:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67786914/1157261092.0.jpg)
The NBA Draft is going to be strictly virtual for the first time in league history, and that means adjustments are going to be necessary across the board if operations hope to run as seamlessly as they do in person.
The 2020 Draft, like the regular season, playoffs, and most people’s vacation plans, was postponed and set for a later date after the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic essentially forced the country to come to a standstill.
So, how will the NBA replace the long-standing traditions of celebratory hats (sometimes levitating), handshakes, and pictures with commissioner Adam Silver for the wealth of potential draftees in this unaccustomed at-home setting?
According to Darren Rovell of Action Sports Network, the league plans on sending the top 30 draft prospects a draft cap for each team, Beats speakers and headphones, a ring light, and an iPhone with a tripod.
The top 30 NBA Draft picks for next week’s draft will have to get themselves ready for broadcast. Each player will receive 30 team hats, Beats speakers and headphones and a Ring light, along with an iPhone with a tripod. pic.twitter.com/GuqDAruXQR
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 11, 2020
The Association has prepared for just about any possible scenario heading into November 18th, and every prospect will have a Spurs snapback at the ready should PATFO strike a rumored draft-day deal.
Even if San Antonio stays put at the 11th pick, Spurs fans will want to tune in for what will be the first lottery pick for this proud franchise since they took Tim Duncan first overall in the 1997 NBA Draft.