Vipers Add Klaczek, Melikyan in 2026 G League International Draft

EDINBURG, Texas (TXAN 24) — The Rio Grande Valley Vipers added two international prospects through the 2026 NBA G League International Draft, acquiring the returning player rights to Kacper Klaczek and Yura Melikyan as the franchise continues to bolster its developmental pipeline.

Klaczek, a 6-foot-8 forward from Chorzow, Poland, was selected sixth overall. He most recently played at Elon University, where he posted 11.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks across 24 games in his lone season.

Prior to that, he spent a season at the University at Albany and three years at Saint Joseph’s University, developing into a versatile multi-level contributor with defensive range.

Melikyan, a 6-foot-7 forward from Armenia, was taken with the 16th overall pick.

He split the 2025–26 season between the University of Latvia, where he averaged 8.2 points and 7.8 rebounds in 12 games, and Switzerland’s Starwings, producing 11.2 points and 6.6 rebounds over 16 appearances in the Swiss Basketball League.

Both players join the Vipers’ international rights list as the organization continues its role as the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets. The moves reflect a growing emphasis on size, rebounding versatility, and international development pathways within the franchise’s roster construction strategy.

The Vipers will evaluate both prospects heading into the upcoming G League season as roster decisions and potential call-up opportunities take shape.