Sacramento Kings nab Emanuel Sharp in NBA Draft: Why you should love the grade

The Sacramento Kings selections continue to win the 2026 NBA Draft.

On Night 2, the Kings selected Emanuel Sharp with the No. 45 pick of the second round.

The 6-foot-3 guard out of Houston should not be slept on. He's a defensive guy, who can spread the floor with his shooting capability.

Sharp helped the Cougars advance to the Elite Eight. In the 2025-26 season, he averaged 15.5 points on 37.2% from 3-point range. He set the school record for most career 3-pointers with 309, passing current Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser.

He was a 2025-26 All-Big 12 First Team and All-Defensive Team selection as a senior. He can come in and claim minutes in Sacramento by being a guy who plays alongside Darius Acuff Jr., coexisting through the intangibles of knocking down shots and guarding perimeter players.

Here's our grade for the Sacramento Kings' second round selection:

NBA Draft grades: Grading Kings' second-round pick: Emanuel Sharp

Here's how USA TODAY Sports grades the Sacramento Kings' second-round draft selection:

  • The grade: A
  • Why?: If you've read our recent Kings draft coverage, then you'd know that Sharp was one of the players suggested that Sacramento should target. For good reason, too. Again, Sharp is offensively sharp. He gets to the rim, he slashes. He plays defense. This is a fitting piece to the pillars that the Kings continue to discuss.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Kings grab NBA Draft gold with Emanuel Sharp pick

Felix Okpara drafted by the Orlando Magic in the second round of the NBA draft, then traded

Mar 13, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Felix Okpara (34) blocks the shot of Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The Tennessee Volunteers saw their third expected player to go off the board in the NBA Draft, and the second in the second round in center Felix Okpara.

Tennessee’s rim protector last season was picked by the Orlando Magic with pick No. 46 overall.

It seemed like Okpara was heading to central Florida to join a young Magic team on the rise. However, as very often is the case in the NBA Draft, a curveball landed a few minutes later.

Okpara was quickly traded to the Washington Wizards.

I find Okpara’s prospects to be very interesting. While he doesn’t possess the offensive game to make too much of an impact in the NBA, there’s no denying his abilities on the defensive end and on the glass at both ends. That ability brings a lot of value in at least a rotational role on the Wizards’ bench. You never know for sure if a second-round pick will stick, but I’m willing to bank on a big body in the lane who can guard the rim like he does.

Okpara will be joining a Wizards team that’s undergone quite the facelift. They have some interesting pieces in guard Trey Young and big man Anthony Davis. The Wizards also took BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick, so there’s star potential there.

Like Gillespie, we’ll see how summer ball goes for Okpara, and what kind of impact he can make with his new team.

Congrats, Felix!

NBA Draft: Henri Veesaar selected 52nd overall by the Atlanta Hawks

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) celebrates after a play against the VCU Rams in the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Welcome to the NBA Henri Veesaar. With the 52nd pick in the second round, the Atlanta Hawks selected the former Tar Heel center and starting his NBA career. So what does Veesaar bring to the NBA?

Strengths

In today’s NBA there is nothing more valuable than a stretch four and despite playing the five at North Carolina, Veesaar should fit in great in that role. Not only does he bring the obvious size, but he also brings the three point shooting to help stretch the floor and create space for driving guards and big men with less range. Additionally, Veesaar knows how to use his size on defense getting rebounds and blocks. Finally, Veesaar is also a good passer after averaging over two assists per game last season for the Tar Heels.

Areas of Improvement

There are two main areas that Veesaar is going to need to improve on. The first is adding weight. Despite being seven feet tall, Veesaar is not very big at a slim 225 lbs. The smaller frame will make him susceptible to injury when going up against much bigger post players in the NBA. Luckily for him, that is something that can be quickly remedied by just being drafted and getting into a full professional strength and conditioning program.

Secondly, he needs to work on his free throw shooting. Veesaar’s free throw shooting percentage of 61.5% was the tenth worst on the Tar Heels this past season and something that other NBA teams will take advantage of which in turn will limit his minutes. This is probably one of the more disturbing aspects of his game as his percentage has dropped every season in college as his attempts per game went up as well.

