local
NBA draft finishes up in New York, where some second-round picks are revered
By Brian Mahoney, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / 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 The Pearland
The NBA draft's conclusion in New York has a direct impact on the Houston Rockets, with the team acquiring the rights to Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton. This move could bring new energy to the Rockets, potentially influencing the team's performance in upcoming games. As a community that closely follows the Rockets, Pearland residents may be eager to see how Thornton will contribute to the team's success. The fact that Thornton mentioned the lack of state tax in Texas as a positive aspect of being drafted by the Rockets also highlights the practical considerations that come with playing for a Texas-based team. With the Rockets' new addition, local fans will be watching to see how the team's roster shapes up and how Thornton will fit into the lineup, potentially bringing excitement to the Houston area, including Pearland, in the upcoming season.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Brian Mahoney, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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