The NBA draft is an annual event where NBA teams can select new players from amateur ranks, such as college basketball players or players from overseas. The draft consists of two rounds, where each team gets one selection in each round. After the draft, teams can sign any remaining eligible players as undrafted free agents.
The two-round format has been in place since the inaugural NBA draft in 1947. But why does the draft stop after just two rounds, when other major professional sports leagues like the NFL and MLB have more rounds? There are a few key reasons behind the NBA’s decision to keep a condensed draft:
1. NBA rosters are smaller than other leagues
NBA teams have smaller rosters than NFL or MLB teams. An NBA roster has 15 players, compared to 53 in the NFL and 40 in MLB. This means NBA teams simply need fewer new players each year. Two rounds, with 30 teams making two picks each, allows 60 new players to enter the league – enough to fill out teams’ rosters with new talent. Other leagues require more rounds to restock much larger rosters.
2. The talent pool is smaller
The pool of elite basketball talent coming out of college and overseas is significantly smaller than top talent in football or baseball. This condenses the NBA draft board and limits how deep teams need to draft to get franchise-changing players. Most superstar players come from the first round, or even the first 10 picks. Second rounders rarely become starters, let alone stars. A deeper draft would mean less viable talent.
3. Two rounds emphasizes first round importance
Limiting the draft to two rounds places greater emphasis on first round selections. Landing a top pick is incredibly valuable in the NBA, so the format highlights the excitement around which prospects will go early. A 60 player draft means all eyes are on the lottery teams choosing in the first 30 selections. More rounds would divert attention later in the draft.
History of the Two Round NBA Draft Format
The NBA draft has included just two rounds since the league first instituted the event in 1947. Some key moments in the history and establishment of the two-round system:
1947 – First NBA draft
The inaugural draft took place in 1947, consisting of 22 total selections over two territorial picks, two rounds, and a supplemental round. Teams like the Chicago Stags, Baltimore Bullets, and Philadelphia Warriors made the first NBA draft picks.
1949 – Territorial picks abolished
In the initial drafts, a special “territorial pick” allowed teams to forfeit their first round pick to select a local college player. The territorial picks were abolished in 1949, making the draft simply about two rounds.
1960 – Teams expand to 4 picks
The draft was briefly expanded in 1960, giving teams four total picks – two in each round. This was reduced back down to two rounds and two picks per team in 1963.
1985 – Draft lottery introduced
In 1985, the NBA introduced the draft lottery to determine the order of selection for teams who miss the playoffs. This made getting the top pick more luck based than the previous worst-to-first order system. The lottery has since been updated several times.
1989 – Early entry eligibility
In 1989, underclassmen were allowed to declare early for the draft. Prior to this, only college seniors were eligible. This significantly expanded the pool of draftable players.
2006 – Development League eligibility
Players became eligible to declare for the draft after playing in the NBA’s official minor league, the NBA Development League, in 2006. Prior to this, only college and international players could enter the draft.
2022 – Two round format remains
Despite changes in draft lottery rules, expansion of eligible players, and growth of the NBA, the league has maintained the efficient two round draft format for over seven decades.
Number of Picks per Team
The two round structure gives each NBA franchise two selections in the draft: one first round pick, and one second round pick. Teams have the following number of overall picks:
First Round Picks
– 1 pick per team (picks 1-30)
Second Round Picks
– 1 additional pick per team (picks 31-60)
Some teams may gain additional picks through trades or supplemental picks as compensation for losing free agents. But each organization is guaranteed two original selections.
Over the two rounds, a total of 60 players are drafted. With 30 NBA teams, that perfectly aligns for each franchise to choose two new players.
