By Sam Vecenie and John Hollinger | The Athletic, 2026-06-25 00:21:58
《The Athletic》正在对2026年NBA选秀进行实时报道。
2026年NBA选秀第二轮已落下帷幕，正如他们在首轮选秀中所做的那样，《The Athletic》的选秀专家萨姆·维塞尼 (Sam Vecenie) 和前瞻办公室内幕专家约翰·霍林格 (John Hollinger) 在每个选秀签位诞生后立即进行了分析。
在下方探索维塞尼来自2026年NBA选秀指南的球探总结、霍林格对每位次轮秀的球队适配度分析等内容。
31. 休斯敦火箭
布鲁斯·桑顿 | 6尺0寸 | 22岁
[总第37顺位 后卫14 布鲁斯·桑顿 (Bruce Thornton) 俄亥俄州立大学
身材偏矮，但凭借其力量和得分能力，具备成为替补后卫的潜力。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Bruce Thornton - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
我可能比大多数人更看好桑顿。作为一名得分手，他的技术非常纯熟，并且拥有一套非常全面的持球和无球技巧，这些技巧有望转化为NBA战力。他能很好地利用对手给他的空间，并在挡拆中保持这些优势。他的中距离得分效率极高，并且能很好地把握篮下终结的机会。他的三分球出手量也有望实现飞跃。他几乎从不失误，这让他能帮助球队赢下球权之争。
我当然担心他在防守端被对手针对。但我也认为，得益于他的力量，相比大多数6尺矮个后卫，他有更多途径在防守端达到及格线。桑顿需要提升自己的传球视野，并在防守端最大程度地发挥潜力。在NBA中，这种身材的后卫容错率几乎为零。我认为，当我们未来回看这一届选秀时，桑顿有可能会成为未能在NBA立足的球员中最好的之一。但他依然是我在这一届中给出的最高双向合同评级之一。
霍林格分析： 对于桑顿来说，这个顺位感觉稍微高了一点。他是一名高产的大学球员，但作为无球后卫身材太矮，又不是一个天然的控球后卫。休斯敦放弃了选秀资产向上交易了8个顺位来选他，而他本来有可能在第39顺位依然可用。一个积极的方面：他拥有和弗雷德·范弗利特 (Fred VanVleet) 一样像“消防栓”一样的强壮体型，也许可以向他学习。另一个积极的方面：桑顿来自我目前的家乡——佐治亚州阿尔法利塔。评分：B
32. 孟菲斯灰熊
里奇·桑德斯 | 6尺5寸 | 24岁
[总第26顺位 侧翼4 里奇·桑德斯 (Richie Saunders) 杨百翰大学
极其出色的射手和无球跑动者，如果膝盖健康，他将是量身定制的轮换侧翼。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Richie Saunders - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
桑德斯的打法很容易过渡到NBA。他是一名优秀的射手，接球投篮极其可靠，并且在如今这个不能再只当单一专才的时代，他还能做足够多的其他事情来胜任角色球员。他是一名聪明的防守者，知道自己应该出现在什么位置，还能在篮板球上提供帮助。他决策迅速，并且能高质量地惩罚对手的扑防。
问题在于他已经快25岁了，而且对于他将被要求扮演的角色来说，他的运动能力并不算太出众。像萨姆·美林 (Sam Merrill) 这样的球员比桑德斯更有爆发力，而且作为大龄新秀进入联盟时，美林显然是更好的射手。尽管如此，桑德斯依然值得一个次轮签，也是我在第二轮最喜欢的选择之一，因为他作为射手能提供即插即用的NBA级别技能，且还有更进一步的潜力。如果不是因为受伤，我可能会给他首轮末的评级。
麦克斯·斯特鲁斯 (Max Strus) 在职业生涯早期也遭遇过前交叉韧带（ACL）断裂，他需要换个球队才立足。我担心桑德斯可能需要更长的时间才能找到方向，但他看起来足够聪明，且作为射手很有天赋，应该能留在联盟。
霍林格分析： 桑德斯目前正从前交叉韧带断裂中恢复。他在联合试训时告诉我，他认为自己能在赛季开始时做好准备，但这可能是一种他需要在前半个赛季签下双向合同边康复边打球的情况，这也是我给出这个评分的潜在假设（孟菲斯的阵容已经拥挤得像早高峰一样）。在受伤前，桑德斯有机会冲进首轮。他能投篮，有一定的防守创造力，并且在篮筐附近有不错的左手终结能力。评分：B+
33. 明尼苏达森林狼
伊赛亚·埃文斯 | 6尺6寸 | 20岁
[总第35顺位 侧翼6 伊赛亚·埃文斯 (Isaiah Evans) 杜克大学
一位拥有臂展优势的无球跑动型射手，需要增强力量。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Isaiah Evans - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
对埃文斯的预测非常简单。如果你认为他能增强力量、改善防守并减少糟糕的决策，那么他很有希望成长为每个球队都渴望的那种射手。他身材高大，投篮动作干净，脚步扎实，出手点高。此外，他已经能够很舒服地在NBA风格的战术配合中完成跑动中的接球投篮。
通过进一步的培养，埃文斯很有可能成为NBA中一名有价值的球员。但鉴于他的缺陷，我们离那一天还有很长的路要走。他的阅读比赛能力不够好，而他在防守端的缺陷则源于他的防守直觉和身体天赋。近年来，我们看到许多类似的球员通过选秀进入联盟，接球投篮是他们最主要的卖点。像格雷迪·迪克 (Gradey Dick)、乔丹·霍金斯 (Jordan Hawkins)、道尔顿·克内希特 (Dalton Knecht)、朱利安·斯特劳瑟 (Julian Strawther) 等球员都曾挣扎于在NBA轮换阵容中立足。他们中的一些人会找到出路，而另一些人则不会。
霍林格分析： 我非常喜欢明尼苏达的这个选择。埃文斯投篮能力极佳，并在大二赛季展现出了长足的进步，我认为各支球队对他单薄身材的担忧有些过头了。他是目前可用新秀中最好的一个，他的远投能力正是森林狼在安东尼·爱德华兹 (Anthony Edwards) 身边非常需要的。他甚至可能在这支球队的阵容中立即获得出场机会。评分：A
34. 克利夫兰骑士
梅利克·托马斯 | 6尺3寸 | 19岁
[总第31顺位 后卫11 梅利克·托马斯 (Meleek Thomas) 阿肯色大学
一位极具天赋的得分手和射手，但糟糕的防守和鲁莽的决策令人担忧。
我喜欢托马斯打球时的那种自由度。他无所畏惧，一旦进入巅峰期，他有可能成为世界上最好的30名左右的射手之一。这具有极高的价值，如果有人在20多顺位选他，认为可以稍微约束一下他的打法，我不会感到惊讶。但对我而言，他需要修正的问题实在太多了，我怀疑他能否在自己的新秀合同结束前把这些问题全部解决。
托马斯是一个糟糕的团队防守者，他太容易盯着球看，以至于我认为在NBA生涯早期，教练们根本不敢把他放在场上。其次，他的出手选择和视野的匮乏非常离谱。这或许是可以修正的，但我并不确信他那不稳定的视野能有所改善。我还担心托马斯在起步后无法很好地减速。他很难从快节奏慢下来。他的第一步启动（从慢到快）非常出色，但他需要学会慢下来，以便打得更有掌控力。
我相信托马斯在25岁时能成为一名有用的第六人。他确实有天赋。但我并不确信第一支得到托马斯的球队能够最大程度地开发出他的潜力。
霍林格分析： 对于需要为人才储备库注入年轻血液的克利夫兰来说，托马斯是一个不错的培养对象。这位“打一年就选秀”（one-and-done）的球员在投篮和得分方面展现出了显而易见的天赋，但在做好上场准备之前，他需要夯实其他基本功。他将占用一个底薪名额，在G联盟历练的同时，帮助骑士队应对第二土豪线（second apron）的限制。评分：A-
35. 丹佛掘金
特雷冯·布拉齐尔 | 6尺10寸 | 23岁
[总第46顺位 内线12 特雷冯·布拉齐尔 (Trevon Brazile) 阿肯色大学
本届选秀中最好的运动天才之一，但他的积极性和直觉还有待提高。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Trevon Brazile - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
如果你把布拉齐尔本赛季最精彩的镜头剪成一段三分钟的集锦，你会纳闷他为什么没有进入乐透区。他是一名顶级的运动天才，明年甚至可能会被邀请参加扣篮大赛，而且他在防守端也能做出贡献。他同样具备高效投篮的潜力。
不幸的是，布拉齐尔的比赛中总是缺少了一些东西。他的比赛缺乏凝聚力，因为他的赛场积极性不够高。看他打球时，你会希望他能带着紧迫感去打球。你会希望他展现出这种态度：“没错，我很瘦，我会被撞倒在地，但下一次进攻时我还会立刻回到那个位置。”
此外，除了那些集锦级别的精彩镜头外，你还会希望他的比赛能有更多自然的直觉。布拉齐尔绝对值得作为双向合同球员进行投资，因为如果他真的能带着那种紧迫感打球，他会变得非常可怕。但令人遗憾的是，即使在他23岁、膝伤痊愈三年后的最佳赛季，尽管拥有出色的运动天赋，他依然未能入选SEC联盟最佳阵容或最佳防守阵容。希望在进入NBA后，他能产生这种紧迫感，因为布拉齐尔依然拥有巨大的潜力。
霍林格分析： 我非常惊讶，一支多年来在替补中锋位置上有着明显漏洞的球队，竟然会错过亨利·维萨尔 (Henri Veesaar)，但布拉齐尔确实是一名有天赋的双能前锋，他在联合试训中表现出色，并且在我当时“余下最佳球员”的前五名之列。评分：B-
36. 洛杉矶快船
巴巴·米勒 | 6尺11寸 | 22岁
[总第39顺位 前锋9 巴巴·米勒 (Baba Miller) 辛辛那提大学
在这种身材下拥有罕见的天赋，但在体型、防守基本功和投篮方面仍需努力。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Baba Miller - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
米勒一直是一个迷人的NBA前景新秀，即使他在佛罗里达州立大学表现并不特别出色时也是如此，这完全得益于他的身体天赋。很难找到一个站立摸高达到9尺3寸的球员能像米勒那样移动，同时保持出色的平衡和协调性。至少，这样的身材和运动能力值得给他一个双向合同名额。
然而，尽管他在联合试训中表现出色，我仍然无法给米勒开出高于“优先双向合同”的评级。他还有太多需要提升的地方。他需要在防守基本功上花大量时间，尽管他在防守端有着巨大的可兑现上限。在进攻端，我不知道他要如何得分，因为我不相信他的跳投。
米勒可能是我最想用双向合同去刮彩票的球员。但我无法对他产生足够的信心，从而给出保障合同的评级。
