NBA Draft Spans Two Days for the First Time
The NBA introduced a new format for its annual draft event this year, spanning it over two days. The first round kicked off on Wednesday night at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, a venue known for its electric atmosphere. The second round continued the following day at the more intimate South Street Seaport studios, marking a distinct shift in the event's tone and setting.
As Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum extended his hand to salute the second-round picks, the anticipation was palpable. Ten hopefuls waited in the green room at the Seaport, each eager for their moment to shine.
First-Round Excitement
Marquette standout Oso Ighodaro was chosen at No. 40 by the Phoenix Suns. Reflecting on his whirlwind draft experience, Ighodaro shared, "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."
The energy of the first day carried over into exhaustion for players like Jaylen Wells of Washington State, who was selected No. 39 by the Memphis Grizzlies. "We were exhausted. We got some food and went straight to sleep," Wells admitted, capturing the grueling nature of the two-day event.
Harrison Ingram from North Carolina, who was chosen by the San Antonio Spurs at No. 48, added a lighter note to the day by saying, "Everything was the same but my socks." This small detail highlighted the personal quirks that accompany high-pressure moments.
Global Talent Shines
The second round also showcased international talent, with Nigerian center Adem Bona picked No. 41 by the Philadelphia 76ers and Swedish forward Bobi Klintman selected at No. 37 by the Detroit Pistons. Bona expressed the unique pressures of the extended draft: "The two days kind of makes it more stressful. If it's one day, back-to-back, I'm like, 'All right, I'm getting my name called today regardless.'"
Nevertheless, he was surrounded by a supportive crew. "I have my family here. My immediate family couldn't make it. My mom, siblings couldn't make it. 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," Bona said, emphasizing the importance of family support during such a pivotal moment.
Klintman, on the other hand, was overwhelmed with emotion. "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 revealed.
Family Matters
The draft also saw the creation of a sibling duo in the NBA, with Cam Christie selected No. 46 by the Los Angeles Clippers. His brother, Max Christie, already plays for the Lakers, making their story one of rare familial success in professional sports. "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 shared, reflecting on the special bond he has with his brother.
Cam also described the anxiety and eventual relief of being drafted: "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 year's NBA Draft, which took 22½ hours to conclude from its 8 p.m. start on Wednesday, added a new layer of drama and intensity to an already high-stakes event. The extended format may have been physically and emotionally taxing for the players, but it also offered more opportunities for reflection, celebration, and family connections. As the league continues to evolve, this year's draft will be remembered not just for its duration but for the memorable stories and milestones it created.