Knicks draft options: Isaiah Evans, Henri Veesaar among best prospects available in second round for New York
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Knicks draft options: Isaiah Evans, Henri Veesaar among best prospects available in second round for New York originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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After winning the 2026 NBA championship, the New York Knicks are riding high, but they still have to prepare for next season.
New York entered Tuesday night with the 24th overall pick, but traded out of the first round to acquire five second-round picks and cash. Now, the Knicks enter Wednesday night with the first pick of the second round, where they could add an intriguing depth option.
While the Knicks are returning much of their championship roster, there are still a few holes to fill this offseason. That's where this second-round pick comes into play, as it could signal the direction New York plans to take.
Here's a look at some players the Knicks could consider with the No. 31 pick.
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Knicks draft options
Isaiah Evans, Duke, G
Evans was connected to the Knicks throughout the draft process and enters the second day as one of the top players available. With Landry Shamet set to hit free agency, the Knicks have a need for a backup guard who can both shoot and defend, which is what Evans offers.
In two collegiate seasons, Evans shot 38 percent from deep, a number that should translate to the NBA level. He is also a 6-foot-6 guard and would give the Knicks much-needed length in the backcourt to complement a smaller group headlined by Jalen Brunson. By taking him in the second round, the Knicks could be patient as Evans builds out his slight frame.
Meleek Thomas, Arkansas, G
Similar to Evans, Thomas is a guard with strong shooting ability, but he doesn't have Evans’s size. The Arkansas freshman shot 41.6 percent from deep in his lone season in college while averaging 15.6 points per game over the course of the year.
Unlike Evans, Thomas would give the Knicks more of a backup to Brunson, or at the very least another player who can play on the ball. Thomas is listed at 6-3 and would be as much of a backup point guard as he would be a rotation wing.
MORE: Grading every pick in the NBA Draft
Henri Veesaar, North Carolina, F/C
The Knicks biggest unrestricted free agent is Mitchell Robinson, and the team may prefer to let him go instead of matching his asking price. Therefore, Veesaar comes into play as one of the best centers remaining and a possible solution to replacing Robinson in the rotation.
The North Carolina center opted to stay in the draft instead of returning for another season. Veesaar offers more offense the defense, as he shot 38.3 percent from deep in college, and would give the Knicks two shooting centers with he and Karl-Anthony Towns. However, Veesaar is nowhere near Robinson on the defensive end.
Trevon Brazile, Arkansas, F/C
Brazile is an older player who could plug into the rotation right away if the Knicks are looking to replace Robinson. While he's a little smaller than a typical center, Brazile makes up for it with explosiveness and shooting ability, as he shot 35.1 percent from three in college.
While Brazile's upside is more limited than most players, the Knicks aren't necessarily looking to swing for the fences. Instead, New York just needs a role player to add to a championship core, which is where Brazile could be a strong fit.
MORE: Who are the best players available in Round 2 of the 2026 NBA Draft?
Jaden Bradley, Arizona, G
Bradley spent four years in college and enters the NBA with a wealth of experience, something that the Knicks could use. The former Arizona Wildcat was a quality shooter last year, shooting 39.4 percent from deep, and is most known for his tenacious defense.
The Knicks could see Bradley as a player who can play both alongside Brunson and as a backup point guard option. New York's lack of ballhandlers was exposed a bit in the playoffs, but Bradley could give the team another point guard option who can defend and shoot, making him a fit with Brunson on the court.