If he can get these areas fixed he should be able to provide some minutes for his new team this season.

Knicks 2026 NBA Draft: New York selects Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel with No. 47 pick in second round

Here are all of the Knicks' picks from the 2026 NBA Draft...

DAY 2

New York continued their trend of trading down, moving from No. 31 to No. 39 in a deal with the Houston Rockets, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The Knicks also sent pick No. 55 in exchange for No. 53 and a 2029 Kings second-rounder.

Houston used the No. 31 pick on Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton.

SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley noted that "by trading out of first pick in second round of draft, the Knicks have positioned themselves to find players more likely to accept rookie minimum deal via second round pick exception."

Second round, pick No. 39: guard Jack Kayil

With the pick acquired from Houston, the Knicks selected German guard Jack Kayil.

The 20-year-old from Berlin is listed at 6-foot-3 and 172 pounds. He joined the Alba Berlin youth academy in 2022 and rejoined the organization in 2025. In 2026, Kayil wan named the Bundesliga Best Young Player and FIBA Champions League Best Young Player, in addition to making the All-FIBA Champions League Second Team.

Kayil has represented Germany in international tournaments, helping them win gold at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket in 2022, the bronze at FIBA U18 EuroBasket in 2023, and the gold in 2024. He also led them to the silver medal at the FIBA U19 World Cup in 2025, where they lost to the United States, averaging  11.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists in the tournament.

Kayil said in his post-draft news conference that he expects to be with the Knicks for the 2026-27 season as opposed to being a draft-and-stash prospect.

Second round, pick No. 47: forward Tyler Nickel

The Knicks selected Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel with the No. 47 overall pick. This pick was one of the three second-round picks acquired from the Phoenix Suns for Koa Peat.

At 6-foot-6 and 217 pounds, Nickel is a sharpshooting wing who averaged 13.5 points per game and shot 44.5 percent from three in 7.6 three-point attempts per game during the 2025-26 season. The 22-year-old from Harrisonburg, Virginia, played four seasons of college basketball, transferring from North Carolina to Virginia Tech after one season, then doing the same to spend his final two seasons at Vanderbilt.

Second round, pick No. 53: center Ugonna Onyeso (traded)

To round out their 2026 NBA Draft, New York selected center Ugonna Onyeso from Virginia.

Although he was quickly traded to the Detroit Pistons for cash considerations, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

Onyeso, listed at 6-foot-11 and 237 pounds, used his size to record 2.92 blocks per game (leading the ACC and second nationally) last year with the Cavaliers. Born in Nigeria, he played three years at the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal before moving to the United States for high school at Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut. There, Onyeso developed into a five-star recruit and committed to Kentucky, where he played for two years with a transfer stop at Kansas State before going to UVA.

DAY 1

First round, pick No. 25: guard Sergio De Larrea (later traded)

New York started Tuesday night's first round with the No. 24 overall pick, but moved back a slot in a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers and took De Larrea out of Spain.

However, his Knicks tenure was over in the blink of an eye.

After the first round was completed, New York sent De Larrea to the Dallas Mavericks for No. 30 pick Koa Peat and two second-round picks. Peat would then be quickly traded to the Phoenix Suns for three second-round picks and cash considerations. 

So overall, they traded De Larrea for five second-round picks and cash considerations.

Begley explained that the moves saved the Knicks $3.4 million as they look to stay under the second apron for the 2026-27 season.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the NBA Draft

Mar 12, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (0) celebrates after getting fouled and making the basket against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The Tennessee Volunteers finally had another player come off the board in the 2026 NBA Draft, and it’s quite the team who picked him.

Vols guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie was tabbed by the current Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs with pick No. 42 overall in the second round of the draft on Wednesday night.

It’s obviously a tremendous opportunity for Gillespie in San Antonio, if he can carve out a role for himself on a team that’s right on the edge of the pinnacle of the sport. The Spurs have themselves to blame for losing the NBA Finals in five games to the New York Knicks. They blew massive leads in multiple games, including a 29-point gag job in Game 4 in Madison Square Garden. So, clearly, they’re good enough to win it all, and having a superstar like Victor Wembanyama makes another run a distinct possibility in 2026-27 and beyond.

