2026 NBA Draft team grades: Live updates for all 30 teams as Round 2 unfolds

Among the prospects who did not secure a first-round selection were Duke’s Isaiah Evans, North Carolina’s Henri Veesaar, and Arkansas’ Meleek Thomas. These players, recognized for their potential during their college careers, were widely expected to be selected early in the second round. Evans, a versatile forward, and Veesaar, an athletic big man, each demonstrated flashes of NBA readiness, while Thomas offered a dynamic scoring punch. Their wait was anticipated to be brief as teams identified opportunities to acquire value.

Other prominent players projected to be drafted in the second round included Purdue’s Braden Smith and BYU’s Richie Saunders. Smith concluded his senior season by setting the NCAA’s all-time assist record, a testament to his exceptional court vision and playmaking ability, which scouts lauded as immediately translatable to the professional level. Saunders, conversely, faced a setback earlier in the calendar year after suffering a torn ACL. His recovery from the injury likely influenced his draft stock, shifting him into the second-round conversation as teams weighed his long-term potential against his immediate availability.

The Washington Wizards are slated to make the final selection of the draft at No. 60, bringing the two-day event to a close. On Day 1, the Wizards initiated the draft by selecting BYU star AJ Dybantsa as the No. 1 overall pick, opting for his immense potential over highly-touted Darryn Peterson. This decision marked a significant moment for the franchise, which won the NBA Draft Lottery for the first time since 2010. Dybantsa, a highly-touted small forward from BYU, was a consensus top prospect for weeks leading up to the draft, known for his alpha scoring ability and athletic prowess. He is set to join a developing core in Washington that features Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and Will Riley. The Wizards’ commitment to this core was underscored by Young’s recent four-year, $212 million extension, making the Dybantsa selection a strategic fit for the team’s long-term vision. His upside as a potential 1A option is expected to elevate both the floor and ceiling of the Washington roster.

As Round 2 unfolds, CBS Sports is providing real-time team grades and pick-by-pick analysis from Director of Basketball Scouting Adam Finkelstein, offering immediate insight into the strategic decisions made by all 30 NBA franchises.

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2026 NBA Draft Essentials

Atlanta Hawks: B

Pick	Player	Grade
8	Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston	B+
23	Zuby Ejiofor, C, St. John’s	C+

Following the trade of franchise cornerstone Trae Young last season, the Atlanta Hawks embarked on a roster retooling process, with a noticeable emphasis on defensive capabilities in the draft. At No. 8, the Hawks secured Kingston Flemings, one of the draft’s quickest guards. Flemings, who played alongside veteran players at Houston, projects as a capable two-way player and a reliable option to lead the second unit, offering immediate defensive impact. Atlanta’s selection of Zuby Ejiofor at No. 23 brought in another top defender. While Ejiofor’s defensive presence is undeniable, his selection at this position was considered a slight reach. Both Flemings and Ejiofor are anticipated to begin their NBA careers as reserves, leveraging their defensive strengths to earn playing time. The Hawks hold pick No. 57, acquired from Boston.

Boston Celtics: B

27. Chris Cenac Jr., PF, Houston | Grade: B

Chris Cenac Jr.’s slide in the draft concluded at the end of the first round, with the Boston Celtics selecting the Houston big man at No. 27. Cenac Jr. is recognized as one of the more raw prospects in the class, yet possesses the foundational tools to develop into an impactful two-way player. His arrival in Boston offers an ideal scenario for both parties: Cenac Jr. will not be immediately burdened with high expectations, allowing him to benefit from the Celtics’ renowned player development system, while Boston invests in a high-potential prospect for the future. The Celtics’ next pick is No. 40, obtained from Milwaukee.

