2026 NBA Draft: Henri Veesaar, Bruce Thornton among best available after first round

The 2026 NBA Draft saw expectations for numerous trades, but the first trade didn't occur until pick 16. Although there was some movement, primarily involving draft picks, the draft delivered excitement. Morez Johnson Jr. was picked by Dallas at No. 9, surprising many and reuniting him with head coach Dusty May after their success leading Michigan to a National Championship last season. The Knicks engaged in cost-cutting maneuvers to retain more of their championship roster, trading down from the 24th pick and acquiring future second-round picks and cash considerations.

Despite significant talent already selected in a loaded class, many promising players remained available for teams looking to bolster their rosters. The following are the ten best players still available after the first round:

C Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
Veesaar emerged as a standout for the Tar Heels last season after two years at Arizona. The floor-spacing seven-footer averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.3 triples per game last year, with an impressive shooting percentage of 60.8% from the field and 42.6% from three-point range. His services could have benefitted several teams that opted for different centers at the end of the first round, positioning Veesaar as a strong backup option for whoever drafts him.

G Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
After being a five-star prospect, Thomas struggled during his freshman year, leading to his slide into the second round. He averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.2 triples per game last season, playing alongside Darius Acuff Jr. Despite not performing well at the combine, his high potential remains attractive.

G Richie Saunders, BYU
At 25 years old and having torn his ACL in February, Saunders won’t be available to start next season. Nonetheless, he averaged 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.6 triples last year, demonstrating his potential to become a solid NBA rotation player.

G Isaiah Evans, Duke
Although Evans had limited playing time his freshman year, he averaged 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.7 triples last season, showcasing his high-level shooting capability. He is expected to be an early second-round pick and a rotational player in his first year.

G Bruce Thornton, Ohio State
Although labeling any player the "next Jalen Brunson" is precarious, Thornton possesses essential qualities that may see him outplay his draft position. The undersized guard excelled at Ohio State, averaging 19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists last season, which positions him as a potential steal in the second round.

F Trevon Brazile, Arkansas
Brazile, who played at both Missouri and Arkansas, posted noteworthy stats with 13.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists last season, highlighting his physical attributes, including a tall wingspan and remarkable vertical leap.

G Jack Kayil, Alba Berlin
Despite inconsistency in Germany last season, Kayil averaged 12.2 points and possesses significant upside, making him an intriguing option for teams in rebuilding phases.

G Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
Lipsey, a smaller guard, delivered 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season, making an impact in various facets of the game.

F Baba Miller, Cincinnati
At 22 years old, Miller averaged 13.0 points and 10.3 rebounds last season, showcasing his ability as a strong defender and playmaker, though concerns exist regarding his shooting upside.

C Ugonna Onyenso, Virginia
Onyenso showed promise defensively despite limited playing time, averaging 6.5 points and 2.9 blocks, alongside having developed a three-point shot.