Mock Draft Projects Second-Round Selections and Team Fits

Analyst Adam Finkelstein has mapped out the likely second-round selections of the 2026 NBA draft, assigning each prospect to a team that could use their particular abilities. The list begins with Henri Veesaar, a 6-foot-11 center from North Carolina, who slipped to the 31st pick after forgoing NIL earnings; the New York Knicks are projected to take him for front-court depth. Guard Meleek Thomas, a freshman from Arkansas, is slated for Memphis, while Duke sophomore Isaiah Evans is expected to land in Minnesota, where his shooting could open space for Anthony Edwards.

Other notable projections include senior forward Baba Miller heading to Cleveland for his size and playmaking, and BYU senior Richie Saunders, recovering from an ACL injury, slated for Denver as a potential floor-spacer. The Los Angeles Clippers could add rim-protector Ugonna Onyenso, while Oklahoma City may target high-level shooter Ryan Conwell. Chicago is projected to select Otega Oweh for his two-way grit, and Houston could acquire point guard Braden Smith as insurance behind Fred VanVleet.

Boston is linked with versatile center Nate Bittle, Miami with sharpshooter Emanuel Sharp, and San Antonio with forward Trevon Brazile, who could complement Victor Wembanyama. Brooklyn’s projected pick Tyler Nickel is highlighted for his shooting, and the New York Knicks could also consider front-court depth with Tobi Lawal. The Magic are tied to UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau for his spacing ability, while the Suns may look at Felix Okpara and Dillon Mitchell for front-court depth.

Later picks feature a range of international and domestic prospects, including Noam Yaacov as a draft-and-stash asset for Washington, and several guards and forwards projected to fill specific roles on teams such as the Warriors, Hawks, and Pelicans. Finkelstein’s projections emphasize each player’s statistical strengths, positional rankings, and how they might address team needs in the upcoming season.