The NBA draft is already pretty good as is.
Like any draft, there’s plenty of drama to start — especially when you have no idea who the No. 1 overall pick will be.
Sometimes we get drafts like the one we just had where Victor Wembanyama was the surefire first choice for the Spurs at No. 1. Those drafts are fun, too, because everyone wants to see the guy get drafted. And then there’s so much intrigue the rest of the way as far as who goes behind him.
It doesn’t really feel like there’s much we need to add to the equation. The draft is great. It’s in a solid spot.
Yet, for whatever reason, the NBA is considering adding another day to all the action, according to the latest reporting from The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
As part of meeting today with general managers, the NBA discussed possibility of extending Draft format to two days beginning as soon as 2024, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 8, 2023
The first immediate question you have to ask yourself is why? Why is the NBA trying to mess up a good thing here?
It’s not like there’s another round for the league to broadcast. What’s the sell here? The answer appears to be teams just want more time between draft picks — even in the second-round.
The concept has been increasingly discussed in recent meetings as team executives believe they could better utilize more time for both first and second rounds. https://t.co/t9Cwt2fJKr
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 8, 2023
As it stands, teams get five minutes to make first-round picks and just two minutes to make second-round picks. From that perspective, sure, it makes sense.
But does that really require a second day of the draft? Couldn’t things just start a bit earlier at 7 p.m. instead? That way there’s an extra hour baked in instead of an entire day.
This just doesn’t make a ton of sense. Fans weren’t here for it at all.