The NBA's annual draft event took on a new format this year, stretching over two days and offering an extended journey for aspiring basketball professionals. The first round kicked off on Wednesday night at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, with the second round unfolding the following day at South Street Seaport studios. This shift in schedule brought both excitement and exhaustion to the participants, who eagerly awaited their turn to join the league.
Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum was on hand to welcome the second-round picks, a role that highlighted the significance of their entry into professional basketball. Ten hopefuls waited in the green room at the Seaport, their anticipation palpable as they prepared for a life-changing moment.
Key Selections
Among the notable selections, Marquette's Oso Ighodaro was picked at No. 40 by the Phoenix Suns. Reflecting on the whirlwind experience, Ighodaro shared, "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."
Jaylen Wells of Washington State was selected at No. 39 by the Memphis Grizzlies. The taxing schedule wore on Wells, who remarked, "We were exhausted. We got some food and went straight to sleep." Despite the fatigue, Wells maintained a light-hearted attitude, quipping about his draft attire, "And then I was like, 'I just love this one so much,' so I was like, 'I gotta wear it again.'"
The 48th pick saw Harrison Ingram from North Carolina joining the San Antonio Spurs. Ingram lightened the atmosphere with his straightforward comment, "Everything was the same but my socks," providing a glimpse into the rigors of draft day preparation.
International Representation
Nigerian center Adem Bona was picked at No. 41 by the Philadelphia 76ers. Bona discussed the unique challenges of a two-day draft, stating, "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 stress, Bona expressed gratitude for his support system, saying, "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."
Swedish forward Bobi Klintman, who was selected at No. 37 by the Detroit Pistons, was overwhelmed with emotion. "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," he revealed.
Sibling Success
Cam Christie was selected at No. 46 by the Los Angeles Clippers, completing a unique sibling duo in the NBA alongside his brother Max Christie of the Lakers. Cam reflected on the rare opportunity, expressing, "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." The nerves of draft night quickly dissipated for Cam once he received the pivotal phone call. "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," he shared.
This year's NBA Draft, which spanned an extended 22½ hours from its 8 p.m. start on Wednesday, provided an intense and memorable experience for all involved. The new two-day format added layers of anticipation and excitement, shaping unique stories for each draftee. As these young athletes embark on their professional journeys, their draft night memories will surely remain a cornerstone of their careers.