BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: An overall photo of 2026 NBA Draft stage before the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms an

Basketball Zone

Trendline

Sacramento Kings Select Darius Acuff Jr. in 2026 NBA Draft to Boost Offense

Trendline

Golden State Warriors Select Yaxel Lendeborg in 2026 NBA Draft, Enhancing Team's Defensive Flexibility

Discover daily

Today Marks the Beginning of the Dream Team Era

What is the story about?

In case you missed it, the NBA draft has been turned into a two-day affair since 2024. After a relatively tame day one yesterday, teams are now on the clock for the second round today.

Draft Info

What: 2026 NBA Draft Round 2
When: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 @ 7:00 pm CT
Where: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)
TV: ESPN

Wolves Notes

What to Expect in Round Two

A year ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves were in the most enviable spot in the second round, holding the first pick. However, the result was an uninspiring thud, as President of Basketball Operations,

Tim Connelly, ended up moving down 14 spots, getting two future second picks, and some sweet cash considerations along the way. Rocco Zikarsky was the resulting pick, a relatively mysterious giant. Nothing wrong with that.

The most disappointing part, though, was when Connelly came out and publicly stated post-draft that the second round was difficult for them as it was “largely agent-driven.” This essentially confirmed that the Wolves’ front office wasn’t fully prepared for what unfolded that day.

Will his group be better prepared this year?

After the Randle trade on Monday, Minnesota now holds the 33rd and 59th picks in the second round. I mentioned yesterday that some view second round picks as more valuable asset chips compared to late first round picks. It really comes down to the flexibility of deals that second rounders can sign. They can sign two-way contracts, “Gupta Special” non-guaranteed deals, etc. First rounders, in contrast, are given guaranteed deals for two years plus two more years of team options.

Will Connelly turn these minor assets into some more considerations of the greenback variety? Or will he pull another rabbit out of his hat as he did in 12 years ago, drafting a three-time MVP with the third or 41st pick in the second round?

For reference, some notable players drafted early in the second round in the last five drafts: Ryan Kalkbrenner (34), Kyle Filipowski (32), Ajay Mitchell (38), Jaylen Wells (39), Andrew Nembhard (31), Jaylin Williams (34), Max Christie (35), Herb Jones (35), Ayo Dosunmu (38).

Here are some names of guys from late in the second round: Quinten Post (52), Cam Spencer (53), Ariel Hukporti (58), Jaylen Clark (53), Trayce Jackson-Davis (57), Gui Santos (55), Jabari Walker (57), Sandro Mamukelashvili (54), and Aaron Wiggins (55).