Isaiah Evans and Henri Veesaar slip in 2026 NBA Draft after early exits

Duke's Isaiah Evans and UNC's Henri Veesaar have fallen out of the first round in the 2026 NBA Draft, potentially costing themselves millions in NIL deals. Both players, initially viewed as first-round talents, missed significant financial opportunities by leaving school early. Veesaar reportedly had a $3.5-4.5 million NIL contract on the table to return to North Carolina, while Evans had a similar deal at Duke. Their decisions come as they face uncertain futures as likely second-round picks, with Evans waiting in the green room during the first round without receiving a call. They both could have benefitted from one more year in college to boost their draft stock.

• 4:57 PMCBS Sports — 2026 NBA Draft fallout: Duke's Isaiah Evans, UNC's Henri Veesaar leave millions in NIL money on the table