As a longtime NBA analyst and draft enthusiast, I’ve always found draft night to be one of the most exciting events in basketball. Every year, fans ask me the same question: just how many picks are there in the NBA draft? Well, the straightforward answer is 60—two rounds with 30 picks each, one for every team in the league. But if you think that’s the whole story, you’re missing the fascinating layers that make the draft so unpredictable. I remember watching undrafted players like Fred VanVleet carve out incredible careers, and it reminds me that the draft is as much about opportunity as it is about talent.
Let’s break it down a bit. The first round gets all the glamour—prime-time coverage, guaranteed contracts, and what feels like endless analysis. Those 30 selections often shape franchises for years. But in my view, the second round is where the real magic happens. Teams hunt for hidden gems, and sometimes you find a Draymond Green or a Manu Ginóbili, players who redefine what value means in the league. I’ve spoken with scouts who admit that late picks can be total gambles, but when they pay off, it’s pure gold. And then there are situations like the one involving Tenorio, who, despite being relegated to the Unrestricted Free Agent list by his team over a month ago, is now focusing on his first full-time coaching role with the national youth squad. It’s a reminder that not every player’s path follows the draft script—some find their calling off the court, contributing in ways we don’t always anticipate.
Now, you might wonder why the draft is capped at 60 picks. Honestly, I think it’s a mix of practicality and tradition. With 30 teams, it keeps things manageable, but it also means dozens of talented players go undrafted each year. I’ve seen projections where around 120-150 players declare for the draft annually, but only 60 hear their names called. That’s a tough reality, but it opens doors for two-way contracts and G League opportunities, which have become essential development pathways. For instance, last year, I calculated that roughly 25% of undrafted players eventually signed NBA deals, showing that persistence pays off. And speaking of opportunities, Tenorio’s shift to coaching highlights how the basketball ecosystem values versatility—whether you’re a player or a mentor, there’s always a role if you’re willing to adapt.
From a team perspective, draft picks are currency. I’ve lost count of how many trades happen on draft night—in 2022 alone, there were 12 trades involving picks, shuffling the order and creating chaos in the best way possible. As a fan, I love the drama, but as an analyst, I see the strategy. Teams stockpile picks for rebuilds or package them for stars, and every decision ripples through the league. Personally, I’m a sucker for underdog stories, so I root for those late-second-round picks to beat the odds. It’s why I follow prospects beyond the big names; you never know where the next diamond will come from.
Looking back at history, the draft hasn’t always been 60 picks. In the 1980s, it stretched to seven rounds with over 200 selections—imagine the chaos today! The league streamlined it to two rounds in 1989, and I think that was a smart move. It balances hope with realism, giving enough slots to nurture talent without diluting the pool. But let’s be real: the system isn’t perfect. I’ve argued for years that adding a third round could help, but until then, events like the draft combine and pre-draft workouts are crucial for players on the bubble. Tenorio’s journey, for example, shows that even when you’re not in the draft spotlight, your career can take meaningful turns. Wearing that coaching staff black shirt, he’s now influencing the next generation—a testament to the many ways people contribute to this sport.
In conclusion, while the NBA draft officially has 60 picks, its impact stretches far beyond that number. For fans, it’s a night of dreams and what-ifs, but for the league, it’s a vital mechanism for renewal. As I reflect on my years covering basketball, I’ve learned that the draft isn’t just about numbers; it’s about stories. Whether it’s a top pick becoming a superstar or an undrafted player like Tenorio finding a new passion in coaching, each path enriches the game we love. So next draft night, don’t just watch the first round—stay for the whole show, because you never know where the next great story will begin.