霍林格分析： 巴巴·米勒可无限换防的防守和控球能力使他有望成为替补阵容中的瑞士军刀，如果快船能纠正他的投篮，他还有一定的上升空间。快船阵容中一直缺乏高大前锋，因此这在这方面也有所帮助。评分：B+
37. 迈阿密热火
莱恩·康威尔 | 6尺2寸 | 22岁
[总第40顺位 后卫16 莱恩·康威尔 (Ryan Conwell) 路易斯维尔大学
一位射手和防守者，但处于尴尬的定位，需要更多的持球创造力。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Ryan Conwell - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
我希望康威尔的投篮或控球能再好一点。他让人感觉定位有些尴尬，因为他不是顶级射手，又不够有创造力，无法成为主要的持球点。他不是一个完美的防守者，但他付出了足够的努力，至少能在防守端生存下来。不过，我担心他在进攻端能否提供足够的价值。
尽管如此，得益于他的体型和投篮潜力，这依然是一个值得一试的稳妥选择，他也因此成为我给出的最高双向合同评级之一。如果他的投篮能再上一个台阶，对于这样一个能在防守端站稳脚跟的球员来说，通常会有立足之地。但他必须成为一名极其出色的射手，而不仅仅是优秀，才能在联盟站稳脚跟。
霍林格分析： 在交易得到扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 后，热火队突然缺乏三分射手，而康威尔是一个乐意出手三分的球员。话虽如此，我当时对其他几名球员的评级更高，而且热火也是另一支本该仔细考虑亨利·维萨尔的球队。迈阿密与第一土豪线（first apron）之间复杂的博弈，可能需要他们用130万美元的纯新秀底薪来填补阵容名额。评分：B-
38. 印第安纳步行者
布雷登·史密斯 | 5尺10寸 | 22岁
[总第38顺位 后卫15 布雷登·史密斯 (Braden Smith) 普渡大学
顶级的传球手和组织者，但身材可能太矮，难以成为替补后卫以上的角色。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Braden Smith - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
我很想喜欢史密斯，因为他有着显而易见的顶级比赛直觉和投篮能力。他在防守端也打得很卖力。但最终，我还是无法完全看好他。在体重不足170磅的情况下，他无法在NBA中提供足够有效的防守，这使他很难成为一个组织型替补控卫以上的角色。
这类球员不可否认是有价值的，我认为史密斯最终会在NBA打上相当长的一段时间。但我不知道他能否成为像T.J.·麦康奈尔 (T.J. McConnell) 那样真正顶级的替补控卫——麦康奈尔能用运球过掉对手并突入禁区。泰·杰罗姆 (Ty Jerome) 的身材要大得多，且更偏向于单打得分手。佩顿·普里查德 (Payton Pritchard) 身体更强壮，得分威胁也更大。是的，史密斯比这些球员更擅长传球，但要在NBA中充分发挥这种技术特点，你必须能够持续突入禁区。史密斯感觉更像是一个中游水平的替补控卫。
霍林格分析： 从故事性来看，史密斯去印第安纳简直太完美了：一位来自普渡大学的纯控卫加盟了当地的职业球队。他身材偏矮，且加入的是印第安纳非常拥挤的后场，可能不得不从双向合同打起。话虽如此，我当时对其他几名球员的评级更高。另外，向公牛队致敬，他们基本上卖掉了两个次轮签。新总经理，老老板。评分：步行者 B-，公牛 F+
39. 纽约尼克斯
杰克·卡伊尔 | 6尺4寸 | 20岁
[总第41顺位 后卫17 杰克·卡伊尔 (Jack Kayil) 柏林阿尔巴
一位身体强壮、样样通样样松的双能卫，难以摆脱防守者。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Jack Kayil - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
卡伊尔是第二轮一个有趣的海外暂存（stash）选择。他今年在德国联赛取得了巨大的飞跃，但德甲并不是一个特别看重运动能力的联赛，我们已经见过好几个身体强壮或运动能力出众的球员在那里打出数据，却无法适应美国风格的快速攻防转换篮球。
我对卡伊尔的担忧在于，他无法很好地摆脱对手，在如何得分方面没有很好的解决办法，同时也不是一个高水平的传球手。我喜欢他强硬的防守，但他不够快。卡伊尔很多事情都做得不错，但目前还没有任何一项达到NBA级别。
如果他决定本赛季就来美国，他值得一份双向合同来继续培养。但我也同样乐意将他继续留在德国锻炼一两年。
霍林格分析： 我排名第39位的球员在……第39顺位被选走了。卡伊尔可能是纽约的一个海外暂存选择，尽管尼克斯也需要拿新秀底薪的次轮秀。从天赋来看，他与目前被选中的其他球员处于同一档次，尽管尼克斯在双能卫类型上似乎已经有些过剩了。评分：B+
40. 波士顿凯尔特人
迪伦·米切尔 | 6尺7寸 | 22岁
[总第52顺位 侧翼9 迪伦·米切尔 (Dillon Mitchell) 圣约翰大学
顶级的运动天才和防守者，具备传球能力，但如果他能投篮或得分就更好了。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Dillon Mitchell - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
米切尔是一位极其出色的防守者，能在NBA的防守端产生强大的影响力。我喜欢他打球时的拼劲。他的积极性从未减退。在同位置中，他的篮板球抢得很棒，并且会努力在转换进攻中快下，创造早期进攻机会。
然而，在非中锋位置上使用没有投篮能力的球员是极其困难的，我怀疑米切尔是否能稳定投进哪怕是空位的接球投篮。米切尔并不适合所有球队。在某些阵容配置中他无法发挥作用，但在特定的战术体系中他可能会找到自己的角色。他的防守价值就是如此之高，而且他的传导球做得非常好。
霍林格分析： 米切尔完全没有投篮能力，但他在场上能做足够多的其他事情，这或许能让他像贾里德·范德比尔特 (Jarred Vanderbilt) 那样留在轮换阵容中并提供帮助。我仍然对亨利·维萨尔的顺位下滑感到困惑，但有这么多球队都错过了他，你不得不怀疑他们是不是掌握了我们所不知道的信息。评分：B
41. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆
奥特加·奥韦 | 6尺4寸 | 23岁 | 肯塔基大学
维塞尼排名： 无
奥韦是去年SEC联盟中最高产的得分手之一，他也是一名强硬、对抗能力出色的持球防守者。在半场进攻中，他是一名擅长冲击篮筐的突破手，能非常好地吸收对抗，但我对他的投篮有些怀疑，也担心他的无球防守能力。感觉他并不总是能以需要的方式投入到防守轮转中。
霍林格分析： 我一直是奥韦的忠实粉丝，很高兴看到他在这么高的顺位被选中。虽然我不认为他会成为明星球员，但NBA球场上更开阔的空间应该会对他有所帮助，如果他的投篮能更稳定一些，他绝对有机会成为一名轮换球员。他与阿杰·米切尔 (Ajay Mitchell) 有一些相似之处。鉴于雷霆队拥挤的阵容，我推测他们会给他一份双向合同。评分：A-
42. 圣安东尼奥马刺
雅科比·吉莱斯皮 | 6尺0寸 | 22岁
[总第44顺位 后卫18 雅科比·吉莱斯皮 (Ja’Kobi Gillespie) 田纳西大学
身材偏矮的组织后卫，是一位致命的投篮制造者，能帮助球队赢下球权之争。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Ja'Kobi Gillespie - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
吉莱斯皮是一个彻头彻尾的赢家。从高中时代到大学的最后两年，吉莱斯皮所掌控的球队几乎总是超出预期。
这是因为他作为一名低失误、高抢断的球员，同时也是一个无畏的投篮制造者，能帮助球队赢下球权之争。在第二轮，选择一个能投篮、能做出正确决策且在防守端拼尽全力的球员，绝对是一个不错的选择。他是一个组织后卫，你可以让他去掌控你的G联盟球队一年，如果后期需要深度，也许可以在赛季晚些时候将他提升到NBA。虽然存在身材上的局限性，但吉莱斯皮有机会作为第三后卫留在联盟。
霍林格分析： 对于圣安东尼奥来说，吉莱斯皮是一个不错的收获。马刺队阵容中需要再增加一名控球后卫，而上赛季他们只能用流浪球员乔丹·麦克劳克林 (Jordan McLaughlin) 来应付。在我的选秀板上，我将他排在第30位，很惊讶他在联合试训表现出色后居然落到了这个顺位。评分：A
43. 布鲁克林篮网
泰勒·比洛多 | 6尺7寸 | 22岁
[总第54顺位 前锋10 泰勒·比洛多 (Tyler Bilodeau) 加州大学洛杉矶分校
外线投篮是他的超能力；这是否足以克服速度和力量上的不足？
阅读完整档案 ›
](Tyler Bilodeau - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
我对比洛多的跳投足够有信心，我认为他值得一份双向合同。这是我很长一段时间以来见过的最纯粹的跳投动作。他需要加快出手速度，我也很想看到他能投进更多跑动中的三分球。
但要找到拥有这种外线手感的球员是非常罕见的，即使他必须修正自己比赛中的一些缺陷。比洛多训练非常刻苦，希望他能最大程度地利用自己的脚步和速度，在防守端达到及格线。但NBA球队非常喜欢拥有能为当家球星拉开空间的球员，至少，作为一个潜在的顶级射手，他值得用一个选秀权来尝试。
霍林格分析： 当我排名前43位的球员中有42位已经名花有主时，我不能真的称这为“高选”（reach），但我确实对比洛多的评级要低于这个顺位。他可能会在布鲁克林从双向合同打起，但只要他展现出任何潜力，在这支球队的阵容中应该能获得充足的机会。评分：B-
44. 圣安东尼奥马刺
马利克·布朗 | 6尺8寸 | 22岁
[总第36顺位 内线9 马利克·布朗 (Maliq Brown) 杜克大学
极具侵略性、活力十足的防守者，但在进攻端无法提供太多贡献。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Maliq Brown - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
布朗是这一届中最有趣的新秀之一，因为他的发展结果几乎完全取决于能否找到合适的教练、阵容配置和战术体系来发挥他的特长。他需要一位允许他下手极具侵略性、同时能容忍他偶尔防守过头的教练。他需要身边有一个体型更庞大、能投三分球且能在防守端抢篮板的中锋。
