For the first time in its history, the NBA extended its annual draft to a two-day event this year. The first-round picks were celebrated at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday night, where they had the honor of shaking NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s hand. The second round took place the following day at ESPN’s South Street Seaport studios, with Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum welcoming the new players.
Ten hopefuls attended the Seaport event, though the notable absentee was Bronny James, who declined his invitation. One of the attendees, Marquette center Oso Ighodaro, had a particularly hectic schedule leading up to the draft. He participated in a last-minute workout for the Brooklyn Nets and handled extensive media obligations before finally being selected as the 40th pick by the Phoenix Suns, his hometown team.
Harrison Ingram from North Carolina and Jaylen Wells from Washington State also attended the Barclays event on Wednesday. Ingram, a dedicated NBA fan, wanted to experience the event regardless of his draft prospects. Meanwhile, Wells, who was picked 39th by the Memphis Grizzlies, was accompanied by a large contingent of family members. After the first 30 picks were made, they returned to their hotel, exhausted but content.
Wells had prepared two suits for the occasion, one for each day, but ended up wearing his favourite suit both days. Ingram, on the other hand, made a small change by swapping his “unlucky” socks for the second round, where he was selected 48th by the San Antonio Spurs.
Adem Bona, a center from UCLA, found the two-day format more stressful but appreciated having his supportive family and friends around. Selected 41st by the Philadelphia 76ers, Bona was thrilled at the prospect of joining his new team and meeting Joel Embiid. His brother, a passionate 76ers fan, watched the draft from Nigeria, sharing in Bona’s excitement.
Bobi Klintman, a Swedish forward from the Australian NBL’s Cairns Taipans, described the days leading up to the draft as chaotic but was elated to join the Detroit Pistons as the 37th pick. Overwhelmed with emotion, Klintman cherished the moment with his family.
Cam Christie, a wing from Minnesota, was particularly excited to be drafted 46th by the Los Angeles Clippers, as it allowed him to live with his brother Max, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. The brothers, who are extremely close, had discussed this possibility often, though they never truly believed it would happen.
The draft, beginning at 8 p.m. on Wednesday and concluding about 22½ hours later, was a nerve-wracking experience for many. For Christie and others who were selected on Thursday, the tension evaporated once they received their calls, turning anxiety into elation.
Reflecting on the experience, Christie expressed his relief and joy. “The nerves were high, not knowing when or who would draft me, but once that call came, it all just melted away,” he said.
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