NBA Commissioner Reveals Changes to the 2024 Draft

The NBA draft serves as a lifeline for struggling teams within the league, offering them the chance to reconstruct their team around young, emerging talents. Historically, the latter part of the draft has often been disregarded due to a lack of depth among most classes. However, the recent surge of superstars emerging from the second round has inspired the NBA to make some changes ahead of next year's event.

Recent Draft Depth

With only 450 roster spots available in the NBA and 60 draft picks per year, many drafted talents find themselves out of the league almost as quickly as they enter it. Throughout history, the bulk of superstars emerged from within the lottery picks, but in the last 10-15 years, players like two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and former DPOY Draymond Green have been selected as late as the 2nd round, shining a light on later draft picks.

Nikola Jokic is the lowest draft pick to ever win NBA Finals MVP.

Drafted 41st — during a commercial — Jokic is now responsible for more than $4.4 million in equivalent brand value for Taco Bell, per @ApexMarketing.pic.twitter.com/LRL6X4rIDR— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 13, 2023

The 2018 NBA Draft was 5 years ago today!

2nd round picks
33: Jalen Brunson
34: Devonte' Graham
36: Mitchell Robinson
37: Gary Trent Jr
42: Bruce Brown
54: Shake Milton

Undrafted
Duncan Robinson pic.twitter.com/H66lOCthA9— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 21, 2023

If you were impressed with LeBron's "photographic memory," here's Draymond Green naming all 34 players picked before him in the 2012 NBA draft!

The NBA version of 'A Beautiful Mind' https://t.co/rvPuVr8vgK pic.twitter.com/TQiaqPoHPm— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 14, 2018

The NBA's overall global growth significantly contributes to the emergence of numerous talents each year. The influx of overseas stars currently playing in the league exemplifies the worldwide impact of the NBA. Another potential factor could be the changing eligibility rules preventing high school players from being drafted directly into the league. Notable players like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Garnett would likely have become even better prospects had they been required to spend an additional season in college before entering the draft.

Adam Silver gotta start banning foreign players in the NBA cause this is unfair pic.twitter.com/whbWAAeRoT— The CaruShow 🐐 (@BaldMambaSZN) December 3, 2023

Irrespective of the reasons, the 2nd round of the NBA draft holds more significance than ever. To alleviate the late-night struggles of fans keeping up with the entire draft, the NBA has outlined plans to enhance the overall event.

NBA Planned Draft Changes

With increasing interest in the NBA's 2nd round of the draft, the league is taking cues from other sports leagues like the NFL and considering transforming the NBA Draft into a multi-night event.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, speaking on SiriusXM Radio, revealed plans to extend the draft to a two-day affair. He cited various reasons, including the avoidance of keeping 2nd round selections waiting until past midnight to experience their draft moments, calling this decision a 'no-brainer.'

«I'm hoping to get there for this Juneand move the 2nd round [of the Draft] to its own night»

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirms the league would like to make the Draft a two-night event.@siriusxm | @siriusxmsports | @NBA | @TermineRadio | @JumpShot8 pic.twitter.com/6Xr6C2eJUJ— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) December 6, 2023

Several factors need consideration before these changes can be officially implemented. Ongoing discussions between the NBA, the Players Association, and broadcasting partners indicate a likelihood of unveiling the new format either at next year's draft or in the very near future.

Credits
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