NBA To Hold Virtual Draft In ESPN Studios

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The NBA is following the lead of the NFL and the MLB as it plans to hold its draft annually. According to ESPN, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum will host the draft from the ESPN studios in Bristol on November 18.

“ESPN and the NBA today announced that ESPN’s Bristol, Conn. studios will host the virtual 2020 NBA Draft presented by State Farm on Wednesday, November 18, at 7 p.m. ET,” the ESPN release said. “The event will air live on ESPN, ESPN Radio and the ESPN App. This is the first NBA Draft to be held at ESPN’s Bristol, Conn. studios.”

Additionally, players who hear their names called on draft night will appear on the broadcast virtually.

ESPN's Bristol, Conn. studios will host the virtual 2020 @NBADraft presented by State Farm

Wednesday, November 18 at 7 p.m. ET @NBA Commissioner Adam Silver & Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum will announce selections live in studio

More: https://t.co/peUPXj4Dlp | @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/wNfryBtdQv

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) October 22, 2020

Virtual and In-Person NBA Draft Workouts Underway

According to a memo obtained by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, team personnel are allowed to observe traditional draft workouts with ten players in the city where the player is preparing for the draft.

“From October 16 to November 16th, teams may schedule ten visits of up to 4 1/2 hours with draft-eligible players for the purpose of in-person evaluations, interviews or medical evaluation, according to the memo,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported. “Each team will be allowed to send three team personnel and one physician to the city the player resides.”

Should the @UtahJazz be drafting for need, fit, or best player available in the upcoming NBA Draft?#TakeNote https://t.co/93rAx6XXCj

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 19, 2020

Givony also reported that draft-eligible players may host multiple teams at their workout, though the team’s attendance would count towards one of their 10 workouts.

In addition to notifying the league of their intention to view a player’s workout, teams must show they have tested negative for COVID-19 leading up to the visit.

“Within 72 hours prior to any visit, all participants including players, trainers, team personnel, and physicians must undergo and return a negative COVID-19 result from an FDA-approved PCR test,” According to Givony. “Test results for team personnel must be provided to the league office for verification.”