The NBA Draft for the current year introduced a twist by extending the event over two days, creating an atmosphere filled with anticipation and excitement. The first round unfolded in the electric ambiance of Brooklyn's Barclays Center on Wednesday night, while the second round found a more intimate setting at South Street Seaport studios the following day.
The change in schedule added a unique dynamic to the draft experience, encapsulated by NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum extending his hand to second-round picks, a gesture both formal and symbolic. For the players, it became a test of endurance as well as opportunity.
A Two-Day Marathon
Marquette's Oso Ighodaro, who was picked at No. 40 by the Phoenix Suns, reflected on the exhaustive yet exhilarating experience. "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," he recounted.
Similarly, Jaylen Wells of Washington State, selected No. 39 by the Memphis Grizzlies, was candid about the physical toll. "We were exhausted. We got some food and went straight to sleep," he said. Wells even found himself repeating parts of his wardrobe, humorously admitting, "And then I was like, 'I just love this one so much,' so I was like, 'I gotta wear it again.'"
High Stakes and High Emotions
The stakes were high, and so were the nerves. Nigerian center Adem Bona, picked No. 41 by the Philadelphia 76ers, voiced the added stress of a two-day 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,'" he explained.
For Bona, the moment was bitter-sweet, as he shared his experience surrounded by some, but not all, of his close support network. "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," he shared.
The collective stress and elation of the draft were palpable among the new draftees. Bobi Klintman, the Swedish forward chosen at No. 37 by the Detroit Pistons, was emotionally overwhelmed. "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."
Sibling Bonds
Among the night's many stories, one particularly poignant narrative was that of Cam Christie. Selected No. 46 by the Los Angeles Clippers, Cam joined his brother, Lakers' Max Christie, in the NBA, forming a rare sibling duo in the same league. "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," Christie said, joy and pride evident in his words.
Despite the nerve-wracking process, the moment of selection brought immense relief and joy to many of the athletes. "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," added Cam Christie.
Conclusion
This year's NBA Draft spanned an intense 22½ hours from its 8 p.m. start on Wednesday, leaving many physically drained but emotionally exultant. The novel two-day format not only tested the draftees' endurance but also underscored their determination and readiness to embark on their professional journeys. With new opportunities at their doorstep and dreams materializing, the draft class of this year is poised to make its mark on the NBA.