Nate Johnson, a former Kansas State guard, is quietly positioning himself for a possible second‑round selection in the 2026 NBA Draft after participating in workouts with several NBA teams.
Workout Circuit
He has taken the court in pre‑draft workouts with several NBA franchises, including the Charlotte Hornets, the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers, using the sessions to showcase his playmaking and shooting.
Draft Night
The second round of the 2026 draft is set for Wednesday, June 24, at 7 p.m., and will be televised on ABC and ESPN, giving Johnson a national platform if his name is called.
His college journey includes a single season at Kansas State before he transferred to the University of Akron, where he spent three years and earned the 2024‑25 MAC Player of the Year honor while guiding the team to the NCAA Tournament.
At Akron he posted averages of 14 points per game and helped the program break through to the tournament, while his lone year in Manhattan saw him start every game for a 12‑20 squad that underwent a midseason coaching change.
Summer League Outlook
Although his draft projection remains modest, Johnson is expected to chase a Summer League contract, a pathway that has become a common route for second‑round hopefuls to earn a roster spot.