The 2026 NBA Draft commenced on Tuesday evening, with the first round concluding and some unexpected selections being made. As the second round approaches, several promising prospects remain available, including players who were not anticipated to fall past the first round.
The Utah Jazz hold the second overall pick in this year’s draft, matching the highest pick the team has ever held. In 1980, the team selected Darrell Griffith with the second pick. This year, the Jazz do not possess any other picks.
Among the top prospects widely discussed for the early picks are AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer. Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 wing, led the nation in scoring during his freshman year at BYU. He is recognized for his athleticism and ability to pressure defenses with his midrange game and frequent trips to the free-throw line. However, areas for improvement include his defensive performance and 3-point shooting. Dybantsa has expressed his ambition to bring a championship to whichever team drafts him.
Peterson, a 6-foot-6 guard from Kansas, was initially projected as a potential No. 1 pick. He is considered a strong shooter among the draft’s top talents. His freshman campaign was marked by injuries and cramping issues, which could be a point of consideration for teams. Despite this, Peterson has stated he is feeling well and is back to his full capabilities.
Boozer, the son of former Jazz player Carlos Boozer, was named the NCAA player of the year during his season at Duke. Standing at 6-foot-9, he offers a diverse set of offensive skills. Questions surrounding his defensive play and his specific position in the NBA remain. Boozer aims to surpass his father’s career achievements.
Another notable prospect is Caleb Wilson from North Carolina, a 6-foot-10 player known for his athleticism and motor, particularly around the rim, suggesting an immediate defensive impact. His shooting ability has been a subject of discussion, though he believes he shoots better than credited.
Second Round Prospects
As the second round of the draft approaches, several players are still available who could prove to be significant selections. Historically, the second round has produced players who have far exceeded their draft position, such as Nikola Jokić, a three-time Kia MVP selected as the No. 41 pick in 2014, and Jalen Brunson, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, who was the 33rd pick in 2018. More recently, Jaylen Wells was a strong rotational player for the Memphis Grizzlies after being selected at No. 39 in 2024.
Among the top prospects remaining for the second round is Isaiah Evans, a sophomore guard from Duke. Evans was the only player invited to the green room who was not selected in the first round. He returned to Duke for his sophomore season to improve his 3-point shot selection and physical strength, averaging 15 points per game and playing a crucial role in postseason games, including a 25-point performance against St. John’s in the Sweet 16.
Henri Veesaar, a junior center from North Carolina, is another highly-rated prospect. He chose to remain in the draft this year following a coaching change at UNC. Veesaar made a significant leap this season after transferring from Arizona. He is noted for his size, strong hands, and physicality at the rim.
Meleek Thomas, a freshman guard/forward from Arkansas, showed promising improvements during his freshman year. He played both on and off the ball and contributed to Arkansas winning an SEC Tournament title.
Baba Miller, a senior forward from Cincinnati, is valued for his length and versatility. He improved his mid-range game and became a strong rebounder, averaging a double-double in his senior season with 2.4 offensive rebounds per game.
Trevon Brazile, a senior forward from Arkansas, transferred from Missouri and overcame an ACL injury to regain his athleticism. He recorded 53 dunks in his senior season and is a floor spacer who can contribute to a team’s front court.
Richie Saunders, a senior guard from BYU, demonstrated his scoring ability with 33 points, including six 3-pointers, 10 rebounds, and two steals in a game against Kansas. His senior season was cut short due to an ACL injury suffered on February 14. Despite this, he is recognized for his quick shot release and toughness in his senior season.
Jaden Bradley, a senior guard from Arizona, was named the Big 12 Player of the Year and led Arizona to the Final Four. He has proven his ability to play alongside other lead guards.
Jack Kayil, a 19-year-old international guard from Germany, played for ALBA Berlin, averaging 12.3 points in 21 minutes per game. He also played for the German national team in the U19 FIBA World Cup, drawing attention from NBA scouts. He is expected to be the first European player selected in the second round.
The second round of the NBA Draft is scheduled for Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. ET at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Source: nba.com