What is the NBA Draft
The NBA Draft is an annual event where NBA teams select eligible players — primarily from college and international leagues — to join their rosters.
The NBA Draft is an annual event in which the 30 NBA teams take turns selecting eligible players to join their rosters. It is one of the most important mechanisms for talent acquisition in professional basketball and generates enormous media attention, fan excitement, and team-building strategy.
How the NBA Draft Works
The draft consists of two rounds:
- Round 1: 30 picks (one per team)
- Round 2: 30 picks (one per team)
Teams select in a predetermined order within each round. The selection order in Round 1 (the lottery) is partially determined by team records from the previous season, with worse teams receiving higher odds to select first.
The NBA Draft Lottery
Teams that did not qualify for the playoffs enter the draft lottery for the top picks. The lottery uses a weighted ball system to assign odds:
- The team with the worst record has the highest odds for the #1 pick
- Since 2019, the top 3 picks are determined by lottery, with the rest of the non-playoff teams following in reverse record order
This system was designed to prevent "tanking" — teams intentionally losing games to improve their draft position.
Draft Eligibility
To be eligible for the NBA Draft, a player must:
- Be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft
- Have graduated from high school at least one year prior
- U.S. players must be at least one year removed from high school (the "one-and-done" rule)
International players can declare at 18 in some cases.
Famous #1 Overall Draft Picks
- LeBron James (2003)
- Magic Johnson (1979)
- Shaquille O'Neal (1992)
- Tim Duncan (1997)
- Zion Williamson (2019)
- Victor Wembanyama (2023)
Draft Busts and Steals
The draft is highly unpredictable — some top picks never pan out (called busts), while later-round picks become stars (called steals or draft diamonds). Notable steals include:
- Draymond Green (35th pick)
- Marc Gasol (48th pick)
- Isaiah Thomas (60th pick — last pick of the draft)
Whether your team holds a lottery pick or a late second-rounder, draft night is one of the most exciting nights of the NBA calendar. Gear up for your team's newest addition with official jerseys and apparel at the NBA Store.