如果布朗能找到合适的体系，他有机会在摇摆内线位置上成为一名有价值的活力型球员。他的传球非常出色，掩护很卖力，几乎能做好你想要的所有细节。得分非常重要，布朗需要在这方面找到解决办法。但凭借在防守端制造混乱的能力，以及在进攻端作为传球手和组织者的潜力，如果他能找到合适的落脚点，他有机会成为一名轮换球员。
霍林格分析： 布朗是一个“一招鲜”的防守专家，进攻手段非常有限，但在选秀的这个阶段，门槛已经相当低了。就拥有身材且运动能力出众的前锋而言，这正是马刺阵容中数量匮乏的体型。评分：B
45. 萨克拉门托国王
埃马努埃尔·夏普 | 6尺3寸 | 22岁
[总第33顺位 后卫13 埃马努埃尔·夏普 (Emanuel Sharp) 休斯敦大学
一位身体强壮、能投篮和防守的后卫， though his size and athleticism are concerns.
阅读完整档案 ›
](Emanuel Sharp - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
我倾向于喜欢那些来自休斯敦大学体系且在那里待了多年的球员，因为他们足够强硬，并且在进入NBA时就对防守原则有深刻的理解。夏普非常符合这一传承。他是Big 12联盟的最佳防守阵容成员，防守时会贴身死缠对手，试图让对方感到沮丧。他还能高质量地命中投篮，出手速度快，投篮准备充分。
我没有给夏普首轮评级，很大程度上是因为他身材太矮，且在投篮之外缺乏其他技能。我担心他的运动能力和身材的结合会带来太多问题。尽管如此，我依然很乐意在第二轮选他，看看效果如何。
霍林格分析： 国王队是不是刚刚做了一个聪明的决定？或者我应该说，做了一个“夏普（Sharp，双关聪明/夏普）”的决定？夏普是我最喜欢的落选秀/黑马之一，他是一个能投射三分雨的3D后卫，尽管身材偏矮，但他乐意去盯防对方的顶级后卫和侧翼。他会非常适合一个需要他这种技术特点的阵容。我想知道他是否能立即获得出场时间。评分：A
46. 华盛顿奇才
菲利克斯·奥克帕拉 | 6尺10寸 | 22岁
[总第42顺位 内线10 菲利克斯·奥克帕拉 (Felix Okpara) 田纳西大学
一位多功能替补内线，拥有吸引人的移动能力、盖帽和顺下护筐能力。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Felix Okpara - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
奥克帕拉在NBA的定位很简单：他是一名优秀的中锋防守者，拥有NBA级别的身材和运动能力。他打球非常积极，在这方面可靠且稳定。你可以让他参与各种挡拆防守策略，而且他在所有策略中都相对有效。
他在技术上存在缺陷，而且作为中锋，他的篮板球能力并不算太理想。但要找到拥有这种身材、运动能力、积极性和防守多样性的球员是很困难的。由于他能提供多样的防守体系适配性，应该会有很多球队有兴趣给奥克帕拉一份双向合同。
霍林格分析： 我没有把菲利克斯·奥克帕拉排在我的前60名中，并且觉得他居然在亨利·维萨尔 (Henri Veesaar) 之前被选中简直匪夷所思。不知道这里面有什么内幕。华盛顿实际上用两个更靠后的次轮签向上交易来选他，这我也无法理解。奥克帕拉的技术水平太低了，我怀疑他很难超越双向合同的水平。评分：C-
47. 纽约尼克斯
泰勒·尼克尔 | 6尺6寸 | 22岁
[总第55顺位 侧翼10 泰勒·尼克尔 (Tyler Nickel) 范德堡大学
拥有身材优势的顶级跑动型射手，但需要继续改善脚步。
NBA球队一直在寻找像尼克尔这样能打无球并用投篮威胁对手防线的球员，因为这些人能为明星球员创造空间。他们的身材越高大越好，因为这能让他们在防守端有一线生机。而在217磅的体重下，尼克尔在防守端至少是有机会的。
他需要继续提高自己的脚步和速度，但至少在换防情况下，当对手试图用身体强吃他时，他有一定的潜力顶住防守，不至于被轻易碾压。
他需要最大程度地提升自己的速度，而他的脚步将至关重要。但尼克尔有机会在NBA立足，对于看重三分球出手率的球队来说，应该优先考虑给他一份双向合同。
霍林格分析： 尼克尔有足够多的支持者让他获得了联合试训的邀请，但我很难想象他在更高水平联赛中的表现。如果一切顺利，他确实拥有身材与投篮的结合，这可能会以类似于萨姆·豪瑟 (Sam Hauser) 的方式吸引人。据推测，他将签下一份新秀底薪合同，作为尼克斯规避第二土豪线策略的一部分。评分：C
48. 达拉斯独行侠
托比·拉瓦尔 | 6尺7寸 | 23岁 | 弗吉尼亚理工大学
维塞尼排名： 无
毫无疑问，拉瓦尔是一名顶级的运动天才。他是一名爆发力十足的弹跳手，起跳速度极快，能在篮筐上方完成终结。他很有爆发力，且有一定的臂展。最终，他必须努力成为一名顶级的防守者，因为我认为他的进攻技术还不够成熟。
霍林格分析： 拉瓦尔的弹跳能力惊人，但除了他出色的篮板率之外，他还没有将这种能力转化为高水平、有影响力的篮球表现。达拉斯又在一名锋线球员身上刮了彩票；独行侠今年阵容里还会有后卫吗？评分：C
49. 丹佛掘金
布莱斯·霍普金斯 | 6尺6寸 | 24岁 | 圣约翰大学
维塞尼排名： 无
霍普金斯是一名体型强壮的侧翼/前锋，在大学里他最适合打小球四号位，但在职业赛场上他需要转型到侧翼。他在拼抢篮板时非常积极且强硬，但在防守端，我不喜欢他转身的速度。霍普金斯的防守关键将是他的跳投。本赛季他在小样本下投出了37%的三分命中率。如果能保持下去，他就有机会。我推测他会签下一份双向合同。
霍林格分析： 哇。我的意思是……我知道到这个阶段选择已经不多了，但我真的没想到他会被选中。这位在大学打了五年的球员一直在与伤病作斗争，并在圣约翰大学的最后一个大学赛季中更多地转型为外线球员，但在职业赛场上他必须打小前锋，而我还没有看到太多令人鼓舞的闪光点表明他能做到这一点。评分：C-
50. 多伦多猛龙
贾登·布拉德利 | 6尺3寸 | 22岁
[总第45顺位 后卫19 贾登·布拉德利 (Jaden Bradley) 亚利桑那大学
一位无畏的场上指挥官，如果能在中距离之外得分，有望成为替补控卫。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Jaden Bradley - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
我喜欢布拉德利的无畏。去年在关键时刻，他是全美最好的球员之一，带领亚利桑那大学杀入了最终四强（Final Four）。他决策出色，是个为大场面而生的球员。
然而，我认为他需要提升一些基础技能才能成为NBA轮换球员。在防守端，他需要更好地挤过掩护。作为组织者，他需要提升自己的视野，尤其是向外线分球的视野。他还需要在投三分球时变得更加从容。对于球队来说，这是一个非常适合用双向合同来尝试的球员画像，但我无法在一开始就给他一份多年保障合同的评级。
霍林格分析： 布拉德利不知怎么地击败了比他顺位高出49位的球员，赢得了Big 12联盟年度最佳球员。他有着不错的中距离表现，但在他的整个大学生涯中，他都奇怪地不愿意投三分球。如果多伦多能开发出他的外线投篮，猛龙队可能会有所收获。评分：B
51. 奥兰多魔术
伊赛亚·尼尔森 | 6尺8寸 | 22岁
[总第43顺位 内线11 伊赛亚·尼尔森 (Izaiyah Nelson) 南佛罗里达大学
多功能防守者，能在篮筐上方完成终结，但需要更快地阅读比赛。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Izaiyah Nelson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
在深入研究了尼尔森之后，他给我留留下印象比我预期的要深刻，这很大程度上得益于他在防守端展现出的多样性。他需要找到一位愿意经常调整防守策略的教练，而不是简单地只打基础的沉退防守（drop-coverage）。但如果他能找到那个合适的位置，他的未来发展空间是值得想象的。
在进攻端，他显得有些机械，但在AAC联盟的一个低谷年份里，他凭借出色的运动能力场均能得到16分。如果他的跳投能开发出来，我相信尼尔森能成为一个有用的摇摆内线。由于缺乏身材和力量，他不是一个我会给保障合同的球员，但他值得一份双向合同，看看他能否增加体重、提升技术和比赛阅读能力。
霍林格分析： 尼尔森是本届选秀中仅有的第二位在上赛季未效力于“五大盟”（Power 5）联赛的大学球员。作为一名可以防多个位置、能打大前锋或中锋的内线，他有一定的潜力，特别是如果他能开发出他在大四赛季开始尝试的三分球。他也是奥兰多青睐的那类球员：一个下手积极、移动迅速的防守者。评分：B
52. 亚特兰大老鹰
亨利·维萨尔 | 6尺11寸 | 22岁
[总第29顺位 内线8 亨利·维萨尔 北卡罗来纳大学
一位能运球、传球和投篮的7尺长人，但需要提升防守。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Henri Veesaar - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
如果一支NBA球队相信其力量和体能部门能对维萨尔的体型进行高水平的改造，那么他们应该为选到他而感到兴奋。他需要随着时间的推移增加大约15到20磅的体重，同时不能削弱他在进攻端的移动能力，也不能变得更容易受伤，同时在打球时要更稳定地保持屈膝降低重心。作为一名能拉开空间、能惩罚扑防、能传球且在篮筐附近有终结手感的内线，他的进攻技术特点是很难找到的。
如果你认为维萨尔的体型已经接近极限，你可能不应该给他首轮评级，因为他可能会在NBA的对抗中挣扎，尤其是在挡拆防守中。关于NBA球队如何看待维萨尔的长期体型发展，我得到了褒贬不一的反馈。鉴于此，我最终给他评了一个折中的分数。
霍林格分析： 老鹰队从第57顺位向上交易，终于结束了亨利·维萨尔漫长的选秀悬念。他为球队增加了一个空间型内线的选择，也是他们唯一拥有标准内线身材的球员。他也是我当时选秀板上评级最高的剩余球员。评分：A
53. 底特律活塞
乌戈纳·奥尼恩索 | 6尺11寸 | 22岁
[总第50顺位 内线14 乌戈纳·奥尼恩索 (Ugonna Onyenso) 弗吉尼亚大学
可以说是本届选秀中最好的护筐者；但他还能做别的吗？
在某种程度上，你不得不喜欢奥尼恩索如此简单的打法。他顺下护筐，在“吃饼位”（dunker spot）表现出色，并且是一个空接威胁。在防守端，他是这一届中顶级的盖帽手之一，经常在篮下干扰对手的投篮。
然而，他的比赛可能过于局限，而且考虑到他身材单薄，以他的体型来说，他的比赛缺乏足够的力量。他的技术可能永远无法达到很高的水平，因此奥尼恩索在保持运动能力的同时最大程度地强壮体型，将是他作为替补中锋在NBA立足的关键。他当然有机会，我很乐意在前50顺位的某个地方选中他来一探究竟。
但我认为这是一个有望带来回报的双向合同赌注，而不是一份保障合同。好消息是他只有21岁，所以时间站在他这一边。
