Best NBA Draft Prospects Still on the Board After First Round
The NBA Draft resumed on Wednesday night in New York, with the New York Knicks holding the No. 31 pick acquired via earlier trades. While the Knicks have shifted focus to future assets, the remaining pool of talent is still rich with players who can contribute immediately or develop into key pieces.
Isaiah Evans – Duke (Guard)
Evans entered the draft expecting a first‑round selection after a two‑year stint at Duke. He sat in the green room but was not called, leaving him available in the second round. The former five‑star recruit averaged 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 38% from three and showing an improved rim‑finishing game. Evans provides a floor‑spacing guard with a proven three‑point shooter and a work‑ethic highlighted by his double‑brocade suit on draft night. Concerns revolve around his modest size (6‑6, 186 lb) and the need to add strength to handle NBA physicality.
Henri Veesaar – North Carolina (7‑ft 6‑in Forward)
Veesaar posted a standout senior season for the Tar Heels, averaging 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 42.6% from three. At 6‑11, 227 lb, he offers elite floor‑spacing for a big man and defensive versatility, ranking highly in Synergy’s “Excellent” shooter rating. After two years at Arizona, his increased shooting efficiency makes him a strong candidate for a backup or developmental role on a contending roster seeking stretch‑four capabilities.
Bruce Thornton – Ohio State (Guard)
Thornton finished his four‑year Ohio State career as a prolific scorer, posting 19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 55.4% overall and 41.2% from three. Although a “stocky” guard, his scoring efficiency and playmaking make him a potential steal in the second round. The primary risk is translating his production to the NBA against larger, more athletic defenders, but his scoring upside remains high.
Meleek Thomas – Arkansas (Guard)
Thomas was the No. 2 scorer (15.6 ppg) for the Razorbacks and showed a surge in three‑point shooting after the holiday break, hitting 47.9% from deep over a 25‑game stretch. At 6‑3, 190 lb, his size and improved shooting make him a late‑round candidate for wing depth, though his combine numbers were less impressive. He still offers upside as a potential 3‑and‑D wing.
Other Notable Options
- Richie Saunders (BYU) – A reliable three‑point shooter (37.6% junior, 43.2% senior) who is recovering from a torn ACL.
- Baba Miller (Cincinnati) – A 6‑11, 208 lb forward with a 7‑2 wingspan and strong rebounding (10.3 rpg) from the Bearcats.
- Emanuel Sharp (Houston) – A senior guard averaging 15.5 points with a 38.1% three‑point clip and a reputation for toughness.
- Jack Kayil (Alba Berlin) – A 6‑5 combo guard with pro experience in Germany, posting 12.5 points and 3.4 assists.
- Braden Smith (Purdue) – Elite playmaker and career 3‑point shooter (38.5%) but undersized at 5‑10, 167 lb.
These players fill various roster needs—shooting, size, playmaking—allowing teams to target specific gaps. Their college production, particularly from the perimeter, aligns with the NBA’s current emphasis on spacing and three‑point shooting.
What Teams Can Expect
During the second round, franchises often look for players who can contribute right away or develop into solid role players. The prospects listed above have demonstrated scoring ability, shooting efficiency and, in some cases, defensive versatility. The primary concerns are size (as with Evans), injury history (Saunders) and translating college production to the NBA level (Thornton, Thomas). Nonetheless, any of these names could become valuable depth pieces for teams focused on building a modern, floor‑spaced roster.
As the draft continues, staying attentive to how teams prioritize shooting, size and versatility will be key. For now, the pool of available talent after the first round offers plenty of intrigue and potential upside for the next wave of NBA talent.
