Time between picks to increase for NBA Draft second round

The NBA is splitting its draft into two days, with the first being held one and the second, well, on the next.

The league made it official in an announcement on Wednesday.

Along with revealing that the draft will be held on two separate days, the league announced that the time between second-round picks will increase from 2 minutes to 4 minutes.

Makes sense. 

That gives general managers more time to decide on who is the correct selection, and mostly, work on trading those picks. Basically, it gives you more time to decide what to do.

Second-round picks aren’t always that valuable, but every year, there is at least one diamond in the rough. Sometimes, there are five or six.

“Based on feedback about the NBA Draft format from basketball executives around the league and my own experience in draft rooms, we believe that teams will benefit from being able to regroup between rounds and having additional time to make decisions during the second round,” NBA executive VP Joe Dumars said in a statement. “Two nights of primetime coverage will also enhance the viewing experience for our fans and further showcase the draftees.”

ESPN will broadcast both rounds beginning at 8 p.m. The 2024 NBA Draft will be held on Wednesday, June 26, and Thursday, June 27.