霍林格分析： 奥尼恩索是一个极其出色的盖帽手，仅凭他的护筐能力就可能让他作为底特律的第三中锋发挥价值。然而，在其他方面，他仍然需要强壮身体并开发自己的进攻技术。评分：B+
54. 金州勇士
拉杰·琼斯 | 6尺7寸 | 22岁 | 佛罗里达州立大学
维塞尼排名： 无
琼斯是一个样样通样样松的侧翼，在防守端可能最有用。他有一定的换防能力，是一个手感不错、表现稳健的组织者。他会在弱侧进行轮防并切入传球路线。他的关键将是跳投，在他辗转多校的大学生涯中，他的跳投一直不够稳定。
霍林格分析： 勇士队近年来在选秀末段的淘金工作做得非常好，琼斯有机会成为又一个惊喜发现。他拥有NBA级别的运动能力，只需要提高投篮稳定性，并在持球突破时改善自己的决策。评分：B+
55. 洛杉矶快船
尼克·马蒂内利 | 6尺7寸 | 22岁
[总第49顺位 侧翼7 尼克·马蒂内利 (Nick Martinelli) 西北大学
一位顶级的无球跑动者 and 大学得分手，需要为适应NBA而调整打法。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Nick Martinelli - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
因为关于他职业态度的评价，我比大多数人更看好马蒂内利。你可以指望他不断努力提高。最有可能的结果是他成为一名出色的海外球员，欧洲教练会知道如何使用他的打法并发挥他固有的篮球智商。
马蒂内利身材高大且聪明，打球努力，拥有出色的手感和技术水平。他非常善于思考比赛。你可以花一年的时间，试图将他的打法重塑为与大学时期略有不同的风格，而对于一个拥有这些特质的球员来说，用双向合同在他身上下注绝对不算差。他的决定性技能是将投篮提升到高水平并改善防守脚步。但我愿意用一份双向合同在他身上碰碰运气，看看会发生什么。
霍林格分析： 在联合试训表现平平后，我对马蒂内利的评级低于外界共识，但他在西北大学的大四赛季表现强硬，并且可能拥有足够的体型与投篮结合，从而作为一名偏向进攻的前锋留在联盟。评分：B-
56. 达拉斯独行侠
弗谢沃洛德·伊什琴科 | 6尺7寸 | 21岁 | 库班火车头
维塞尼排名： 61
本赛季在俄罗斯崛起的黑马球员，以他的身材而言，具备运球、传球和投篮能力。伊什琴科 (Vsevolod Ishchenko) 是今年较晚引起关注的国际新秀，在赛季中期左右，他作为一名拥有真正运球、传球和投篮能力的高大侧翼，开始在俄罗斯的球探圈中崭露头角。他是一名出色的接球投篮手，下赛季他必须变得更强壮、运动能力更强，同时希望能在更高水平的竞争中打球。但这对于独行侠来说应该是一个纯粹的海外暂存选择。
霍林格分析： 湖人队从公牛队买下了这个选秀权，然后……又把它交易了？达拉斯用它选了伊什琴科，这看起来是一个海外暂存选择。我被告知由于签证问题，他无法为球队进行试训，但他在俄罗斯VTB联赛中打出了一个强劲的赛季。评分：B+
57. 洛杉矶快船
纳西斯·恩戈伊 | 7尺0寸 | 21岁 | 普瓦捷篮球86
维塞尼排名： 无
恩戈伊 (Narcisse Ngoy) 可能是今年选秀中体型最庞大的人类，一个身高接近7尺、手臂极长的大块头，他在法国乙级联赛中大杀四方，而且他的脚步比你想象的要好。我敢打赌他的站立摸高大约有9尺9寸。但他从未在特别高水平的联赛中打过球是有原因的，因为他作为一个22岁的球员，去年在法国乙级联赛中场均只能得到4分。他的打法就是掩护、接球、扣篮，而且必须局限于此。
霍林格分析： 纳西斯·恩戈伊因为今年晚些时候将满22岁而自动获得选秀资格。他在法国联赛中打出了相当扎实的一年，即使在那个中游联赛中，他的盖帽率和篮板率也相当显著。他是一个纯粹的海外暂存选择，因此，他可能会留在纽约尼克斯。但在选秀的这个阶段，人才库已经枯竭了。评分：B
58. 新奥尔良鹈鹕
小贾隆·皮埃尔 | 6尺5寸 | 23岁 | 南卫理公会大学
维塞尼排名： 无
混乱制造者回来了！特洛伊·韦弗 (Troy Weaver) 越过了我的前100名榜单，选下了能运球、传球和投篮的皮埃尔 (Jaron Pierre Jr.)。他是一个有天赋的球员。但如果说今年大学篮球里有什么球员是我最不喜欢看的，鉴于他的决策和运球，我想不出还有谁了。总是鹈鹕队。总是他们。
霍林格分析： 新奥尔良这次选择了本土球员，因为皮埃尔是个新奥尔良孩子，不过在他长达六年（！）的大学生涯终于在南卫理公会大学（SMU）结束后，他其实已经不算个孩子了。他是一个身材单薄的后卫，有一定的运动爆发力并且能投篮，但我没有将他排在我的前75名中。评分：B-
59. 明尼苏达森林狼
特雷·考夫曼-雷恩 | 6尺8寸 | 23岁 | 普渡大学
维塞尼排名： 62
考夫曼-雷恩 (Trey Kaufman-Renn) 是一个强硬的内线存在，他能抢篮板，并且在过去一个赛季中，凭借在空间中的移动能力，他的防守变得更加强硬。他必须开发出投篮才能在NBA立足，但我很喜欢他曾是多支赢球球队的一员。
霍林格分析： 考夫曼-雷恩是一个足够优秀的大学球员，我不会完全否定他的机会，但他必须对自己的打法做出大量调整，才能在NBA级别取得哪怕是接近大学时期的成功。开发出三分球并为自己找到一个真正的定位，将大大有助于让他不仅仅作为一个G联盟中锋来使用。评分：B-
60. 密尔沃基雄鹿
马利克·刘易斯 | 6尺8寸 | 21岁 | 东南墨尔本凤凰
维塞尼排名： 91
刘易斯 (Malique Lewis) 是一个臂展长、运动能力出众的侧翼，在澳大利亚NBL联赛中打球时非常积极。他曾是“明日之星”（Next Star）计划的一员，现在已被选中，推测将签下一份双向合同。最终，我有点担心他阅读比赛的速度不够快，且没有足够的技能留在联盟，这就是为什么我将他排在90多位的原因。但也许这可以得到改善。
霍林格分析： 我们以最后一个海外暂存选择结束。刘易斯是一名出色的运动员和篮板手，在过去这个赛季前往澳大利亚之前，他曾在G联盟的墨西哥城队效力。由于持有特立尼达和多巴哥以及西班牙的护照，除非他的技术水平有大幅提升，否则他很可能会留在海外。就这点而言，相比雨果·贝松 (Hugo Besson) 和乔治斯·卡莱察基斯 (Georgios Kalaitzakis)，我更喜欢他。评分：B+
由生成式 AI 翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
点击查看原文：NBA Draft 2026: Grades, analysis, fits for every second-round pick
NBA Draft 2026: Grades, analysis, fits for every second-round pick
The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Round 2 of the 2026 NBA Draft is in the books, and as they did with first-round selections, The Athletic’s draft expert Sam Vecenie and front-office insider John Hollinger are analyzing each choice right after it happens.
Explore Vecenie’s scouting summary from the 2026 NBA Draft Guide, Hollinger’s team fit for each second-rounder and more below.
31. Houston Rockets
Bruce Thornton | 6-0 | 22 years old
[Overall 37 Guard 14 Bruce Thornton Ohio State
Undersized but has potential as a backup guard with his strength and scoring chops.
Read full profile ›](Bruce Thornton - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
I’m probably going to be higher on Thornton than the consensus. He’s so polished as a scorer and has such a well-rounded set of on- and off-ball skills that could translate. He takes the advantages that are given to him and maintains them in ball screens. He can score in the midrange at an exceptionally efficient level and takes advantage of his shots at the rim. His 3-point volume could take a leap, too. He wins the possession game by never turning the ball over.
I’m certainly worried about him getting taken advantage of on defense. But I also think he has more pathways toward being OK on that end than most 6-foot guards because of his power. Thornton needs to improve his passing vision and needs to maximize himself on defense. The margin for error for guards this size is essentially non-existent in the NBA, and I think there’s a chance we look back at this class and Thornton ends up as one of the best players outside the NBA. But he’s one of my top two-way grades in the class.
