CBS Sports analysts identify 2026 NBA Draft second-round sleepers
Following the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline, experts point to value outside the first round for the June 23-26 event.
CBS Sports analysts have identified potential second-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft who could emulate the success of Jalen Brunson. The article highlights players such as Arizona's Bradley, Iowa State's Jefferson, Conwell, and Braden Smith as prospects with high ceilings or immediate NBA readiness, noting that value often exists outside the first round despite the draft's depth.
The analysis was published by CBS Sports, with the original headline: "Dribble Handoff: Who are 2026 NBA Draft sleepers who can follow the Jalen Brunson All-Star mold?" The article references the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline having passed, clarifying the player pool for the draft scheduled for June 23-24.
Specific player statistics and projections from CBS Sports analysts (Matt Norlander, David Cobb, Isaac Trotter, and Cameron Salerno) were provided:
Arizona's Bradley: Averaged 13.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 39.4% 3-point shooting; projected to fall to the second round due to age (turning 23 before next season).
Iowa State's Jefferson: Averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals; improved 3-point shooting to 34.5%; projected as a ready-made NBA role player or second-round steal.
Conwell: Described as a 6-foot-4 sniper with 99+ treys in each of the past three seasons; projected to be "plug-and-play" for an NBA rotation.
Braden Smith: Described as a 5-foot-10.25 barefoot guard with a career 38.5% 3-point shooting record; labelled as one of the best floor generals in college basketball history.
The article cites Maxime Raynaud (selected 42nd overall in 2025) as a recent example of a second-round sleeper who earned second-team all-rookie honors.