So, it’s a great situation for Gillespie to land in as far as potential to win. How he fits and what kind of role he earns for himself remains to be seen.

Congrats, Ja’Kobi!

REPORT: Kam Jones Has Been Traded To Chicago

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 10: Kam Jones #7 of the Indiana Pacers brings the ball up the court against the Philadelphia 76ers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 10, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Kam Jones is going to play for my favorite NBA team, win-win! | Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

It seemed like it was going to be a quiet day on the Marquette To NBA front as there was no chance of Ben Gold or Chase Ross getting selected in Wednesday night’s second round of the NBA Draft. However, Indiana Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan and Chicago Bulls general manager Stephen Mervis had different ideas. After Chicago selected Purdue guard Braden Smith with the 8th pick of the second round and the 38th pick overall, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania broke some news on a trade:

Former Marquette guard Kam Jones is headed to the Windy City.

Indiana is trading Jones to the Bulls along with some yet to be revealed future pick swaps and cash in exchange for the draft rights to Smith.

Jones was the #38 pick one year ago, technically being selected by San Antonio before a trade that was finalized after the fact sent him to the Pacers, much like this trade will eventually be finalized because the NBA rules about the league schedule are weird and bad. Marquette’s #2 all time leading scorer appeared in 37 games for Indiana this past season as the Pacers went 19-63 with Tyrese Haliburton out for the year after suffering an Achilles tear in the 2025 NBA Finals. Jones started seven times along the way and ended up averaging 4.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 16.6 minutes per game. One thing that did not help Jones’ playing time was his 29.3% three-point shooting, and that was dragged down by shooting just 25% in Indiana’s final seven games of the season.

After being taken in the second round last year, Jones signed a three year contract with the Pacers that has a fourth season on a team option. In theory, that means that the Bulls are up for the idea of continuing Jones’ development for at least another two seasons. I would wager it means we will see him in Chicago black & red when Summer League pops up in July. Where things go from there as Tiago Splitter takes over as head coach and the Bulls move on from the front office pairing of Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley, we will have to wait and see…..


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Cavs select Meleek Thomas in NBA Draft: ‘We were excited that he was available in the second round’

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 13: Meleek Thomas #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks on during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners in the quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a type: undersized guards. They added another one to the fold as they selected 19-year-old 6’3″ guard Meleek Thomas 34th overall out of the University of Arkansas.

Thomas is a lights-out shooter. He connected on 41.6% of his 5.3 outside shots per game. This led to him averaging 15.6 points in 37 games for the Razorbacks.

That shooting is one of the things that intrigued the Cavaliers most.

“When you meet this kid, his confidence jumps off the page,” Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said in a press conference afterward. “It’s not a cocky sort of ego, he just believes, and it’s a quick flick. He doesn’t need to jump high, so he can get it off against anybody. He can get the space, he can get the step-backs. I think he’s 47% off the bounce three-point wise. When I talk about these translatable skills…these are things he has.”

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Shooting is, in fact, a translatable skill that works in every kind of lineup. There’s always more room on the floor for more shooting. But it’s fair to wonder if there’s more room on the roster for another undersized guard. Especially on a team that is dying for more size and athleticism.

Thomas joins a long list of guards that are 6’4″ or under currently on the team: Dennis Schroder, Craig Porter Jr., Donovan Mitchell, Keon Ellis (unrestricted free agent), Tyrese Proctor, and Sam Merrill. Ideally, you don’t want more than one undersized guard on the court at a time. At most, two is the limit. That makes this selection curious from a roster construction standpoint. Although it’s fair to point out that this group could look drastically different by the time training camp opens up or when Thomas is ready for rotation minutes.

Altman acknowledged this issue, but pointed out that you don’t always have the luxury of drafting for fit when you’re selecting 34th overall. “When you get to this part in the draft, you’re drafting for talent. … You’re drafting for who’s best available.”

The Cavs believe Thomas was the best available. Altman mentioned that they thought he was a “first-round talent” and they were impressed with what Thomas showed them when he came in for a workout. Altman compared it to what Jaylon Tyson displayed when he came in during the predraft process two years ago.