Brooklyn Nets: B

Pick	Player	Grade
6	Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville	B
28	Joshua Jefferson, PF, Iowa State	B

The Brooklyn Nets have had an active offseason, including a trade for Julius Randle on Monday. On the first night of the draft, Brooklyn continued to build its roster, selecting Mikel Brown Jr. at No. 6, a guard with one of the highest ceilings in the class. Despite making five first-round picks last year, including three guards, the Nets added another backcourt talent in Brown Jr., known for his elite shooting ability. He is expected to complement Egor Demin, the No. 8 pick in the 2025 draft, forming a dynamic backcourt. At No. 28, the Nets drafted Joshua Jefferson, a veteran forward from Iowa State recognized as one of the best passers in his class. Both selections address Brooklyn’s talent acquisition objectives. The Nets’ next pick is No. 43, acquired from the LA Clippers.

Charlotte Hornets: B+

Pick	Player	Grade
14	Hannes Steinbach, PF, Washington	B
18	Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech	B+

The Charlotte Hornets’ primary offseason objective was to identify a long-term center who could integrate with their core of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel. Hannes Steinbach, a 6-foot-10 forward from Washington, addressed this need at No. 14, showcasing exceptional hands and strong rebounding capabilities. Steinbach’s selection provided Charlotte with a promising big man rather than pursuing options in the veteran free agent or trade markets. At No. 18, the Hornets drafted Christian Anderson, a dynamic shooting guard from Texas Tech. Anderson, who shot 41.5% from beyond the arc on 260 attempts as a sophomore, is expected to provide significant scoring off the bench, following Knueppel’s rookie record for most 3-pointers made in a season.

Chicago Bulls: A-

Pick	Player	Grade
4	Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina	A
15	Dailyn Swain, SF, Texas	C+

The Chicago Bulls made a significant pre-draft move by acquiring Nic Claxton from Brooklyn, solidifying him as a likely Day 1 starter at center under new coach Tiago Splitter. At No. 4, the Bulls selected Caleb Wilson, a highly athletic power forward from North Carolina, who is projected to be Claxton’s frontcourt partner. Wilson’s explosive athleticism and two-way potential position him as a possible star for a Bulls franchise in pursuit of elite talent. His upside, particularly if his jumper develops, is considerable. Chicago further strengthened its roster with the selection of Dailyn Swain, a 6-foot-8 wing from Texas, at No. 15. While Swain offers impactful two-way play off the bench, his selection was considered a reach, as he was ranked No. 25 on CBS Sports’ final prospect rankings. The Bulls hold additional picks at No. 38 (from New Orleans) and No. 56 (from Denver).

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers hold pick No. 34, acquired from Sacramento.

Dallas Mavericks: C+

Pick	Player	Grade
9	Morez Johnson Jr., PF, Michigan	C+
25	Sergio De Larrea, SG, Spain	B

The Dallas Mavericks’ paramount offseason objective was to pair Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg with a long-term running mate. At No. 9, the Mavs selected Morez Johnson Jr., a power forward from Michigan, adding toughness, familiarity (having played for new Mavs coach Dusty May), and size. Johnson, one of the biggest risers in the draft cycle, is anticipated to form a formidable defensive duo with Flagg. At No. 25, Dallas drafted Sergio De Larrea, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Spain who played significant minutes for EuroLeague contender Valencia. De Larrea is expected to serve as a complementary piece alongside Flagg and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks’ next pick is No. 48, acquired from Phoenix via Washington.

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets hold picks Nos. 35 (from San Antonio) and 49 (from Atlanta via Brooklyn and Golden State).

Detroit Pistons: B

17. Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford | Grade: B

The Detroit Pistons executed a strategic move to trade up a few spots, specifically ahead of the Toronto Raptors at No. 19, to secure Ebuka Okorie, one of the top point guards in the class. Okorie, who averaged 23.6 points per game as a freshman at Stanford, provides valuable insurance and a distinct dynamic for star guard Cade Cunningham. His quickness and scoring ability offer opportunities for the Pistons to deploy both guards simultaneously in their backcourt rotations.

