Every major North American sports league has its own unique approach to the draft process, each with varying lengths and formats tailored to their specific needs.
Take the MLB Draft, for instance, which has historically been the longest among them all. It used to stretch out over a staggering 101 rounds, though it’s now condensed to a still substantial 20 rounds. The NHL and NFL Drafts, on the other hand, settle comfortably at seven rounds apiece, striking a balance between thorough selection and manageable duration. Meanwhile, the WNBA and MLS have notably shorter drafts, capped at just three rounds each.
And then there’s the NBA Draft, which stands out for its brevity—it’s the shortest of them all, consisting of only two rounds. No supplementary drafts or compensatory picks here, just a straightforward 60 picks total, with each team allotted precisely two picks unless they trade for more.
But it wasn’t always this way. Prior to 1989, the NBA Draft operated with varying numbers of rounds, reaching as many as seven rounds in earlier years and even extending to 21 rounds at its peak. So, what prompted the shift to the current two-round format?
The decision to trim the NBA Draft to just two rounds stemmed largely from a collaborative agreement between the NBA and the Players Association. This change was intended to provide undrafted players with greater flexibility and opportunity. Previously, players selected in the draft were tied to the team that picked them, with limited avenues to showcase their talents elsewhere if they didn’t make the cut. By reducing the draft to two rounds, more players could explore options beyond being drafted, including signing with teams as free agents and proving their worth through tryouts.
A crucial factor influencing this decision was roster size. Unlike MLB, NFL, and NHL teams, which have larger rosters and robust minor league systems, NBA teams operate with tighter constraints. A maximum of 15 players can be on the active roster, supplemented by up to three players on two-way contracts with G League affiliates. This limitation means fewer spots for new draft picks, making a shorter draft format more practical and efficient.
While being selected in the NBA Draft remains a significant achievement, especially in the first round where impact talent typically emerges, making it from the second round to a roster spot is more challenging. Many second-round picks find paths to the NBA, but the road is less certain compared to higher picks.
Today, with undrafted players still finding opportunities in the league post-draft and teams maintaining flexibility to sign promising prospects, the NBA sees little need to expand beyond its current two-round structure. This streamlined approach ensures that teams can focus on selecting the best talent available within the confines of their roster limitations, while players have greater agency in shaping their professional careers beyond draft night.