Cleveland traded back from the 29th pick in the first round for the 34th selection and a 2032 second-round pick on Tuesday evening. Altman acknowledged that the move was motivated by financial reasons as they look to “navigate this tax and second-apron bill.”

Even though moving back in the draft helped the cap sheet and the roster fit isn’t ideal, the Cavs like the skills that Thomas brings.

“We were excited that he was available in the second round,” Altman said. “Usually, a guy of that caliber of scorer, that level of shot maker, his profile, you get a lot earlier. The fact that we were able to move back and still select a player of his caliber and his shot making — one of the best shot makers in all of college basketball — is pretty exciting.”

Purdue Reader Survey Results: Predicting the NBA Draft

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 13: Braden Smith drives to the basket during the game during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 13, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

As I type this we’ve got Braden Smith drafted by the Chicago Bulls oh wait he’s been traded to the Indiana Pacers with #38 in the 2nd round of the NBA Draft. That’s a great landing spot for him and should put him on a pretty good team assuming that everyone on the Pacers comes back healthy. Not only that, but it places him in Indiana a state that he is obviously very familiar with as he played both high school and college ball here. Now, we wait to see if any other Boilermaker player gets their name called on the second night of this draft. As part of this week’s survey I asked you how many players you thought would be drafted and we closed this one early since the draft end tonight. So, here are the results.

Already 11% of respondents are wrong because they thought zero Purdue players would get drafted. Every other number is still on the board, though I gotta admit it that 2% who said four are sure optimistic. Oscar Cluff and TKR are still on the board and have a shot but it will be a long night for them as they would likely be toward the very end of the draft. So stay tuned to see how Boilermakers make it to the Association.

Continue to check out our friends at FanDuel for how this impacts NBA odds.

Clippers select forward Baba Miller in second round of NBA draft

Baba Miller with NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum after being selected by the Clippers on Wednesday.
Baba Miller with NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum after being selected by the Clippers on Wednesday. (Yuki Iwamura / Associated Press)

The Clippers chose Spanish forward Baba Miller with the 36th overall selection in the NBA draft Wednesday at Barclays Center.

Miller came through Real Madrid’s famous youth academy before playing at Florida State, Florida Atlantic and Cincinnati. As a senior at Cincinnati, the 6-11, 208-pound Miller averaged 13 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 blocks per game.

The Clippers already bolstered their backcourt during the draft by taking guard Keaton Wagler fifth overall in the first round Tuesday. Wagler is expected to pair immediately with All-Star guard Darius Garland with the Clippers trying to win their first playoff series since 2021.

Read more:NBA draft 2026: Live second-round pick-by-pick coverage

The Clippers added frontcourt depth during last season’s draft with Yanic Konan Niederhauser, but the 6-11 center suffered a Lisfranc injury in March and missed the end of the season. After trading starting center Ivica Zubac to the Pacers midseason, helping the Clippers secure the draft pick that turned into this year’s top-five selection, the team only had 38-year-old Brook Lopez at center.

Miller was just one of three players nationally to average at least 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists this season. He was the first Bearcat to lead the team in points, rebounds and assists since Oscar Robertson in 1959-60.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Braden Smith Goes #38 to the Indiana Pacers

Braden Smith is headed down I-65 from Purdue to Indianapolis as the Indiana Pacers acquired the local point guard via an immediate trade with the Chicago Bulls. This is the most ideal situation for a player who has been at the forefront of basketball in Indiana for over five years as Tyrese Haliburton recovers from a major injury that forced him to miss all of the 2025-2026 season. Smith will likely eventually replace veteran TJ McConnell as the guard for the second unit.

Indiana’s style of play lends itself wonderfully for Smith as he will not be asked to do anything other than what he is very good at already. The Pacers have shooters surrounding lead guard Tyrese Haliburton already and Smith will benefit from that established culture and style of play.

More from Hammer and Rails on the other three Boilers who are waiting for where their NBA destination will lead.

It's business as usual for Clippers amid Kawhi Leonard investigation

INGLEWOOD, CA — The L.A. Clippers continue to take a business-as-usual approach to the offseason.