Golden State Warriors: B-

11. Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan | Grade: B-

The Golden State Warriors’ foremost priority this offseason is to enhance their talent around Steph Curry, especially with Jimmy Butler sidelined indefinitely due to injury. In a win-now scenario, the Warriors selected Yaxel Lendeborg, a power forward from Michigan, at No. 11. Lendeborg, one of the oldest prospects in the class (turning 24 in September), is highly regarded for his blend of size, athleticism, and two-way capability, offering immediate assistance to Curry. However, questions linger about whether the Warriors might regret passing on a younger, high-upside prospect like 19-year-old Nate Ament as their roster inevitably transitions. The Warriors hold pick No. 54, acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers via Toronto, Miami, and Cleveland.

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets hold picks Nos. 39 (from Chicago via Washington) and 53.

Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers hold no picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Los Angeles Clippers: B+

5. Keaton Wagler, PG, Illinois | Grade: B+

Following the acquisition of Darius Garland at last season’s trade deadline and a fortunate outcome in last month’s draft lottery, the Los Angeles Clippers were positioned to select the best player available at No. 5. Opting for Keaton Wagler, a point guard from Illinois, signaled a strong vote of confidence in Garland’s immediate future with the team. Wagler, recognized as one of the best shooters in the class, excels playing off the ball, a trait that allows him to seamlessly coexist with Garland, who is expected to handle the majority of on-ball responsibilities. This choice suggests the Clippers prioritized fit over selecting a more ball-dominant guard like Darius Acuff. The Clippers hold additional picks at No. 36 (from Memphis) and No. 52 (from Cleveland).

Los Angeles Lakers: B+

24. Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor | Grade: B+

The Los Angeles Lakers executed a trade with the Knicks to move up one spot in the draft, addressing a clear team need for enhanced athleticism. At No. 24, they selected Cameron Carr, a shooting guard from Baylor, who is widely regarded as one of the most athletic players in this class. Carr’s unexpected slide to this position, particularly after a strong combine performance, presented an opportune acquisition for the Lakers. He is expected to contribute shooting and size, marking a crucial addition during what is anticipated to be a pivotal summer for the franchise.

Memphis Grizzlies: A

Pick	Player	Grade
3	Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke	A+
21	Karim Lopez, PF, New Zealand Breakers	B

The Memphis Grizzlies, an organization that historically values collegiate production, made a decisive choice at No. 3 by selecting Cameron Boozer, a power forward from Duke. Boozer, recognized as the most productive player in the country last season, was a no-brainer selection. He is projected to immediately slot into Memphis’ starting lineup as the power forward alongside Zach Edey, offering floor-spacing and playmaking capabilities from both the low and high block. In contrast, Memphis’ second first-round pick at No. 21, acquired after trading back twice from No. 16, was Karim Lopez, a raw prospect from Mexico who most recently played in Australia’s NBL. Lopez will require time to develop at the NBA level and is expected to start as a rotation piece, showcasing a divergent draft philosophy for the Grizzlies’ two first-round selections. The Grizzlies hold pick No. 32, acquired from Indiana via Milwaukee.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat hold pick No. 41, acquired from Golden State via Charlotte, New York, Oklahoma City, and Atlanta.

Milwaukee Bucks: B+

Pick	Player	Grade
10	Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona	B+
13	Nate Ament, PF, Tennessee	B+

Following the significant trade of franchise legend Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks are fully immersed in a rebuilding phase, despite acquiring Tyler Herro in the trade with the Miami Heat. All starting lineup spots are ostensibly open. At No. 10, the Bucks selected Brayden Burries, a shooting guard from Arizona, considered one of the highest-floor players in the draft. Burries is a reliable two-way, off-ball guard with a strong 3-point shot. Nate Ament, a power forward from Tennessee, was a popular connection to the Bucks throughout the draft process, and Milwaukee secured him at No. 13, a pick acquired in the Giannis trade. Ament, whose performance in his freshman SEC campaign was inefficient, will benefit from a developmental environment without immediate pressure, aligning with Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam’s alma mater connection to Tennessee.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves hold picks Nos. 33 (from Brooklyn) and 59 (from San Antonio via Indiana).