Hollinger’s analysis: This feels slightly high for Thornton, a hugely productive college player but one who is quite undersized to play off the ball and not really a natural point guard. Houston gave up draft capital to move up eight spots and grab him, when he might have been there at No. 39. One positive: He has the same fire-hydrant body type as Fred VanVleet, and maybe can learn from him. The other positive: Thornton is from my current hometown of Alpharetta, Ga. Grade: B
32. Memphis Grizzlies
Richie Saunders | 6-5 | 24 years old
[Overall 26 Wing 4 Richie Saunders BYU
Terrific shooter and mover who is a tailor-made rotation wing if his knee is healthy.
Read full profile ›](Richie Saunders - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
Saunders’ game has a simple translation to the NBA. He’s a good shooter who is extremely reliable off the catch and can do just enough beyond to be a role player in an era when you can’t just be a specialist anymore. He’s a smart defender who knows where he’s supposed to be, and he can help you out on the glass. He makes quick decisions and can attack closeouts at a high level.
The issue is that he’s nearly 25 and not overly athletic for what he’ll be asked to do. A player like Sam Merrill is twitchier than Saunders and certainly was a better shooter entering the league as an older player. Still, Saunders is worth a second-round pick and is one of my favorite bets in the second round because of his ability to provide a ready-made NBA skill as a shooter, with potential for more. If not for the injury, I might have had a late first-round grade on him.
Max Strus similarly suffered a torn ACL early in his career, and he needed a second stop to establish himself. I’d be worried that Saunders might take longer to figure it out, but he seems smart and talented enough as a shooter to stick.
Hollinger’s analysis: Saunders is recovering from a torn ACL. He told me at the combine that he thinks he’ll be ready to go at the start of the season, but this might be a situation where he plays the first half of the year on a two-way deal while he rehabs the injury, which is my underlying assumption behind this grade (Memphis’ roster is rush-hour crowded). Pre-injury, Saunders had a chance to get into the first round. He can shoot, has some defensive playmaking and has a nice left hand around the basket. Grade: B+
33. Minnesota Timberwolves
Isaiah Evans | 6-6 | 20 years old
[Overall 35 Wing 6 Isaiah Evans Duke
An off-ball movement shooter with length who needs to get stronger.
Read full profile ›](Isaiah Evans - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
The Evans projection is very easy. If you think he can get stronger, improve on defense and clean up his decision-making, he’s a good bet to turn into the kind of shooter every team wants. He’s big and has a clean shot with great footwork and a high release point. Plus, he’s comfortable already within NBA-style actions at knocking down shots off movement.
There is a good chance Evans can become a valuable player in the NBA with further development. But we’re a ways away from that, given his flaws. He does not read the court well enough, and his defensive flaws are based on his feel for the game on that end and on his physical tools. We’ve seen many players like this come through the draft in recent years, where shooting off the catch is the primary selling point. Players such as Gradey Dick, Jordan Hawkins, Dalton Knecht, Julian Strawther and others have struggled to establish themselves as NBA rotation players. Some of them will figure it out, and some won’t.
Hollinger’s analysis: I love this pick for Minnesota. Evans can really shoot and showed strong improvement in his sophomore season, and I think teams overthought things on his thin frame. He is by far the best prospect available, and his deep shooting ability is something the Wolves really need around Anthony Edwards. He might be able to play right away on that roster. Grade: A
34. Cleveland Cavaliers
Meleek Thomas | 6-3 | 19 years old
[Overall 31 Guard 11 Meleek Thomas Arkansas
A gifted scorer and shooter whose poor defense and wild decision-making raise questions.
Read full profile ›
](Meleek Thomas - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
I love the freedom with which Thomas plays. He’s fearless and could become one of the 30 or so best shooters in the world once he hits his prime. That has a ton of value, and if someone takes him in the 20s thinking they can moderate his game a bit, I wouldn’t be stunned. But there is too much to clean up for my liking, and I’m skeptical that he can fix all of it by the time his rookie deal runs out.
