local
NBA draft finishes up in New York, where some second-round picks are revered
By Brian Mahoney, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 24, 2026
· 4 min read
Some of New York's biggest basketball heroes were second-round draft picks.Like Jalen Brunson, the guy marching through Manhattan with the Larry O'Brien Trophy in his arms last week during a joyous championship parade celebration. And Willis Reed, the guy who limped onto the floor before and duri...
Key takeaway And Willis Reed, the guy who limped onto the floor before and during the early minutes of Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals to lift the Knicks to their first championship.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The NBA draft's conclusion in New York has a direct impact on the Houston area, as the Rockets acquired the rights to Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton. This move could bring new energy to the team and potentially excite local fans. With the Rockets' selection of Thornton, Magnolia residents who follow the team may be eager to see how he will contribute to the squad. The fact that Thornton was initially announced as a Knick, only to be traded to the Rockets, highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of the NBA draft. As the Rockets look to rebuild and make a push for the playoffs, the addition of Thornton could be a key factor in their success. Local basketball enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how Thornton performs in the upcoming season and how he will fit into the Rockets' lineup.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Some of New York's biggest basketball heroes were second-round draft picks.Like Jalen Brunson, the guy marching through Manhattan with the Larry O'Brien Trophy in his arms last week during a joyous championship parade celebration. And Willis Reed, the guy who limped onto the floor before and duri...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Brian Mahoney, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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