Number of Teams in the NBA Draft
The NBA draft is exclusively for NBA franchises to pick talent for the upcoming season. The draft does not include amateur or developmental teams. As the NBA’s membership has expanded, the draft has grown to include more teams:
1947 – 11 teams
The original 11 NBA franchises in 1947 included:
– Boston Celtics
– New York Knicks
– Philadelphia Warriors
– Chicago Stags
– Detroit Falcons
– Pittsburgh Ironmen
– Providence Steamrollers
– St. Louis Bombers
– Toronto Huskies
– Washington Capitols
– Baltimore Bullets
1960 – 8 teams
The league contracted to just 8 teams in the early 1960s:
– Boston Celtics
– New York Knicks
– Philadelphia Warriors
– Syracuse Nationals
– Detroit Pistons
– Los Angeles Lakers
– Cincinnati Royals
– St. Louis Hawks
1970 – 17 teams
Expansion grew the league rapidly through the 1960s and 70s:
– Atlanta Hawks
– Baltimore Bullets
– Boston Celtics
– Chicago Bulls
– Cincinnati Royals
– Detroit Pistons
– Los Angeles Lakers
– Milwaukee Bucks
– New York Knicks
– Philadelphia 76ers
– Phoenix Suns
– Portland Trail Blazers
– San Diego Rockets
– San Francisco Warriors
– Seattle SuperSonics
– Buffalo Braves
– Cleveland Cavaliers
1980 – 23 teams
The NBA expanded to 23 teams by the 1980 draft:
– Atlanta Hawks
– Boston Celtics
– Chicago Bulls
– Cleveland Cavaliers
– Dallas Mavericks
– Denver Nuggets
– Detroit Pistons
– Golden State Warriors
– Houston Rockets
– Indiana Pacers
– Kansas City Kings
– Los Angeles Lakers
– Milwaukee Bucks
– New Jersey Nets
– New York Knicks
– Philadelphia 76ers
– Phoenix Suns
– Portland Trail Blazers
– San Antonio Spurs
– San Diego Clippers
– Seattle SuperSonics
– Utah Jazz
– Washington Bullets
2000 – 29 teams
Expansion into Canada brought the total to 29 teams in 2000:
– Atlanta Hawks
– Boston Celtics
– Charlotte Hornets
– Chicago Bulls
– Cleveland Cavaliers
– Dallas Mavericks
– Denver Nuggets
– Detroit Pistons
– Golden State Warriors
– Houston Rockets
– Indiana Pacers
– Los Angeles Clippers
– Los Angeles Lakers
– Miami Heat
– Milwaukee Bucks
– Minnesota Timberwolves
– New Jersey Nets
– New York Knicks
– Orlando Magic
– Philadelphia 76ers
– Phoenix Suns
– Portland Trail Blazers
– Sacramento Kings
– San Antonio Spurs
– Seattle SuperSonics
– Toronto Raptors
– Utah Jazz
– Vancouver Grizzlies
– Washington Wizards
2004 – 30 teams (current)
The league reached its present size of 30 teams in 2004:
– Atlanta Hawks
– Boston Celtics
– Charlotte Bobcats
– Chicago Bulls
– Cleveland Cavaliers
– Dallas Mavericks
– Denver Nuggets
– Detroit Pistons
– Golden State Warriors
– Houston Rockets
– Indiana Pacers
– Los Angeles Clippers
– Los Angeles Lakers
– Memphis Grizzlies
– Miami Heat
– Milwaukee Bucks
– Minnesota Timberwolves
– New Jersey Nets
– New Orleans Hornets
– New York Knicks
– Orlando Magic
– Philadelphia 76ers
– Phoenix Suns
– Portland Trail Blazers
– Sacramento Kings
– San Antonio Spurs
– Seattle SuperSonics
– Toronto Raptors
– Utah Jazz
– Washington Wizards
With 30 franchises each getting 2 draft picks, the current 2 round, 60 pick format was solidified.
Draft Order
The order of selection in the NBA draft is determined as follows:
First Round Order
The first round order is decided by:
– Draft lottery for the 14 teams that missed the prior playoffs
– Reverse order of regular season record for teams that made the playoffs
The lottery sets the top 4 picks, then the remaining non-playoff teams go in order of worst regular season record. The best teams pick last.
Second Round Order
The second round order is decided by:
– Reverse order of first round picks
– Teams tied in record rotate picks
So the team picking first in the first round will pick last in the second round. This order flips each round.
Types of Draft Picks
NBA teams can hold the following types of draft picks:
Regular Draft Picks
– Assigned by draft order rules
– 1 first round pick per team
– 1 second round pick per team
Traded Draft Picks
– Can trade first or second round picks
– Popular to trade first round picks
Supplemental Draft Picks
– Awarded as compensation for losing free agents
– Given by NBA after the draft
– Most are second rounders
NBA Draft Lottery Odds
The NBA draft lottery determines the drafting order for the teams that did not make the playoffs. A weighted system gives the worst teams the best lottery odds.
The current lottery odds for the 14 non-playoff teams are:
| Regular Season Record | Lottery Odds |
|---|---|
| Worst record | 14% chance at #1 pick |
| 2nd worst record | 14% chance at #1 pick |
| 3rd worst record | 14% chance at #1 pick |
| 4th worst record | 12.5% chance at #1 pick |
| 5th worst record | 10.5% chance at #1 pick |
| 6th worst record | 9% chance at #1 pick |
| 7th worst record | 7.5% chance at #1 pick |
| 8th worst record | 6% chance at #1 pick |
| 9th worst record | 4.5% chance at #1 pick |
| 10th worst record | 3% chance at #1 pick |
| 11th worst record | 2% chance at #1 pick |
| 12th worst record | 1.5% chance at #1 pick |
| 13th worst record | 1% chance at #1 pick |
| 14th worst record | 0.5% chance at #1 pick |
The lottery sets the top 4 picks. Remaining lottery teams pick in order of worst regular season record after the lottery selection.