Veteran Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers remain in close communication regarding the future direction of the team, including NBA draft-related topics. Regardless of what the future holds for the team, the franchise remains tied to the superstar player while an NBA investigation remains ongoing. 

The league is investigating team owner Steve Ballmer, Leonard and his uncle/advisor Dennis Robertson. All three men were allegedly involved in a “no-show” agreement with a company, Aspiration, to funnel extra compensation to the player as part of a salary cap circumvention. Leonard, Ballmer and other team executives were reportedly interviewed as part of the investigation.

“I can’t comment on the specifics of the investigation, but what I can say is we did not do what we are accused of doing,” said Lawrence Frank, the Clippers' president of basketball operations. “The investigation has had no impact on how we go about our business. We just continue to go about our business as normal.”

The law firm tasked with running the investigation is expected to deliver its findings to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who will decide on any potential discipline. Silver indicated during a press conference in early June that the investigation needs to be wrapped up and have some finality.

“The team has to understand what situation they are going to be operating under and so do the other 29 teams,” Silver said.

A few teams, including the Golden State Warriors, may be closely monitoring Leonard’s status and could be interested in trading for him.

The Warriors reportedly checked in with the Clippers about Leonard leading up to the trade deadline in February, but Ballmer did not want to move his star player, in contrast to what the team did with Ivica Zubac and James Harden.

Leonard has one more year left on his contract with the Clippers, worth $50.3 million. The star will become a free agent if he is not signed to an extension. He played in 65 games last season, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Clippers comment on Kawhi Leonard investigation

Bruce Thornton drafted to the Houston Rockets with the 31st pick in the 2026 NBA Draft

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 24: Bruce Thornton shakes hands with Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum after he is drafted 31st overall by the New York Knicks in Round Two of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 24, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images

“With the 31st pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select Bruce Thornton, a guard from The Ohio State University.”

Ohio State’s all-time leading scorer and the only four-time captain in program history, Thornton heard his name called on Wednesday night during the second round of the draft, and will now have to work to earn a spot on the Rockets roster in the fall. Thornton is the first Ohio State men’s basketball player drafted since Brice Sensabaugh — who was in Thornton’s recruiting class — went 28th overall to the Utah Jazz in 2023.

Thornton was a three-time All-Big Ten honoree while at Ohio State, was one of just two Big Ten players ever to finish their career with 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists, and finished second all-time in program history in starts (136). He only missed one game in his college career — a game against Nebraska his sophomore season — due to a migraine that hit him shortly before game time.

Thornton averaged 19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game last season, shooting a hyper efficient 55.4% overall, 40% from three-point range, and 82.9% from the free throw line.

At 6-feet tall and 223 pounds, Thornton is stockier and shorter than a prototypical NBA point guard, but the ability to shoot the ball is transferrable anywhere, and Thornton proved in his college career that he can make any shot on the floor. According to Jam Hines of No Ceilings NBA, Thornton’s size and his age (22) were always going to count against him in this draft, but, “Because of what be does shooting the ball, he’s going to be a good fit anywhere.”

While talking to Land-Grant Holy Land on May 21 on the Bucketheads Podcast, Hines specifically pointed out Houston as a potential landing spot for Thornton, saying, “I think the Rockets would make a lot of sense, too. You have the defensive infrastructure there for the most part with (Amen) Thompson (being) there, a good defender. Tari Eason, Steven Adams too when he comes back. And we kind of saw what happened with them just running out of guards last year.”

As the first pick of the second round, Thornton will have a real shot at making Houston’s opening night roster. If not, Thornton will likely bounce between the Rockets and their G-League team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, based in Edinburg, Texas. Last year’s 31st overall pick, Rasheer Fleming, was drafted by the Phoenix Suns. He appeared in 31 games for the Suns this past season, averaging 12.2 minutes per game. After the draft, he signed a 4-year, $8.7-million dollar contract. Look for Thornton to agree to something similar.

Congratulations to Bruce, we look forward to watching your sensational career continue at the highest level!

