What is the NBA draft and how does it work?

The NBA Draft is an annual event where National Basketball Association teams select eligible players to join the league. It is a cornerstone of team building and player acquisition, functioning as a primary method for teams to replenish their rosters with new talent. The draft typically takes place in late June, following the conclusion of the NBA Playoffs. The NBA Draft consists of two rounds, with a total of sixty selections. Teams take turns selecting players, starting with the team that has the worst record from the previous season. This is designed to promote competitive balance within the league. To determine the exact order of selection for the first fourteen picks, the NBA employs a lottery system for teams that did not qualify for the playoffs. The lottery utilizes a random drawing to give teams an opportunity to secure higher selections, thus providing a measure of randomness and fairness. Players eligible for the draft generally include college basketball players who have declared for the draft, international players, and those who have been playing overseas. To participate, players must declare their intention to enter the draft either by a specific deadline or by signing with an agent. After a team selects a player, both parties can negotiate a rookie contract. Draft picks usually receive minimum salaries, which can increase depending on the players' performance and development. The NBA Draft serves as a critical moment for both teams and players, allowing franchises to inject new energy and potential into their lineups while providing young athletes with the opportunity to achieve their dreams of playing professional basketball. For additional details or information, it might be helpful to visit the current pages on NBA.com that cover the draft process and statistics.