It’s that time again. In the North American professional basketball league NBA, there is an annual draft. Here the 30 teams can select the best talents of the year. Here are the answers to the most important questions about talent selection.
Where and when will the 2023 NBA Draft be broadcast?
The event begins on Thursday night (June 23) at 2 a.m. in the morning. The draft can be seen on the streaming service “DAZN”. Here the transmission begins at 1:30 a.m. German time.
Where is the draft held?
As every year, the draft ceremony will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Who has the first pick?
The first pick of this year’s NBA draft is in the hands of the San Antonio Spurs. The Texans were very lucky in the so-called draft lottery in May and received the right to choose first. You now have a free choice among all available players.
Which player is the favorite to be picked number one?
There is a clear favorite for number one in this year’s draft: Victor Wembanyama. The Frenchman is seen as an upcoming superstar due to his exceptional combination of skills. Despite the stately size of 2.19 meters, “Wemby” can move quickly and nimbly like a guard. His throw is also respectable.
In the past few weeks and months, the 19-year-old has been praised by numerous NBA greats. For Lakers star LeBron James he is “an alien”. And fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert is certain the basketball world has never seen a player like him.
How does the NBA draft system work?
All NBA teams are theoretically entitled to one pick in each of the two draft rounds. However, because the picks can also be made the subject of “trades,” franchises sometimes cash more or fewer picks in their favor. The Orlando Magic, for example, have two first-round picks due to previous deals with other teams.
Why are there only 58 instead of 60 picks this year?
Normally, exactly 30 players are drawn in each of the two rounds. However, the Chicago Bulls and the Philadelphia 76ers each lost their second-round picks due to a contract negotiation violation. So there are 58 places left.
How can a player enter the NBA Draft?
In principle, everyone has the opportunity to register for the draft. However, there are some limitations. First, a player must be at least 18 years of age in the year of the draft.
For American athletes, there must be at least one year between leaving school and being drafted. This regulation does not apply to international players if they have already been under contract with a professional team.
Do German players have a chance of being drafted?
With Tristan da Silva and Sananda Fru, two German talents have also signed up for the draft. According to initial assessments, both can only have low hopes of a draw. A new German NBA player is not to be expected, at least in the draft.