Experts Flag 4 Second-Round 2026 NBA Draft Sleepers After June 23-24 Pool Locks
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · May 28
Experts Flag 4 Second-Round 2026 NBA Draft Sleepers After June 23-24 Pool Locks
3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · May 28
Four prospects — Jaden Bradley, Joshua Jefferson, Ryan Conwell and Braden Smith — were highlighted as potential 2026 NBA Draft steals now that the withdrawal deadline has finalized the June 23-24 player pool.
Bradley and Jefferson are seen sliding mainly because of age, yet Bradley averaged 13.3 points with 39.4% 3-point shooting at Arizona, while Jefferson posted 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists at Iowa State.
Conwell’s case centers on shooting and immediate fit: the 6-foot-4 Louisville guard made 99-plus 3-pointers in each of the past three seasons and is viewed as rotation-ready.
Smith faces size concerns at 5-foot-10.25 and 166.6 pounds, but his 38.5% career 3-point mark and reputation as an elite floor general keep him in the sleeper conversation.
The picks reflect a broader view that a deep 2026 class still offers value beyond Round 1, even as NIL has thinned the traditional second-round talent pool.
While top prospects return to college for NIL money, which overlooked international player has the best chance of becoming the 2026 draft's superstar steal?
With NIL deals rivaling rookie pay, are older college stars savvy draft picks or just lower-ceiling prospects compared to younger, international talent?