Considered the formal gateway to the NBA, the Draft is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the basketball calendar when new talent emerges. Every year sees teams lining up to select the most potential young players, hoping to have the rare gem who will become a future star to carry their franchise forward. Anticipated even more than before, the Draft in 2025 will be a two-night event with a competitive class of prospects and coverage from every corner of the world.
What is the NBA Draft Lottery & How Does It Work?
The NBA Draft Lottery is like a lucky draw for basketball teams! It decides who gets the top 4 picks in the NBA Draft — and here’s how it works:
Who’s In the Lottery?
- Only the 14 teams that missed the playoffs are entered.
- It gives struggling teams a better chance to improve by drafting top talent.
How Does the Lottery Work?
- 14 ping-pong balls with numbers are used in a special draw.
- There are 1,001 possible combinations.
- Each team gets a number of combinations based on how bad their season was:
➤ Worse record = more chances to win
➤ Better record = fewer chances
What Happens After the Top 4 Picks?
- Once the first 4 picks are chosen by lottery…
- The remaining teams (picks 5 to 30) are ranked based on season performance:
- Teams with worse records pick earlier
- Teams with better records pick later
Two-Round Format
The 2025 NBA Draft comprises two rounds with a total of 59 picks, instead of the customary 60, due to the New York Knicks losing a second-round pick as punishment for a tampering infraction.
- First-round picks are given guarantees for two-year rookie contracts.
- Second-round selections can sign contracts that are non-guaranteed or offer greater flexibility.
- Undrafted players may then sign with teams as free agents under this arrangement, giving another possible opportunity at being in the league.
2025 NBA Draft Combine: Scouting the Next Stars
From May 11 to 18, 2025, the NBA Draft Combine took place in Chicago, giving teams several days to closely evaluate 75 of the top draft prospects.
- Locations: Wintrust Arena & Marriott Marquis.
- The activities involved athletic testing, measurements, scrimmages, and team interviews.
- The combine is extremely important in shaping draft boards and team decisions.
Key Dates, Times & Venue for the 2025 NBA Draft
- Round 1: Wednesday, June 25, 2025, starting at 8:00 PM ET
- Round 2: Thursday, June 26, 2025, starting at 8:00 PM ET
- Venue: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
This will be the 79th NBA Draft and the second consecutive year when the league is observing a two-night format.
Where to Watch & Live Stream
- United States
- Round 1: Live on ABC and ESPN
- Round 2: Exclusively on ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN App, WatchESPN.com, ESPN+, FuboTV, and Sling
- Radio: ESPN Radio
2025 NBA Draft Order & Lottery Results
Top 5 Draft Picks:
- Dallas Mavericks (won lottery with 1.8% odds)
- San Antonio Spurs
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Detroit Pistons
Instead of 60, there is a total of 59 picks decided for the year. On May 12, 2025, the lottery was conducted for the top four picks. Teams that did not make the playoffs entered the lottery for a chance to move up.
Top Prospects to Watch in 2025
- Cooper Flagg (Duke) – The clear-cut consensus No. 1 pick
- Dylan Harper (Rutgers) – A dynamic playmaker and top guard prospect.
- Kon Knueppel (Duke) – A versatile scorer with great basketball IQ.
- VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) – Athletic and impactful at both ends.
- Egor Demin (BYU) – Russian-born prospect known for size and skill.
- Khaman Maluach (Duke) – The 7-foot center with huge defensive upside.
- Tre Johnson (Texas) – High-scoring guard with a great shooting prowess.
Green Room Invites
The NBA has invited 24 top prospects into the “Green Room,” a designated seating area where the players wait with their families to hear their names called, including all these stars, along with a few international stars such as Nolan Traoré from France.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NBA Draft is an upcoming watershed moment for the future of the league, perhaps with a promising view, numerous stars, and strategic steps by franchises. With a global broadcast plan, elaborate pre-draft analysis, and a clean lottery nature, the event should be entertaining and impactful. From the Draft Combines in May to the last name called on June 26, all eyes will be on basketball’s next generation.
Written by RITESH SINGH
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