NBA Draft Combine
Each year before the draft, the NBA hosts a draft combine where prospects complete physical tests and measurements, medical evaluations, interviews, and 5-on-5 scrimmages. The key components include:
Anthropometric Testing
– Height
– Weight
– Wingspan
– Standing reach
– Hand length
– Hand width
On-Court Drills
– Lane agility
– Modified lane agility
– Three quarter court sprint
– Standing vertical leap
– Maximum vertical leap
Strength and Agility Testing
– Bench press
– Pull-ups
– Shuttle run
– Three-quarter court sprint
Scrimmages
– 5-on-5 games
– Half court matches
– 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 drills
Interviews
– Team interviews
– Media interviews
– League interviews
The combine gives teams an intimate look at prospects’ physical abilities and basketball skills before the draft. It also allows media interviews and coverage.
Notable NBA Draft Picks by Round
Notable First Round Picks
Many NBA legends and current superstars were first round selections:
– LeBron James – 2003, pick #1
– Michael Jordan – 1984, pick #3
– Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 1969, pick #1
– Magic Johnson – 1979, pick #1
– Larry Bird – 1978, pick #6
– Kobe Bryant – 1996, pick #13
– Tim Duncan – 1997, pick #1
– Shaquille O’Neal – 1992, pick #1
– Hakeem Olajuwon – 1984, pick #1
– Stephen Curry – 2009, pick #7
– Kevin Durant – 2007, pick #2
Notable Second Round Picks
While less common, some all-time greats were uncovered in the second round:
– Nikola Jokic – 2014, pick #41
– Manu Ginobili – 1999, pick #57
– Draymond Green – 2012, pick #35
– Dennis Rodman – 1986, pick #27
– Alex English – 1976, pick #23
– Willis Reed – 1964, pick #8
– Mark Price – 1986, pick #25
– Gilbert Arenas – 2001, pick #30
– Clyde Drexler – 1983, pick #14
– Mo Cheeks – 1978, pick #36
Draft Rights for Unsigned Players
NBA teams retain draft rights to players they selected in the draft, even if that player returns to college or signs overseas. Teams keep rights until:
– The player signs his rookie NBA contract
– The team trades away the rights
– The team renounces the rights
This allows teams to still sign players they drafted, even years later if the player goes unsigned after the draft. It provides flexibility to develop players elsewhere first.
Example 1: Luka Doncic
– Drafted in 2018 by Dallas Mavericks (#3 pick)
– Played 2018-19 season in EuroLeague
– Signed NBA contract in 2019 with Mavericks
Example 2: Juan Hernangomez
– Drafted in 2016 by Denver Nuggets (#15 pick)
– Played 2016-17 season in Spain
– Signed NBA contract in 2017 with Nuggets
Draft rights give teams patience with prospects who don’t immediately join the NBA. The team retains the exclusive ability to sign them once ready for the league.
Unsigned First Round Picks
If a first round pick remains unsigned, he becomes a free agent:
– After 3 NBA regular seasons pass from the draft date
– At which point the team loses draft rights
For example:
– Player drafted in 2020
– Remains unsigned through 2022-23 season
– Becomes unrestricted free agent in 2023 offseason
First round picks have high salaries, so teams aim to sign them quickly. But occasionally top picks play overseas before joining the NBA.
Unsigned Second Round Picks
If a second round pick remains unsigned, he becomes a free agent:
– After 1 NBA regular season passes from the draft date
– At which point the team loses draft rights
For example:
– Player drafted in 2020
– Remains unsigned through 2020-21 season
– Becomes unrestricted free agent in 2021 offseason
Second round picks have unguaranteed deals, so teams more frequently lose their rights after a single unsigned season.
Undrafted NBA Free Agents
Following the draft, NBA teams can sign any eligible players who went undrafted. Key rules for undrafted free agents (UDFAs) include:
– No limit to how many UDFAs a team can sign
– UDFAs are unrestricted free agents if waived
– Teams maintain exclusive rights while under contract
– Salaries much lower than guaranteed draft picks
– UDFA contracts are non-guaranteed
Signing undrafted players allows teams to bring in more prospects who can help fill out a roster. It provides players not selected on draft night a pathway into the NBA.
Some notable undrafted players include Ben Wallace, Avery Johnson, Brad Miller, Udonis Haslem, Jeremy Lin, Wesley Matthews, Jose Calderon, and Fred VanVleet. Many impact role players and even stars first entered the league by signing as undrafted free agents.
Conclusion
The NBA draft’s two round structure strikes an efficient balance between league size, roster needs, talent pool depth, and entertainment value. The 30 team, 60 pick format keeps early selections meaningful, concentrates blue-chip prospects in the lottery, maintains simple draft order rules, and fills out rosters with undrafted signings.
Attempts to expand the draft would dilute talent, divert attention from the headliners, and make second rounders even more disposable. Shrinking the draft would needlessly leave out viable players and hurt fan interest. The NBA will likely continue to optimize its methods within the existing two round system, rather than overhauling the framework that has worked for over 70 years.