Thomas is a poor team defender who ball-watches so much that I don’t think coaches can have him on the floor in the NBA early. Second, his shot selection and lack of vision are out of whack. That could be fixable, but I’m not convinced the inconsistent vision will improve. I also worry about Thomas not decelerating after he gets moving. He goes from fast to slow. He’s excellent at going from slow to fast with his first step. But he needs to slow down to play more under control.
I could believe in Thomas becoming a useful sixth man by the time he’s 25. He has talent. But I’m not convinced that the first team that has Thomas will get the most out of him.
Hollinger’s analysis: Thomas is a good developmental play for a Cleveland team that needs to get some young talent in the pipeline. The one-and-done has clear offensive talent as a shooter and scorer but needs to clean up some of the other fundamentals before he’s game-ready. He’ll occupy a minimum salary slot to help the Cavs navigate the second apron while he gets reps in the G League. Grade: A-
35. Denver Nuggets
Trevon Brazile | 6-10 | 23 years old
[Overall 46 Big 12 Trevon Brazile Arkansas
One of the draft’s best athletes, but his motor and instincts leave you wanting more.
Read full profile ›](Trevon Brazile - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
If you put together a three-minute highlight reel of Brazile’s best plays from this season, you’d wonder why he isn’t going in the lottery. He’s an elite athlete who could be asked to participate in the dunk contest next year, and he makes plays on defense. He also has the potential to shoot effectively.
Unfortunately, there has always been something missing from Brazile’s game. There isn’t a lot of glue holding it together because his motor doesn’t run hot enough. When you watch him, you want him to play with urgency. You want him to say, “Yeah, I’m skinny, and I’m going to get knocked to the ground, but I’m going to put myself right back in that position the next play down the court.”
Also, you wish there were more of a natural feel to his game beyond the highlight-reel plays. Brazile is unequivocally worth investing in as a two-way player because if he ever does play with that kind of urgency, he could be awesome. But it’s an indictment of his game that even in his best season at 23 years old, three years removed from his knee injury, he was not an All-SEC player or All-SEC defender despite his athletic tools. Hopefully, that urgency comes once he hits the NBA because Brazile still has loads of potential.
Hollinger’s analysis: I’m pretty amazed that a team that has had a years-long glaring hole at backup center would pass on Henri Veesaar, but Brazile is a talented combo forward who showed well at the combine and was within my next five best players available. Grade: B-
36. LA Clippers
Baba Miller | 6-11 | 22 years old
[Overall 39 Forward 9 Baba Miller Cincinnati
Rare tools at this size but needs work on his frame, defensive fundamentals and shooting.
Read full profile ›](Baba Miller - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
Miller has always been a fascinating NBA prospect, even when he was not particularly good at Florida State, because of his physical tools. It’s hard to find players with a 9-3 standing reach who move like Miller does, with balance and coordination. At the very least, that size and athleticism would make him worth a two-way slot.
And yet, I couldn’t get much beyond a priority two-way grade with Miller despite his terrific combine performance. There is still so much for him to work on. He needs a lot of time on his defensive fundamentals, even if he has a ton of realizable upside on that end. Offensively, I don’t know how he’s going to score because I don’t buy the jumper.
Miller would probably be the two-way bet I’d most want to take a flier on. But I couldn’t get excited enough for a guaranteed contract grade.
Hollinger’s analysis: Baba Miller’s switchable defense and handle make him a Swiss Army-knife type with bench units, and there’s some upside if the Clippers can straighten out his shooting. The Clippers have had a paucity of big forwards on the roster, so this helps there as well. Grade: B+
37. Miami Heat
Ryan Conwell | 6-2 | 22 years old
[Overall 40 Guard 16 Ryan Conwell Louisville
A shooter and defender who is stuck between positions and needs more on-ball creativity.
Read full profile ›](Ryan Conwell - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
I wish Conwell were a slightly better shooter or ballhandler. He feels stuck between positions, as he’s not an elite shooter, and he’s not creative enough to be a primary on-ball player. He’s not a perfect defender, but he gives enough effort to at least survive on that end. I’m worried about him being valuable enough on offense, though.
Still, this is a solid flyer to take thanks to his frame and shooting potential, and he’s one of my top two-way grades because of that. If the shooting takes another leap, there is typically space for a player like this who can hold his own on defense. But he needs to be a great shooter, not just a good one, to stick.
Hollinger’s analysis: Conwell is a willing 3-point launcher on a team that suddenly has a paucity of such players following the trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. That said, I had several other players rated higher, and the Heat are another team that could have taken a long look at Henri Veesaar. Miami’s complicated dance with the first apron may necessitate a roster deal for the bare rookie minimum of $1.3 million. Grade: B-
38. Indiana Pacers
Braden Smith | 5-10 | 22 years old
[Overall 38 Guard 15 Braden Smith Purdue
Elite passer and playmaker but may be too small to be anything more than a backup guard.
Read full profile ›](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/braden-smith-purdue-guard/)
I want to love Smith because of his clear elite feel for the game and shooting ability. He also plays hard on defense. But ultimately, I can’t quite get there. At less than 170 pounds, he won’t be able to effectively defend in the NBA enough to be anything more than a table-setting backup point guard.
These players undeniably have value, and I think Smith will end up playing in the NBA for a solid period of time. But I don’t know if I can see him becoming a truly elite backup point guard like T.J. McConnell, who can beat guys off the bounce and get paint touches. Ty Jerome is drastically bigger and more of an isolation scorer. Payton Pritchard is stronger and more of a scoring threat. Yes, Smith is a better passer than these players, but to fully take advantage of that skill set in the NBA, you have to consistently touch the paint. Smith feels more like a mid-tier backup point guard.
Hollinger’s analysis: Narrative-wise, Smith to Indiana is too perfect: a pure point guard from Purdue joining the local pro team. He’s undersized and joining a very crowded backcourt in Indy and might have to start on a two-way. That said, I had several other players rated higher. Also, kudos to the Bulls for basically selling both their second-round picks. New GM, same owner. Grade: Pacers B-, Bulls F+
39. New York Knicks
Jack Kayil | 6-4 | 20 years old
[Overall 41 Guard 17 Jack Kayil Alba Berlin
A physical, jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none combo guard who struggles to separate from his defender.
Read full profile ›](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/jack-kayil-alba-berlin-guard/)
Kayil is an interesting stash bet in the second round. He took a big leap this year in Germany, but the German league is not a particularly athletic league, and we’ve seen several strong or athletic players put up numbers there while not translating to the American style of uptempo basketball.
My worries with Kayil are that he doesn’t separate well enough from his opposition and doesn’t have a great answer for how to score, while also not being a high-level passer. I like that he’s a physical defender, but he’s not overly quick. Kayil does a lot of things well but doesn’t do anything at an NBA level yet.
If he’s set on coming over this season, he’s worth a two-way contract to continue to develop. But I would be equally comfortable stashing him in Germany for another couple of years.
Hollinger’s analysis: My 39th-ranked player went …. 39th. Kayil could be a stash for New York, although the Knicks also need second-rounders on the rookie minimum. Talent-wise, he’s in the same tier as the other guys being picked right now, although the Knicks already seem heavy on combo-guard types like him. Grade: B+
40. Boston Celtics
Dillon Mitchell | 6-7 | 22 years old
[Overall 52 Wing 9 Dillon Mitchell St. John’s
Elite athlete and defender who can pass, but it would be nice if he could shoot or score.
Read full profile ›](Dillon Mitchell - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
Mitchell is an awesome defender and can make a strong impact on that end in the NBA. I love how hard he plays. His motor doesn’t quit. He rebounds well for his position and tries to sprint out in transition to create early offense.
It’s exceptionally hard to employ non-shooters outside of the center position, though, and I’m skeptical that Mitchell will ever consistently make even wide-open catch-and-shoot jumpers. Mitchell won’t be for everyone. There are some roster situations where he won’t work, but there are some situational spots where he might find a role. The defense is that valuable, and he moves the ball incredibly well.
Hollinger’s analysis: Mitchell can’t shoot at all but does enough other things on the court that he might be able to stick in a rotation and help anyway, in a Jarred Vanderbilt-type of way. I remain puzzled by Henri Veesaar’s slide, but enough teams are passing on him that you have to wonder what they know that we don’t. Grade: B
41. Oklahoma City Thunder
Otega Oweh | 6-4 | 23 years old | Kentucky
Vecenie’s rank: N/A
Oweh was among the most productive scorers in the SEC last year, and he’s a tough, physical defender on the ball. He’s a downhill driver in the half court who absorbs contact really well, but I’m a bit skeptical of the shot, and I’m worried about his defensive ability away from the ball. It felt like he was not always engaged in the action in the way he needed to be.
Hollinger’s analysis: I’ve been a big fan of Oweh’s and am pleased to see him go this high. While I don’t think he’s a star or anything, the open spaces of the NBA floor should help him, and he has a real chance to be a rotation player if he can just shoot a bit more consistently. There are some Ajay Mitchell similarities here. I presume the Thunder will have him on a two-way given the crowded roster. Grade: A-
42. San Antonio Spurs
Ja’Kobi Gillespie | 6-0 | 22 years old
[Overall 44 Guard 18 Ja’Kobi Gillespie Tennessee
Undersized lead guard who is a killer shot-maker and helps win the possession battle.