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans hold pick No. 58, acquired from Detroit via New York, Brooklyn, Phoenix, Orlando, and the LA Clippers.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks hold picks No. 31 (from Washington via Oklahoma City and Houston), No. 47, and No. 55.

Oklahoma City Thunder: A-

Pick	Player	Grade
12	Aday Mara, C, Michigan	A-
16	Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa	B+

Aday Mara, a center from Michigan, was a consistently linked prospect to the Oklahoma City Thunder throughout the pre-draft process. The Thunder successfully acquired Mara at No. 12 without needing to trade up, addressing one of their most significant needs. The 7-foot-3 Mara, an elite shot-blocker, is envisioned as a critical defensive anchor, potentially acting as a "Wemby stopper" given his size and defensive prowess, a crucial asset in the Western Conference. Despite their deep roster, the Thunder filled a key weakness. Oklahoma City then traded up with Memphis to secure Bennett Stirtz, a productive guard from Iowa, at No. 16. Stirtz’s journey from Division II to leading an Elite Eight team highlights his tenacity and development, fitting the Sam Presti blueprint of acquiring cost-controlled players. The Thunder hold pick No. 37, acquired from Dallas.

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic hold pick No. 46.

Philadelphia 76ers: B+

22. Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama | Grade: B+

The Philadelphia 76ers benefited from a prospect slide, selecting Labaron Philon, a point guard from Alabama, at No. 22. This mirrored a previous draft success where Tyrese Maxey fell to the 76ers at No. 21. Philon, regarded as the best player available at that spot, is expected to provide valuable shooting and playmaking to the second unit, offering depth behind Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. His selection enhances the team’s guard rotation with a high-value pick.

Phoenix Suns: A-

30. Koa Peat, PF, Arizona | Grade: A-

Koa Peat, a power forward from Arizona, waited until the final pick of the first round to hear his name called, but will remain in his home state after the Phoenix Suns traded up to No. 30 in a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Peat is a talented prospect known for his high motor, though concerns regarding his jump shot contributed to his draft slide. The Suns’ decision to trade up for him represents a calculated risk, with the potential for a significant payoff if his offensive game develops. The Suns hold pick No. 47, acquired from Philadelphia via Houston and Oklahoma City.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers hold no picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Sacramento Kings: A-

Pick	Player	Grade
7	Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas	A-
29	Alex Karaban, PF, UConn	B

The Sacramento Kings’ most pressing need entering draft night was to identify their point guard of the future. After the Clippers and Nets passed on him, Sacramento wasted no time in selecting Darius Acuff Jr., a point guard from Arkansas, at No. 7. Acuff Jr., who had been consistently linked to Sacramento throughout the draft process, is anticipated to immediately assume the starting point guard role. As an offensive engine, he is expected to provide much-needed scoring and playmaking to a Kings roster in urgent need of a significant overhaul. The Kings also drafted Alex Karaban, a power forward from UConn, at No. 29. Karaban, who worked out with the team, offers a steady presence with his well-rounded skill set, including passing, high basketball IQ, and outside shooting. The Kings hold pick No. 45, acquired from Charlotte via San Antonio, Atlanta, and New York.

San Antonio Spurs: B+

Pick	Player	Grade
20	Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky	A-
26	Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn	B

Despite possessing a roster that reached the NBA Finals and features Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs reinforced their frontcourt, emphasizing defense and size. At No. 20, they selected Jayden Quaintance, a center from Kentucky. The defensive pairing of Wembanyama and Quaintance has the potential to create significant disruptive force. However, Quaintance was limited to just four games at Kentucky due to a knee injury, making his health a critical factor in

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