Unlike in years before, the 2024 Draft was spit in two days with the first and second rounds happening on different occasions. According to a report by ESPN, though, NBA executives felt the new format could use some tweaking.
For 2024, the NBA has announced a significant change to the format and schedule of the draft, making it a two-night event. This decision, according to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, is a “no-brainer” move that will benefit teams, players, and fans alike.
The new format saw the draft split into two separate nights, with the first round taking place on the initial night and the second round being held on the following night. This change is intended to provide more time and attention for each prospect, allowing teams and fans to better engage with the selection process.
Ultimately, this year’s draft that used the new format saw the Atlanta Hawks pick forward Zaccharie Risacher first. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards went with Alex Sarr at second.
Silver believes the two-night format will create a more streamlined and engaging draft experience, benefiting all stakeholders involved. The NBA is confident that these changes will enhance the overall excitement and anticipation surrounding one of the league’s premier offseason events.
ESPN Report Reveals NBA Executives True Feelings on Two-Day 2004 Draft
According to an article written by Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo for ESPN, majority of executives feel that the draft’s new format was a success. Even if that’s the case, certain things could be changed to improve the overall experience.
Some of the two-day draft criticism came from an operational standpoint, with the second round taking place the following day, and two green room invitees, Kyle Filipowski and Johnny Furphy, having to leave Barclays Center without hearing their names called on the first night.
Others said it simply took too long (“a lot of yawns in the war room on Day 2”). One voter said the production value paled relative to the 2024 NHL draft, which took place at the Sphere in Las Vegas a day later.
“They should have not invited 20-plus players to the green room, and I even suggested inviting less would be the best way to go about it,” one NBA general manager said. “To have two guys have to go home without getting drafted was not a good look at all.”
All things considered, those things can certainly be improved by the league for the 2025 Draft. If they manage to change those details, the new format will be heralded as even more of a success.
It remains to be seen how next year’s draft will go down, especially with a class that’s projected to have a prospect like Cooper Flagg. For sure, NBA executives will be preparing for that time to ensure the success of the event.
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