NBA Draft 2024: date, what it is and how it works

The NBA Draft is an event that captures the attention of basketball fans around the world. It’s a time when NBA teams select new players to join their ranks, and when young prospects from around the world get the chance to realize their dreams of playing in the NBA.

The draft is also a time of hope and excitement for fans, who see it as an opportunity for their favorite teams to turn their fortunes around and start building for the future.

What is the NBA Draft?

The NBA Draft is an annual event where the teams in the NBA select new players for their rosters. It is one of the most exciting times of the year for basketball fans, as it provides an opportunity to see the future stars of the league.

History of NBA Draft

The NBA Draft has a rich and storied history that spans more than seven decades. The draft was first held in 1947, just one year after the founding of the National Basketball Association. At the time, the draft was a much simpler affair than it is today, with teams selecting players until their rosters were full.

Over the years, the NBA Draft has evolved and become more complex. In 1966, the league introduced the coin flip, which determined which team would have the first overall pick. The following year, the NBA adopted a system in which the team with the worst record from the previous season would have the first pick in the draft.

In 1985, the NBA introduced the draft lottery system, which is still used today. The NBA Draft Lottery gives teams with the worst records a better chance of receiving the first pick, while also ensuring that there is some randomness to the process.

In 1996, the NBA Draft was shortened from three to two rounds, which reduced the number of players selected from 58 to 29. In 2005, the NBA introduced the “one-and-done” rule, which requires players to be at least one year removed from high school before they can enter the draft.

In recent years, the NBA Draft has become a global event, with players from around the world being selected alongside American players. The draft has also become more heavily scrutinized by fans, media, and teams, with the rise of advanced analytics and the increased importance of drafting players who fit specific team needs and playing styles.

How do the NBA Draft works

The NBA Draft is an annual event where teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) select new players to join their teams.

The Draft is divided into two rounds of thirty picks each, one pick per team. The order of the picks is determined by the standings in the previous season to ensure balance among the franchises.

The draft process can be broken down into several steps:

1. Eligibility: Not every basketball player is eligible to be drafted. To be eligible, a player must meet the NBA’s eligibility requirements, which usually means they must have played at least one year of college basketball or be at least 19 years old.
2. Lottery: The draft order is determined by a lottery system, which was introduced in 1985 to prevent teams from intentionally losing games to secure a higher draft pick. The teams with the worst records from the previous season have a better chance of getting a higher pick in the draft. The lottery is conducted a few weeks before the draft.
3. Draft order: After the lottery, the draft order is set, and each team knows where they will be picking. There are two rounds in the draft, with each team having one pick per round. The team with the first pick in the draft gets to choose first, and the order continues until all the picks have been made.
4. Pre-draft workouts and interviews: Before the draft, teams usually bring in a number of prospects for workouts and interviews. This gives them a chance to see the players up close and ask them questions about their basketball skills, work ethic, and personality.
5. The draft: On draft day, teams take turns selecting players from a pool of eligible prospects. Each team has a certain amount of time to make their pick, usually around five minutes. If they fail to do so, the next team is free to make their selection.
6. Trades: Teams are allowed to trade their draft picks, which can add an additional layer of excitement to the event. This means that teams can swap picks with other teams, or they can trade picks for established players.
7. Undrafted players: After the draft, there are usually a number of players who were not selected. These players can still sign with NBA teams as free agents and try to make the team during training camp.

When is the NBA Draft?

The NBA Draft 2024 is scheduled, for the first time in NBA history, over two days: June 26 and 27 2024. These are the dates when NBA teams select players from college or international leagues to join their teams. Draft dates may vary slightly from year to year, so it’s always advisable to check the date on official NBA channels.

The NBA Draft typically takes place in late June, after the conclusion of the NBA Finals. It gives fans an opportunity to look forward to the future of the league while the current season is still fresh in their minds.

In recent years, the draft has become a major event in the NBA calendar, with fans eagerly anticipating the picks made by their favorite teams. The event is broadcast live on television and online, with fans and experts alike analyzing each pick and predicting how the player will fare in the league.

Where to watch the NBA Draft 2024?

The NBA Draft is typically broadcast live on television worldwide. In the United States, it will be televised on ESPN and NBA TV.

Additionally, many sports streaming platforms offer the opportunity to watch the NBA Draft online. ESPN, for example, provides streaming services on ESPN+ that might broadcast the event. Other options could include NBA League Pass and streaming services like YouTube TV.

Eligible Players for the Draft

The following players can declare themselves eligible for the NBA Draft, meaning they are available to be selected within the 60 picks:

• Players with at least one year of college and 19 years of age or older
• Players completing college
• International players over the age of 23

The declaration of eligibility must occur by a specific date as the league organizes the pre-draft camp to allow aspiring NBA players to showcase their skills and get noticed by various franchises. Individual teams may also invite specific players for individual workouts.