Pistons traded into the second round and selected college basketball’s premier shot blocker in Ugonna Onyenso of Virginia. It’s hard to get too excited by a player who lasts until the 53rd pick in the draft, but Onyenso has some eye-popping stats.

Draft analyst Rich Stayman says, “Onyenso ended up 29th on my board, because I think his shot blocking is extremely special (the only high major player to have 15+ BLK% and under 3 fouls per 40 minutes, which he did TWICE in college). He can play in the NBA, especially since his shot has been growing.”

Let’s dig a bit deeper.

Onyenso is a legit 7-footer with a 7-foot, 4.75-inch wingspan. He blocked 17.4% of shots at Virginia and 15.1% of shots overall during his four-year college career at Kentucky, Kansas State, and Virginia.

He projects to add legitimate rim pressure as a vertical big man, and he is not shy about trying to add a 3-point shot to his game as he looks to stick in the NBA. He is far from a high-usage player, but more than 20% of his field goal attempts were threes during his senior season. He connected at a 27.8% clip. He also shot 76% and 72% from the free-throw line the past two season, so there is reason to believe an actual shot could develop if given time.

The NBA.com draft profile is a nice summation of why its OK to be excited by Onyenso.

Onyenso protects the rim at an elite level with a lengthy seven-foot frame. He led his draft class in block rate by a wide margin and capped his college career with nine blocks against Duke in the ACC Tournament. He doesn’t bite on pump fakes, stays vertical and keeps himself out of foul trouble. His footwork holds up well enough to switch onto guards in short bursts. On offense, he’s a vertical spacer who dunks lobs and cleans the offensive glass. As a senior, Onyenso started flashing the willingness to extend his shooting range.

Projection

Onyenso projects as a defensive-anchoring center who can step into an NBA rotation right away and protect the paint. The shooting touch he started to flash at Virginia hints at another layer of offensive growth still coming. He’s drawn NBA comparisons to Daniel Gafford and Moussa Diabate. NBA front offices have always found rotation minutes for Onyenso’s playstyle. He could carve out a long career as the paint-protecting big that contenders covet on the back end of their rotation.