The NBA Draft has always been a highlight of the basketball calendar, but this year, the league added a twist by stretching the event over two days. The first round took place Wednesday night at the iconic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, while the second round moved to the South Street Seaport studios the following day, making for an event filled with palpable tension and excitement.
This extended format brought about mixed emotions among the players, with the physically demanding schedule testing their stamina. Jaylen Wells, selected 39th by the Memphis Grizzlies, succinctly captured the sentiment of the draftees: "We were exhausted. We got some food and went straight to sleep."
A Marathon Event
The NBA Draft, which typically runs for a few intense hours, expanded to take 22½ hours to conclude, starting at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. This change was far from a mere logistical adjustment; it altered the psychological landscape for the players. "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,'" said Nigerian center Adem Bona, who was picked 41st by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum played a crucial role in supporting second-round picks, engaging with players in a more intimate setting. Ten hopefuls eagerly waited in the green room at the Seaport, anticipating their transformative moments. Among them was Oso Ighodaro from Marquette, who described his hectic experience: "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."
Celebrating New Beginnings
The draft was not just a culmination of years of hard work but also a family affair for many. Cam Christie, selected 46th by the Los Angeles Clippers, remarked on the emotional significance of joining his brother Max Christie, already with the Lakers: "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." For Cam, the anxiety of waiting to be called was immense: "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."
Despite the stress of the elongated proceedings, the players relished their moments in the spotlight. Bobi Klintman, a Swedish forward chosen 37th by the Detroit Pistons, couldn't hide his joy: "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."
Unforgettable Moments
The unique two-day format also added a layer of sartorial intrigue. Harrison Ingram, selected 48th by the San Antonio Spurs, humorously noted: "Everything was the same but my socks." Meanwhile, Jaylen Wells revealed a sentimental attachment to his outfit: "And then I was like, 'I just love this one so much,' so I was like, 'I gotta wear it again.'"
Families played a significant part in the emotional experiences of the draftees. For Adem Bona, the presence of his extended family made the event meaningful despite some immediate family members being unable to attend: "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."
The NBA Draft 2023 will be remembered not only for its extended duration but also for the raw, emotional journeys of the players as they stepped into their new roles. The two-day event provided a rich tapestry of moments that underscored the future stars' resilience, excitement, and emotional connections, setting the stage for a new season of dreams and accomplishments in the NBA.