Read full profile ›](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/ja’kobi-gillespie-tennessee-guard/)
Gillespie is a winner, through and through. From his high school days to his final two years of college, the teams Gillespie has run have almost always exceeded expectations.
That’s because he helps his team win the possession battle as a low-turnover, high-steals player who is also a fearless shot-maker. In the second round, you can certainly do worse than someone who knocks down shots, makes good decisions and works hard on defense. He’s a lead guard who you can employ to run your G League team for a year and maybe move up to the NBA later in the year if you need depth. There are size-based limitations, but Gillespie has a chance to stick as a third guard.
Hollinger’s analysis: Gillespie is a nice get for a San Antonio team that needed one more point guard on the roster and made do with journeyman Jordan McLaughlin last season. I had him 30th on my board and am surprised he lasted this long after an impressive draft combine. Grade: A
43. Brooklyn Nets
Tyler Bilodeau | 6-7 | 22 years old
[Overall 54 Forward 10 Tyler Bilodeau UCLA
Outside shooting is his superpower; is it enough to overcome speed and strength issues?
Read full profile ›](Tyler Bilodeau - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
I believe in Bilodeau’s jumper enough that I think he’s worth a two-way contract. It’s as pure a jumper as I’ve seen in a long while. He needs to speed up the release, and I’d love to see him make more 3s off movement.
But finding players with this level of touch from distance is rare, even if he has to fix some flaws in his game. Bilodeau is a hard worker, and the hope is that he can maximize his footwork and quickness to become playable on defense. But NBA teams love having guys who space the court for their stars, and at the very least, he’s worth a flier as a potential elite shooter.
Hollinger’s analysis: I can’t really call it a “reach” when 42 of my top 43 players are already off the board, but I did have Bilodeau lower than this. He’ll likely start on a two-way in Brooklyn but should get plenty of chances on that roster if he shows any promise at all. Grade: B-
44. San Antonio Spurs
Maliq Brown | 6-8 | 22 years old
[Overall 36 Big 9 Maliq Brown Duke
Ultra-aggressive, high-energy defender who doesn’t provide much on offense.
Read full profile ›](Maliq Brown - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
Brown is one of the more interesting prospects in this class because his outcome depends almost purely on finding the right coach, roster fit and scheme to take advantage of his skills. He needs a coach who will let him be ultra-aggressive with his hands while living with some of the overaggressiveness. He needs a roster that has a bigger-bodied center next to him who can shoot 3s and rebound on the defensive end.
If Brown finds the right scheme, he has a chance to be a valuable energy player at the hybrid big position. He passes incredibly well, he’s a diligent screener, and he does just about all the little things you want. Scoring is important, and Brown needs to find answers there. But between the havoc creation on defense and the potential as a passer and playmaker on offense, he has a chance to be a rotation player if he can find the right landing spot.
Hollinger’s analysis: Brown is a one-trick pony as a defensive specialist with a very limited offensive game, but at this point in the draft, the bar is pretty low. In terms of athletic forwards with size, this is a body type that the Spurs’ roster lacks in numbers. Grade: B
45. Sacramento Kings
Emanuel Sharp | 6-3 | 22 years old
[Overall 33 Guard 13 Emanuel Sharp Houston
A physical guard who can shoot and defend, though his size and athleticism are concerns.
Read full profile ›](Emanuel Sharp - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
I tend to like players who come from the Houston ecosystem and have been there for multiple years because they’re tough and enter the NBA with an understanding of defensive principles. Sharp fits into that lineage well. He was a Big 12 All-Defense player who crawled underneath his opponents and tried to frustrate them. He also knocks down shots at a high level with a quick release and good shot prep.
I couldn’t give a first-round grade to Sharp largely because he’s too small and doesn’t have the skill level outside of shooting. I worry that his intersection of athleticism and size will cause too many issues. Still, I’d love to take him in the second round and see if it works.
Hollinger’s analysis: Did the Kings just do something smart? Or, Sharp, dare I say? Sharp was one of my favorite sleepers, a 3-and-D guard who launches bombs and, despite being undersized, willingly checks top guards and wings. He’ll fit in nicely on a roster that could use his skill set. I wonder if he could play right away. Grade: A
46. Washington Wizards
Felix Okpara | 6-10 | 22 years old
[Overall 42 Big 10 Felix Okpara Tennessee
A versatile backup big with appealing mobility, shot-blocking and rim-running ability.
Read full profile ›](Felix Okpara - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
Okpara’s fit in the NBA is simple: He’s an excellent defender with NBA size and athleticism at center. He plays with a great motor and is reliable and consistent on that front. You can play him in a variety of ball-screen coverages, and he’s relatively effective in all of them.
There are skill deficiencies here, and he isn’t quite the rebounder you’d want for a center. But it’s hard to find players with this size, athleticism, motor and defensive versatility. There should be a wide variety of teams interested in giving Okpara a two-way contract because of the scheme versatility he offers.
Hollinger’s analysis: I didn’t have Felix Okpara in my top 60 and find it utterly bizarre that he would be drafted ahead of Henri Veesaar. Not sure what’s going on here. Washington actually traded up with two later seconds to get him, which I also don’t understand. Okpara’s skill level is so low that I doubt he ever gets past a two-way. Grade: C-
47. New York Knicks
Tyler Nickel | 6-6 | 22 years old
[Overall 55 Wing 10 Tyler Nickel Vanderbilt
Elite shooter off movement with size but needs to keep improving his footwork.
Read full profile ›
](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/tyler-nickel-vanderbilt-wing/)
NBA teams are always looking for guys who can play off the ball and threaten defenses as Nickel can as a shooter, because of the space these guys create for star players. The bigger they are, the better because that gives them a chance to defend. And at 217 pounds, Nickel at least has a chance on defense.
He needs to keep improving his footwork and quickness, but he at least has some potential to hold up and not get powered through in switch situations when opposing players try to attack him through his chest. He’ll need to maximize his quickness, and his footwork will be essential. But Nickel has a shot to stick in the NBA and should be prioritized on a two-way deal for teams that value 3-point rate.
Hollinger’s analysis: Nickel had enough fans to get an invite to the combine, but I had a hard time seeing it at the next level. He does have a size-shooting combination that could be intriguing in a Sam Hauser-ish way if everything clicks. Presumably, he’ll be on a rookie minimum deal as part of the Knicks’ strategy to skirt the second apron. Grade: C
48. Dallas Mavericks
Tobi Lawal | 6-7 | 23 years old | Virginia Tech
Vecenie’s ranking: N/A
Lawal is an elite athlete; there is no doubt about that. He’s an explosive leaper who rises off the ground quickly and can finish well above the rim. He’s twitchy and has some length. Ultimately, he’s going to have to embrace being an elite defender because I don’t think the offensive skill set is quite there.
Hollinger’s analysis: Lawal can jump out of the gym, but he’s yet to translate that into impactful high-level basketball beyond his stellar rebound rate. Dallas takes a flier on yet another frontcourt player; will the Mavs have any guards on their roster this year? Grade: C
49. Denver Nuggets
Bryce Hopkins | 6-6 | 24 years old | St. John’s
Vecenie’s ranking: N/A
Hopkins is a big-bodied wing/forward who was best as a small-ball four in college but will need to transition to the wing. He’s aggressive on the glass and tough, but defensively, I don’t love how quickly he can flip his hips. The key for Hopkins will be the jumper. He made 37 percent from 3 this season in a small sample. If that continues, he has a chance. I would assume he’ll be on a two-way deal.
Hollinger’s analysis: Wow. I mean … I get the options are dwindling here, but I wasn’t really expecting him to get picked. The five-year player battled injuries and became more of a perimeter player in his last college season at St. John’s, but he’ll have to play small forward in the pros, and I haven’t seen many encouraging flashes that he can do it. Grade: C-
50. Toronto Raptors
Jaden Bradley | 6-3 | 22 years old
[Overall 45 Guard 19 Jaden Bradley Arizona
A fearless floor general who can be a backup PG if he can score outside the midrange.
Read full profile ›](Jaden Bradley - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
I love Bradley’s fearlessness. He was one of the best players in the country in big moments last year, leading Arizona to the Final Four. He makes excellent decisions and is a gamer.
I think he needs to work on some of his base-level skills to become an NBA rotation player, however. He needs to get better at fighting through screens on defense. He needs to improve his vision as a playmaker, particularly when looking outward. And he needs to get more comfortable shooting 3s. This is a great profile for a team to take a shot on as a two-way player, but I couldn’t get to the level of a multiyear guaranteed contract off the bat.