Richie Saunders Selected by Memphis Grizzlies in Second Round of NBA Draft

WACO, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 10: Richie Saunders #15 of the BYU Cougars is introduced as a starter before a game against the Baylor Bears at Foster Pavilion on February 10, 2026 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Scott Wachter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After AJ Dybantsa went #1 overall the Washington Wizards Tuesday night in the NBA Draft, Richie Saunders was selected in the second round at pick #32 by the Memphis Grizzlies .

After serving a two-year LDS Church mission, Richie began his career for BYU in 2022-2023 where he spent four years and will go down as one of the best players in BYU program history. Richie went from role player in his first two seasons under Mark Pope to Big 12 Most Improved Player and First Team All-Big 12 as a junior in Kevin Young’s first season. Richie’s points, rebounds, and assists all increased as a senior alongside AJ Dybantsa before Richie tore his ACL versus Colorado on Valentine’s Day.

As a junior in 2024-25, Richie averaged 16.5 points and 4.5 rebounds with 52/43/84 shooting splits. He was BYU’s best player despite playing alongside star freshman Egor Demin, who was drafted #8 by the Brooklyn Nets. Richie average 18 points and 6 boards as a senior on 49/38/82 splits and tore his ACL 25 games into the season.

Richie’s shooting prowess is easy to spot on film, but his hustle and tenacity are what will get him to stick around in the NBA. Richie averaged 2 offensive rebounds per game as a senior, and has what Kevin Young calls an “uncommon” motor. Richie was BYU’s glue guy his first two season, and kept that mentality his final two seasons despite being one of BYU’s star players.

He is one of BYU’s most beloved players ever, and I have no doubt Grizzlies fans will embrace him as well.

Rockets trade with champion Knicks, select Bruce Thornton at No. 31

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 19: Bruce Thornton #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts after a three-point basket against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Houston Rockets are starting the second round of the NBA Draft with a bang.

Going into the night, the Rockets held the No. 39 and 53 picks, but they made a trade with the New York Knicks for the first pick in the second round. In the deal, the Rockets acquired Nos. 31 and 55 for Nos. 39 and 53. Houston also sent a 2029 second-round pick to New York in the deal. ESPN insider Shams Charania was the first to report the news.

With the No. 31 overall pick, the Rockets selected Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton, who is the all-time leading scorer in Buckeyes history.

“What we’ve been able to do as we constructed this roster is put multiple playmakers out on the floor so we can move him into different areas and different spots, and he doesn’t always have to playmake with the ball in his hands and the guys can create some stuff for him,” Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler said in March.

“He got a couple of catch and shoot threes today that those other guys created for him and that versatility for us, I think makes us really hard to guard.”

Standing six feet tall, Thornton is undersized, but his ability to create should help the Rockets depth at the point guard position, which was sorely needed this season.

TDS community, what do you make of the Rockets’ decision to select Thornton in a trade with the Knicks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

NBA Draft results: Pick-by-pick tracker for all 60 selections in 2026 class

TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 3: Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) reacts to a call during the college basketball game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Arizona State Sun Devils on March 3, 2026 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

There’s so much talent available in the 2026 NBA Draft. Read our first-round draft grades here, and check out our day one winners and losers, as well.

The hype for this group has been slowly building for years, and it reached a crescendo when a loaded freshman class immediately left a huge imprint on college basketball. NBA teams were so eager to land a top pick this year that it triggered a full-on tanking crisis, which caused the league to change the lottery rules going forward.

Finally, draft day is here. A good draft class can take teams from worst-to-first, and the recent success of the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Detroit Pistons proves it.

SB Nation has been covering this draft class for a full year. Check out our top-60 big board, read our argument for why Cameron Boozer is the best player in the class, and dive into our in-depth, reported feature on the rapid development of North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson. Now it’s time to finally see how these picks come off the board.

We’re keeping track of every pick in the 2026 NBA Draft right here. Refresh often to see each pick as it happens. It’s going to be a great night.

