The NBA Draft, a cornerstone event in the basketball calendar, adopted a new two-day format this year, setting the stage for an extended period of high drama and intense anticipation. Held in two distinct New York City locales, the first round unfolded on Wednesday night at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, followed by the second round the next day at the vibrant South Street Seaport studios.
As deputy commissioner Mark Tatum extended his hand to welcome the second-round picks, the tension among the ten hopefuls waiting in the green room at the Seaport was palpable. Among those were Marquette's Oso Ighodaro and Washington State's Jaylen Wells, who were chosen 40th by the Phoenix Suns and 39th by the Memphis Grizzlies, respectively. Each player's journey to this moment was filled with unique experiences and emotions.
"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," Oso Ighodaro shared, reflecting the whirlwind nature of draft week. "Got ready, came here and they had this event for us."
Jaylen Wells, echoing the exhaustion felt by many, noted, "We were exhausted. We got some food and went straight to sleep." Despite the weariness, Wells found himself facing another unique situation. "And then I was like, 'I just love this one so much,' so I was like, 'I gotta wear it again.'" Clearly, certain rituals and charms hold significance even in the most professional realms.
Harrison Ingram from North Carolina, picked 48th by the San Antonio Spurs, also shared his quirky approach: "Everything was the same but my socks." Such details highlight the blend of superstition and comfort athletes often rely on in pivotal moments.
A Two-Day Rollercoaster
The two-day draft format was a significant adjustment for many players, as Nigerian center Adem Bona, selected 41st by the Philadelphia 76ers, pointed out. "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 added stress, Bona appreciated the support system he had in place. "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."
An Unforgettable Experience
Swedish forward Bobi Klintman, who was selected 37th by the Detroit Pistons, captured the overwhelming emotion of the draft night. "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."
Another notable story from the draft was the selection of Cam Christie at No. 46 by the Los Angeles Clippers, who now joins his brother Max Christie on the NBA roster, creating a rare sibling duo. Cam Christie expressed his astonishment: "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." Reflecting on the moment his future was secured, Christie added, "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."
In total, the NBA Draft stretched over 22½ hours, beginning at 8 p.m. on Wednesday and culminating Thursday evening. This extended format, while frenetic and exhausting for many involved, added a layer of intensity and emotion to an already high-stakes event. As draft picks settled into their new roles and looked forward to the future, the stories of their selection night – marked by fatigue, excitement, and personal milestones – became indelible parts of their professional narratives.