The NBA Draft's New Two-Day Format Adds Excitement and Challenges
The NBA Draft's decision to extend over two days this year introduced a new level of excitement and complexity to one of basketball's most anticipated events. With the first round held on Wednesday night at Brooklyn's Barclays Center and the second round the following day at South Street Seaport studios, both players and fans experienced an extended thrill ride.
The elongated format meant that players who didn't hear their names called on the first day had an entire evening to contemplate their future, adding emotional intensity to the process. "The two days kind of makes it more stressful," said Nigerian center Adem Bona, who was picked No. 41 by the Philadelphia 76ers. "If it's one day, back-to-back, I'm like, 'All right, I'm getting my name called today regardless.'" Bona also shared his joy of having an extended support system even when his immediate family couldn't attend. "But my aunt, my uncle, my cousins from Canada, I have my girlfriend, I have my host family. I have a good group of people here."
Among the 10 hopefuls waiting in the green room at the Seaport for the second round was Marquette's Oso Ighodaro, who was picked at No. 40 by the Phoenix Suns. Ighodaro reflected on his whirlwind experience: "I got to New York, worked out for the Nets and then came and did all the media stuff the day before [the first round]. Wednesday, did more media, got to the draft and was there until almost 11, 11:30. And then did it all again today. Got ready, came here and they had this event for us."
As the clock crept closer to midnight on the first day, Jaylen Wells of Washington State, who was selected No. 39 by the Memphis Grizzlies, shared his exhaustive experience. "We were exhausted. We got some food and went straight to sleep," he noted, emphasizing the taxing nature of the two-day event. Nonetheless, Wells embraced the moments, even re-wearing an outfit he loved. "And then I was like, 'I just love this one so much,' so I was like, 'I gotta wear it again.'"
Harrison Ingram from North Carolina, chosen by the San Antonio Spurs at No. 48, injected a little levity into the tense atmosphere by admitting, "Everything was the same but my socks." Indeed, these small personal details provided a glimpse into the unique experiences of each draftee.
For some players, the draft represented not just the culmination of years of hard work but also the realization of a dream to share the court with their loved ones. Cam Christie, selected No. 46 by the Los Angeles Clippers, will be joining his brother Max Christie, who plays for the Lakers, creating a sibling duo in the NBA. "It's really hard to even put in words, honestly. It's extremely rare that two brothers are ever in the NBA, let alone have them in the exact same city. So it's super dope. We're really close, obviously," Cam noted.
Swedish forward Bobi Klintman, picked at No. 37 by the Detroit Pistons, recounted the emotional pinnacle of his evening. "It was unbelievable. I didn't have no words. I didn't know what to feel. Like, I was trying to hold my tears in. I was really happy. Sharing the moment with the family, too, was big-time," he said, describing the almost surreal joy of being drafted.
The entire event, taking 22½ hours to conclude from its 8 p.m. start on Wednesday, was a testament to the patience, stamina, and resilience of the players. For many, the wait was worth every second. As Cam Christie articulated, "Obviously it's a lot of nerves. You don't really know what's going to happen. You don't know when you're going to get called, who's going to draft you, that kind of thing. But I think once I got that call, it kind of all just went away."
This two-day NBA Draft format might have stretched the traditional limits of the event but also added layers of storytelling, anticipation, and personal triumphs that made it memorable for all involved.