What is the NBA draft?
The NBA draft is one of the most anticipated events in the calendar of activities of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Amateur players apply for a slot and aim to get favorable reviews and become a top pick. And teams use the draft to scout prospects and position early to be one of the early selectors. However, before starting the actual draft, the NBA management first hosts the Draft Lottery, which determines the order of selection for the draft. The lottery is an important side event as it determines the order of selection for the first 14 picks.
Although the event’s aim is straightforward, players can expect plenty of action happens on and off the court and even on the sidelines. Even an NBA all-star draft includes the league’s All-Star players, which is different from the standard draft. Let’s look at how the NBA draft works and appreciate its importance in growing the NBA as the premier basketball league.
NBA draft history
The NBA draft has a long and colorful history. From 1966 to 1984, the team that ended with the worst record from each conference participated in a coin flip. The NBA team that won the coin flip gets the No.1 overall pick in the draft, and the losing team gets the second. Then, based on their regular season win-loss records, the remaining teams get their picks in inverse order.
In June 1984, the Board of Governors first decided to use a lottery system among non-playoff teams to determine the order of picks. This pick procedure was changed in April 1986 when the Board of Governors adopted a lottery system that only applies to the first three teams. From 1989 to 2004, several rules changes were made to the NBA mock draft rules and picks, including who picks first and the accommodation of expansion teams.
Finally, in September 2017, the Board of Governors approved the changes in the lottery system to reduce the odds so that the three bottom teams would have the same chance of getting the No.1 overall draft pick.
Who got drafted in the NBA 2021?
The NBA draft is always an anticipated sports event every year. For the NBA 2021 draft, college basketball players, teams, and basketball fans felt the same buzz and energy as they prepared for some expected and shocking announcements. Heading into the draft, the Detroit Pistons are the No.1 overall pick and are projected to pick Cade Cunningham of the Oklahoma State.
Cunningham was the first pick, with Jalen Green as the second pick. Green is an exciting player and has played for the G League Ignite squad. Next on the NBA draft results for 2021 is Evan Mobley for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Scottie Barnes for the Toyota Raptors, and Jalen Suggs for the Orlando Magic.
Top prospects for NBA draft 2022
This year, the excitement and anticipation for the draft season is underway. The draft lottery will happen on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Chicago based on the league’s schedule. Under the rules, the 14 teams that are not in the 2022 playoffs can participate in the lottery.
For the NBA 2022 draft, many applicants have tried some tested routes to get noticed and seal the picks. Some college players submitted their applications the usual way, and a few hired an agent and skipped their remaining collegiate career. And some left their doors open to returning to school.
Based on the mock drafts and surveys, the top three teams and the bottom three teams of the NBA this season have 14% odds of earning the first pick overall. From the early buzz and reviews, Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, Auburn’s Jabari Smith, and Paolo Banchero of Duke are the heavy favorites to land in the Top 3 of the draft. If the Houston Rockets pick Holmgren, they continue their efforts to build the team from the ground up.
Last year, the Rockets picked Jalen Green to boost its frontcourt. However, with the possible addition of Holmgren, this move will enable the team’s defensive side. In addition, Orlando Magic may pick the Auburn star thanks to his shooting prowess. Finally, the Pistons are expected to add Banchero to its team. Banchero is known for his versatility on the court and can work well with Cunningham.
FAQs
1. When is the NBA draft?
The 2022 NBA Draft is scheduled for May 17, 2022, hosted by Chicago. Players, fans, and teams are also looking forward to the 2022 Draft Combine that begins May 16 and runs through May 22.
2. How does the NBA draft work?
The draft begins with the lottery to decide which teams will get the first picks. First, all 14 balls are placed in the lottery machine and mixed for 20 seconds during the lottery. After which, the first ball is removed. Then, the remaining balls are combined for a few seconds, and the second ball is drawn.
3. How many rounds in NBA draft?
There are only two rounds in the draft. This arrangement pales compared to other professional sports leagues in the US and Canada that feature at least seven rounds. On each draft, teams consider up to 60 players.
4. What are NBA draft rights?
Under the league’s rules, the draft rights refer to rights held by the team or trade partner on the player drafted during the process.