Hollinger’s analysis: Bradley somehow won Big 12 Player of the Year over the player taken 49 spots ahead of him. He has a good midrange game but has been weirdly reluctant to shoot 3s his entire college career. If Toronto can stretch out his perimeter game, the Raptors might have something. Grade: B
51. Orlando Magic
Izaiyah Nelson | 6-8 | 22 years old
[Overall 43 Big 11 Izaiyah Nelson South Florida
Versatile defender who can finish above the rim but needs to process the game faster.
Read full profile ›](Izaiyah Nelson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
I came away more impressed after a deep dive into Nelson than I expected, largely because of the versatility he brings defensively. He needs to find the right coach who is willing to mix and match coverages regularly, as opposed to simply playing out of a base drop-coverage scheme. But there is room to imagine what he could become if he finds that spot.
Offensively, he’s robotic, but he was athletic enough in a down year in the AAC to average 16 points per game. If the jumper comes around, I could buy into Nelson being a useful combo big. He’s not someone I would give a guaranteed deal to because of his lack of size and strength, but he’s worth a two-way to see if he can add the weight, skill and processing ability.
Hollinger’s analysis: Nelson is only the second college player picked who didn’t play in a Power 5 league last season. He has some promise as a switchable big man who can play power forward or center, especially if he can develop the 3-point shot that he started pulling in his senior season. He’s also Orlando’s type of player: a handsy, mobile defender. Grade: B
52. Atlanta Hawks
Henri Veesaar | 6-11 | 22 years old
[Overall 29 Big 8 Henri Veesaar North Carolina
A 7-footer who can dribble, pass and shoot, but will need to defend better.
Read full profile ›](Henri Veesaar - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
An NBA team should be excited about taking Veesaar if it believes its strength and conditioning department can do high-level work on his frame. He needs to add about 15 to 20 pounds over time without diminishing his movement skills on offense or becoming more injury-prone, while playing more consistently with bend. His offensive skill set as a floor-spacing big man who can attack closeouts, pass and finish at the rim with touch is difficult to find.
If you think that Veesaar’s frame is close to being maxed out, you probably shouldn’t have a first-round grade on him, as he’d likely struggle too much with the physical aspects of the NBA, especially in ball-screen coverages. I’ve gotten mixed responses about how NBA teams feel about Veesaar’s frame long term. Given that, I have ended up with a middle-ground grade on him.
Hollinger’s analysis: The Hawks move up from 57th to finally end the long saga of Henri Veesaar. He adds another stretch big option and is their only big with legitimate size. He was also by far the highest-rated player left on my board. Grade: A
53. Detroit Pistons
Ugonna Onyenso | 6-11 | 22 years old
[Overall 50 Big 14 Ugonna Onyenso Virginia
Arguably the best rim-protector in the draft; can he do much else?
Read full profile ›
](Ugonna Onyenso - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
On some level, you have to love that Onyenso plays such a simple game. He rim runs, he’s terrific in the dunker spot and he is a lob threat. On defense, he’s one of the elite shot blockers in the class and contests opponents at the rim regularly.
His game might be too limited, however, given that he’s also skinny and doesn’t have a ton of power to his game for his size. The skill may never reach a high level, so Onyenso maximizing his frame while maintaining his athleticism will be the key to him sticking as a backup center in the NBA. He certainly has a chance, and I’d be happy to draft him somewhere in the top 50 to find out.
But I think this is a two-way contract bet that could pay dividends as opposed to a guaranteed contract. The good news is that he’s only 21, so time is on his side.
Hollinger’s analysis: Onyenso is an awesome shot blocker whose rim protection alone may give him value as a third center for Detroit. However, he otherwise still needs to fill out physically and develop his offensive game. Grade: B+
54. Golden State Warriors
Lajae Jones | 6-7 | 22 years old | Florida State
Vecenie’s ranking: N/A
Jones is a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none wing who is probably most useful on the defensive end. He’s somewhat switchable and a solid playmaker with good hands. He’ll rotate across the weak side and get into passing lanes. The key for him will be the jumper, which just hasn’t quite been consistent enough over the course of his well-traveled collegiate career.
Hollinger’s analysis: The Warriors have done a great job scouting the bottom end of the draft in recent years, and Jones has a chance to be another find. He’s an NBA athlete who just needs to shoot more consistently and improve his decisions when he puts it on the deck. Grade: B+
55. LA Clippers
Nick Martinelli | 6-7 | 22 years old
[Overall 49 Wing 7 Nick Martinelli Northwestern
An elite off-ball mover and collegiate scorer who’ll need to adjust his game for the NBA.
Read full profile ›](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/nick-martinelli-northwestern-wing/)
I’m higher on Martinelli than most because of the reviews of his work ethic. You can rely on him to keep trying to improve. The most likely outcome is that he turns into a terrific player overseas, where European coaches will know how to use his game and his inherent basketball IQ.
Martinelli is big and smart, plays hard and has touch and skill level. He thinks the game well. You can make worse bets on two-ways than on a player who has those traits while you spend a year trying to remold his game into something slightly different from what it was in college. The swing skills are getting his shot to a high level and improving his defensive footwork. But I’m willing to take a two-way flier on him and see what happens.
Hollinger’s analysis: I was lower than consensus on Martinelli after an underwhelming combine, but he had a strong senior year at Northwestern and could have enough of a size-shooting combo to stick as an offense-oriented forward. Grade: B-
56. Dallas Mavericks
Vsevolod Ishchenko | 6-7 | 21 years old | Lokomotiv Kuban
Vecenie’s ranking: 61
Breakout player in Russia this season who can dribble, pass and shoot for his size. Ishchenko was the later international riser this year who popped around the midseason mark for scouts in Russia as a bigger wing who has real dribble, pass and shoot abilities. He’s a big-time shooter off the catch and is going to have to get stronger and a bit more athletic while hopefully playing at a bit of a higher competition level next season. But this should be a pure stash pick for the Mavericks.
Hollinger’s analysis: The Lakers bought this pick from the Bulls and then … traded it? Dallas used it on what appears to be a stash pick in Ishchenko. I was told he was unable to work out for teams due to visa issues, but he had a strong season in the Russian VTB League. Grade: B+
57. LA Clippers
Narcisse Ngoy | 7-0 | 21 years old | Poitiers Basket 86
Vecenie’s ranking: N/A
Ngoy is probably the largest human drafted this year, a massive near-7-footer with exceptionally long arms who threw down over the second division of French basketball and has better footwork than you think. I would bet he has something like a 9-9 standing reach. But he’s never played at a particularly high level for a reason, and it’s because he’s a 22-year-old who was averaging four points per game in second-division France last year. It’s a screen, catch the ball, dunk, and it needs to be limited to that.
Hollinger’s analysis: Narcisse Ngoy is an auto-eligible international by virtue of turning 22 later this year. He had a pretty solid year in the French league, with notable rates of blocks and rebounds even for that mid-tier league. He’s a pure stash, and by virtue of that, will probably be on the New York Knicks. But at this point in the draft, the player pool is tapped out. Grade: B
58. New Orleans Pelicans
Jaron Pierre Jr. | 6-5| 23 years old | SMU
Vecenie’s ranking: N/A
The chaos actor is back! Troy Weaver goes off my top-100 board to take Pierre, who can dribble, pass and shoot. He’s a talented player. But if there is a player I enjoyed watching less in college basketball this year, I’m not sure I can think of one, given his decision-making and dribbling. It’s always the Pelicans. Always.
Hollinger’s analysis: New Orleans went local with this one, as Pierre is a New Orleans kid who is not really a kid after his six-year(!) college career finally ended at SMU. He’s a skinny guard with some athletic pop and can shoot, but I didn’t have him in my top 75. Grade: B-
59. Minnesota Timberwolves
Trey Kaufman-Renn | 6-8 | 23 years old | Purdue
Vecenie’s ranking: 62
Kaufman-Renn is a tough interior presence who can rebound the ball and got tougher on defense with his movement ability in space this past season. He’s going to have to shoot to stick in the NBA, but I love that he’s been a part of several winning teams.
Hollinger’s analysis: Kaufman-Renn was a good enough college player that I won’t totally dismiss his chances, but he has a lot of adjustments to make to his game to have anywhere near the same success at the NBA level. Developing a 3-point shot and giving himself a true position would go a long way toward making him usable as something more than a G League center. Grade: B-
60. Milwaukee Bucks
Malique Lewis | 6-8 | 21 years old | SE Melbourne
Vecenie’s ranking: 91
Lewis is a long, athletic wing who plays with a high motor in Australia’s NBL. He was a Next Star who has now been drafted and presumably will be on a two-way deal. Ultimately, I’m a bit worried that he doesn’t process the game quickly enough and doesn’t have enough skill to stick, which is why I ranked him in the 90s. But maybe that can improve.
Hollinger’s analysis: And we end on one final stash pick. Lewis is a good athlete and rebounder who played for Mexico City in the G League before moving to Australia this past season. With passports from Trinidad and Spain, he’s likely to stay overseas unless his skill level makes a sharp uptick. For what that’s worth, I like him better than Hugo Besson and Georgios Kalaitzakis. Grade: B+
By Sam Vecenie and John Hollinger, via The Athletic