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchoolClass
1Washington WizardsAJ DybantsaWingBYUFreshman
2Utah JazzDarryn PetersonGuardKansasFreshman
3Memphis GrizzliesCameron BoozerForwardDukeFreshman
4Chicago BullsCaleb WilsonForwardNorth CarolinaFreshman
5Los Angeles ClippersKeaton WaglerGuardIllinoisFreshman
6Brooklyn NetsMikel Brown Jr.GuardLouisvilleFreshman
7Sacramento KingsDarius AcuffGuardArkansasFreshman
8Atlanta HawksKingston FlemingsGuardHoustonFreshman
9Dallas MavericksMorez Johnson Jr.Center/ForwardMichiganSophomore
10Milwaukee BucksBrayden BurriesGuardArizonaFreshman
11Golden State WarriorsYaxel LendeborgForwardMichiganSenior
12Oklahoma City ThunderAday MaraCenterMichiganJunior
13Milwaukee BucksNate AmentForwardTennesseeFreshman
14Charlotte HornetsHannes SteinbachForward/CenterWashingtonFreshman
15Chicago BullsDailyn SwainWingTexasJunior
16Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers) Bennett StirtzGuardIowaSenior
17Detroit PistonsEbuka OkorieGuardStanfordFreshman
18Charlotte Hornets (via Suns)Christian AndersonGuardTexas TechSophomore
19Toronto RaptorsAllen GravesForwardSanta ClaraRS Freshman
20San Antonio SpursJayden QuaintanceCenterKentuckySophomore
21Memphis GrizzliesKarim LopezForwardNZ BreakersBorn 2007
22Philadelphia 76ersLabaron PhilonGuardAlabamaSophomore
23Atlanta Hawks (via Cavs)Zuby EjioforForward/CenterSt. John’sSenior
24Los Angeles LakersCam CarrWingBaylorJunior
25Dallas MavericksSergio De LarreaGuardValenciaBorn 2005
26San Antonio SpursTarris ReedCenterUConnSenior
27Boston CelticsChris Cenac Jr.Center/ForwardHoustonFreshman
28Brooklyn NetsJoshua JeffersonForwardIowa StateSenior
29Sacramento KingsAlex KarabanForwardUConnSenior
30Phoenix SunsKoa PeatForwardArizonaFreshman
31Houston RocketsBruce ThorntonGuardOhio StateSenior
32Memphis GrizzliesRichie SaundersGuardBYUSenior
33Minnesota TimberwolvesIsaiah EvansGuardDukeSophomore
34Sacramento KingsMeleek ThomasGuardArkansasFreshman
35Denver NuggetsTrevon BrazileForward/BigArkansasSenior
36Los Angeles ClippersBaba MillerForwardCincinnatiSenior
37Miami HeatRyan ConwellGuardLouisvilleSenior
38Indiana PacersBraden SmithGuardPurdueSenior
39New York KnicksJack KayilGuardAlba BerlinBorn 2006
40Boston CelticsDillon MitchellForwardSt. John’sSenior
41Oklahoma City ThunderOtega OwehGuardKentuckySenior
42San Antonio SpursJa’Kobi GillespieGuardTennesseeSenior
43Brooklyn NetsTyler BilodeauForwardUCLASenior
44San Antonio SpursMaliq BrownCenter/ForwardDukeSenior
45Sacramento KingsEmanuel SharpGuardHoustonSenior
46Washington WizardsFelix OkparaCenterTennesseeSenior
47New York KnicksTyler NickelForwardVanderbiltSenior
48Dallas MavericksTobi LawalForwardVirginia TechSenior
49Denver NuggetsBryce HopkinsForwardSt. John’sSenior
50Toronto RaptorsJaden BradleyGuardArizonaSenior
51Washington WizardsIzaiyah NelsonForwardSouth FloridaSenior
52Atlanta HawksHenri Veesaar CenterNorth CarolinaSenior
53Detroit PistonsUgonna OnyensoCenterVirginiaSenior
54Golden State WarriorsLajae JonesForwardFlorida StateSenior
55Los Angeles ClippersNick MartinelliForwardNorthwesternSenior
56Dallas MavericksVsevolod IshchenkoForwardLokomotivBorn 2005
57Los Angeles ClippersNarcisse NgoyAuburnCenterSenior
58New Orleans PelicansJaron PierreSMUGuardSenior
59Minnesota Timberwolves
60Washington Wizards