NBA Draft Spans Two Days with Excitement and Emotions Flowing
In a change from tradition, the NBA extended its annual draft event over two days this year, adding an extra layer of anticipation and stress for both participants and fans. The first round unfolded on Wednesday night under the glitzy lights of Brooklyn's Barclays Center, with the second round following the next day at South Street Seaport studios, creating a unique, dual-day spectacle that was both taxing and invigorating for the players involved.
During the second round, Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum took center stage, extending his hand to welcome the new crop of hopefuls. Ten players nervously sat in the green room at the Seaport, waiting for their names to be called and their NBA dreams to come true.
Memorable Moments and Immediate Reactions
Among those waiting, Marquette's Oso Ighodaro was selected at No. 40 by the Phoenix Suns. Ighodaro described the whirlwind experience succinctly: "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."
For Jaylen Wells of Washington State, who was picked No. 39 by the Memphis Grizzlies, the seemingly endless activities took their toll. "We were exhausted," he admitted. "We got some food and went straight to sleep." Wells, who wore the same outfit on both days except for his socks, added a touch of humor to the intense event: "And then I was like, 'I just love this one so much,' so I was like, 'I gotta wear it again.'"
North Carolina's Harrison Ingram, chosen by the San Antonio Spurs at No. 48, also felt the grind. "Everything was the same but my socks," he noted, reflecting on the long hours and the stress of the two-day format.
International Talent Joins the Mix
The international flavor of the draft was highlighted by Nigerian center Adem Bona, picked No. 41 by the Philadelphia 76ers, and Swedish forward Bobi Klintman, who went at No. 37 to the Detroit Pistons. Bona acknowledged the added pressure of the extended event: "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.'" Despite the challenges, he appreciated having his extended family and friends present: "I have a good group of people here." Klintman shared his overwhelming joy, "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."
A Sibling Duo in the NBA
One of the most heartwarming stories of the event was that of Cam Christie, chosen No. 46 by the Los Angeles Clippers. His selection creates a sibling duo in the NBA, joining his brother Max Christie, who plays for the Lakers. "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 Christie expressed. His nerves evaporated the moment he got the call: "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, remarkable for both its extended format and emotional intensity, took a staggering 22½ hours to conclude from its 8 p.m. start on Wednesday. As the new draftees step into their professional careers, the players and fans alike will remember the excitement, stress, and joy of these two momentous days.