ESPN's latest NBA Mock Draft has new Tar Heel going second round

TL;DR

ESPN's latest NBA Mock Draft projects Matt Able from UNC to be selected 39th overall by the Houston Rockets. Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar are also highlighted, going fourth and 25th overall, respectively.

Key points

Matt Able projected 39th overall to the Houston Rockets
Caleb Wilson projected 4th overall to the Chicago Bulls
Henri Veesaar projected 25th overall to the Los Angeles Lakers

Matt AbleCaleb WilsonHenri VeesaarHouston Rockets

The 2026-27 UNC basketball roster is rounding into shape. New head coach Michael Malone will have a couple returners from last season, while landing a few transfers and international guys.

One of those new guys, Matt Able, transferred over from NC State. He proved a promising freshman during his lone season in Raleigh, averaging 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, while also shooting nearly 80 percent on free throws.

There's a chance Able doesn't ever don a Tar Heel uniform, though. In ESPN's latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft, Able goes 39th overall to the Houston Rockets.

Caleb Wilson is projected fourth overall to the Chicago Bulls in this same mock draft, while Henri Veesaar goes 25th overall to the aging Los Angeles Lakers.

If Able opts for the NBA, he'll leave North Carolina with a sizable hole in its backcourt. Isaiah Denis or Jaydon Young likely become starters in this situation, while there's a chance Malone lands another portal or international guard.

Q&A

Who is Matt Able and what are his stats?

Matt Able is a transfer to UNC from NC State, averaging 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game with nearly 80 percent free throw shooting.

Which teams are projected to draft Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar?

Caleb Wilson is projected to be drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Bulls, while Henri Veesaar is expected to go 25th overall to the Los Angeles Lakers.

What is the significance of the 2026 NBA Mock Draft for UNC basketball?

The 2026 NBA Mock Draft highlights the potential impact of new players like Matt Able on UNC's roster and their prospects for the upcoming season.