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Second Round Opens as Several Projected First‑Rounders Slip Into Day 2

The unexpected availability of high-upside prospects gives teams a chance to add shooters, stretch bigs, or trade early second‑round slots to address roster needs.

Overview

  • Round 1 concluded on Tuesday and left 30 picks for Round 2, with AJ Dybantsa going No. 1 to Washington and other top lottery selections already set.
  • Henri Veesaar, Isaiah Evans, and Meleek Thomas are the most talked‑about remaining prospects and are widely expected to be among the first names taken in Round 2.
  • Veesaar is viewed as a 6'11" mobile stretch five who shot about 42.6 percent from three but fell because scouts worry about his thin frame and rim‑protection at the next level.
  • Isaiah Evans is prized for elite shooting range and a quick release while Meleek Thomas is seen as a fearless, high‑volume scoring guard who could fit as a sixth‑man; both slipped from projected first‑round slots.
  • Teams will weigh using early second‑round picks — including the Knicks at No. 31, who may trade — on immediate rotation help, developmental prospects, or international draft‑and‑stash players.