The 2025 NBA Draft is approaching, and once again, the league’s brightest young talents are preparing to hear their names called. But behind the spotlight lies a draft system that hasn’t changed much in decades.
Unlike other major sports leagues, the NBA keeps things tight. The structure is streamlined, the stakes are high, and for many prospects, the margin for error is razor-thin. It’s a format built on efficiency—but also on pressure.
With big franchises reshaping their futures and sleepers waiting for their shot, understanding the draft’s layout is as crucial as following the picks. Before the action tips off, here’s how it all works…
How many rounds are in the 2025 NBA Draft?
The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled for two nights: Round 1 on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, and Round 2 on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Both rounds will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET each night.
The top prospects pose for a photo prior to the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 26, 2024. (Source: Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
This year’s draft will feature 59 selections, one fewer than the usual 60, due to the New York Knicks losing their second-round pick as a result of a league investigation into their 2022 signing of Jalen Brunson.
The draft will follow a two-night format, a change from previous years when both rounds were held on a single night. This adjustment allows teams to regroup between rounds and provides fans with a more in-depth viewing experience.
How the draft format works in 2025
The 2025 NBA Draft begins with the lottery, determining the order of the first 14 picks for non-playoff teams. The remaining picks are assigned based on regular-season records, with playoff teams filling positions 15 through 30.
Each team has a set time limit—usually around 90 seconds for the first round and 60 seconds for the second—to make their pick once it’s their turn. This keeps the draft moving efficiently while giving general managers enough time to finalize decisions and consult with scouts or coaches.
The draft is a key moment for franchises to address needs, take risks on high-potential players, or select role players who fit their systems. The format emphasizes strategic planning and quick decision-making.
How many picks are made in total?
In total, the 2025 NBA Draft will feature 59 picks, split evenly between the two rounds. However, this number can slightly fluctuate due to traded picks or penalties imposed on teams. These slots represent the primary avenue for young talent to enter the league directly from college, overseas leagues, or other professional systems.
While undrafted players can still make rosters through summer leagues and training camps, being drafted significantly boosts a player’s chances of securing a guaranteed contract and early career opportunities. The draft’s limited number of picks underscores the competitive nature of the selection process.
Trades, rights and protections: The complexity behind the picks
Draft night is rarely straightforward. Teams often trade picks—sometimes years in advance—to position themselves better or acquire veterans. Additionally, some picks come with protections, meaning if certain conditions aren’t met, the pick may not transfer to the receiving team.
These protections add strategic complexity, as franchises juggle current needs with future flexibility. Draft rights also come into play, especially with international players, who might be drafted but continue playing overseas before joining the NBA.
