Wednesday marks the beginning of the second round in the 2026 NBA Draft, where numerous promising players remain available for selection.
As Day 2 commences at 8 p.m. ET, with 30 drafts yet to be announced, we explore the leading prospects still in contention.
Below, we highlight the top 10 players still on the table, using insights from major mock drafts to assess where these talents were initially positioned.
The New York Knicks hold the first pick in this round at No. 31. However, there’s speculation about a potential trade, an activity reminiscent of their strategies in Round 1.
Best available remaining players for NBA Draft 2026 Round 2
1. Henri Veesaar (6’11, Center, North Carolina)
Top rank spotted: No. 19 (According to J. Kyle Mann, The Ringer)
Other notable rankings: No. 26 (Kevin O’Connor, Yahoo Sports), No. 28 (Jeremy Woo, ESPN)
Strengths: A mobile stretch five that should be able to pick and pop in the NBA. Solid passer and improved each season of college. Averaged 17 points per game with 8.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists (42.6 percent from 3) in his third year at UNC.
Weaknesses: Too skinny for 6’11, weighing just 227 pounds. Not a physical defender as a result and evaluators are split on whether he will successfully be able to defend the rim.
2. Isaiah Evans (6’6, Wing, Duke)
Highest ranking: No. 25 (ESPN)
Other notable rankings: No. 28 (Yahoo Sports), No. 29 (Ringer)
Strengths: Well-dressed at the NBA draft. Does not need the ball to score. A strong shooter that should develop into a solid defender. Potential 3-and-D guy.
Weaknesses: Not an elite athlete, does not create his own shot and his ball-handling needs work.
3. Meleek Thomas (6’4, Guard, Arkansas)
Highest ranking: No. 24 (Yahoo Sports)
Other notable rankings: No. 28 (Ringer), No. 29 (ESPN)
Strengths:This guy was a bucket in college for John Calipari. A real fearless scorer who can fill it up with ease. A true freshman with plenty of room to grow at 19.
Weaknesses: Hero ball could be an issue at the next level. Will need to work well off the ball and find his shot without controlling the offense, especially without draft pick equity falling to the second round.
4. Ryan Conwell (6’4, guard, Louisville)
Highest ranking: No. 27 (The Ringer)
Other notable rankings: No. 34 (Yahoo Sports) No. 35 (ESPN)
Strengths: Should be a solid defender at the next level and has a consistently solid jump shot. Led Louisville in scoring and shoots with seemingly limitless range.
Weaknesses: Average athlete that doesn’t create much off the dribble. Inconsistent at times with scoring.
5. Baba Miller (6’11, Center/PF, Cincinnati)
Highest ranking: No. 24 (The Ringer)
Other notable rankings: No. 34 (ESPN), No. 47 (Yahoo Sports)
Strengths: Rare size plus skill combination. Able to run the floor and may develop into a player who can defend all positions.
Weaknesses: Might need his entire jump shot reworked at this level. Miller was from Spain and spent four years at Cincinnati (22 years old). Will need to develop the jump shot quickly to be useful at the next level.
6. Richie Saunders (6’5, guard, BYU)
Highest ranking: No. 27 (Yahoo Sports)
Other notable rankings: No. 34 (Ringer), No. 37 (ESPN)
Strengths: Played with AJ Dybantsa and was a high-motor defender with a penchant for forcing turnovers and has a quick-trigger jumper with soft floater touch.
Weaknesses: Turns 25 this year and tore his ACL in Feb. Already was lacking elite athleticism and ideal size.
7. Jack Kayil (6’4, guard, Alba Berlin)
Highest ranking: No. 29 (Yahoo Sports)
Other notable rankings: No. 35 (Ringer) No. 36 (ESPN)
Strengths: Could be a draft-and-stash candidate. Strong season in Germany after decommitting from Gonzaga. Should be a good defender at the next level and is still just 19.
Weaknesses: An inefficient scorer with an inconsistent jump shot.
8. Maliq Brown (6’8, forward, Duke)
Highest ranking: No. 32 (The Ringer)
Other notable rankings: No. 40 (Yahoo Sports) No. 56 (ESPN)
Strengths: Defensive prowess could be elite. Switchable defender.
Weaknesses: Nearly no offense to speak of — 16.7 percent from 3 and 50 percent from the free throw line. Too small to play center.
9. Emanuel Sharp (6’3, guard, Houston)
Highest ranking: No. 38 (ESPN)
Other notable rankings: No. 41 (Ringer and Yahoo Sports)
Strengths: Could be an elite shooting specialist at the next level. Willing defender.
Weaknesses: Undersized and uneven playmaker.
10. Dillon Mitchell (6’7, Wing, St. John’s)
Highest ranking: No. 39 (Ringer)
Other notable rankings: No. 40 (ESPN), No. 44 (Yahoo Sports)
Strengths: Explosive athlete and finisher at the rim who can create havoc on defense.
Weaknesses: Poor shooter, as many with St. John’s dealt with last year. Will need to develop into a better shooter before he can be playable at the next level.