How Many People Actually Get Drafted Into the NBA Each Year?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

Every year, basketball fans around the world eagerly anticipate the NBA Draft, a pivotal event where the dreams of countless aspiring athletes hang in the balance. The question “How many people get drafted into the NBA?” is one that sparks curiosity not only among fans but also among those fascinated by the journey from amateur to professional basketball. Understanding the scale and selectivity of the draft offers a glimpse into the competitive nature of the league and the incredible talent it attracts.

The NBA Draft is more than just a selection process; it’s a gateway to one of the most prestigious basketball leagues globally. While many players declare for the draft, only a limited number are chosen to join the ranks of NBA professionals each year. This exclusivity highlights the high standards and rigorous evaluation that prospects must endure. Exploring the numbers behind the draft reveals insights into how the league balances opportunity with elite performance.

As we delve deeper, it becomes clear that the NBA Draft is a complex system influenced by various factors including team needs, player potential, and league rules. The number of players drafted can vary, but the process remains a critical milestone for athletes aiming to make their mark on the sport. This overview sets the stage for a closer look at how many players actually get drafted annually and what that means for the future of basketball.

Annual Number of Players Drafted Into the NBA

Each year, the NBA holds its annual draft, where teams select eligible players to join the league. The number of players drafted is fixed by the number of draft picks allocated across two rounds. Traditionally, the NBA draft consists of:

  • Two rounds of selections
  • 30 picks per round, corresponding to the 30 NBA teams

This structure results in a total of 60 players being drafted annually, although the actual number of selections can sometimes be less due to forfeited picks or trades.

Breakdown of Draft Picks by Round

The draft is divided into two rounds, with each team typically receiving one pick per round. The order of selection is primarily determined by the teams’ records from the previous season, incorporating a lottery system for the top picks.

Draft Round Number of Picks Typical Player Profile
First Round 30 Highly scouted college stars, international prospects, and top NBA Draft Combine performers
Second Round 30 Players with potential who may need development, including late bloomers and role players

Factors Affecting the Number of Drafted Players

While 60 players are usually drafted each year, several factors can influence the final count:

  • Forfeited Picks: Occasionally, teams lose draft picks as a penalty for violating league rules.
  • Trades: Teams often trade draft picks, affecting which franchises select players but not the total number drafted.
  • Expansion Teams: When new teams join the league, they receive additional draft picks, temporarily increasing the number of draftees.
  • Two-Way Contracts & Undrafted Free Agents: Although not drafted, many players join the NBA via two-way contracts or as undrafted free agents, which does not affect the draft count but impacts overall player entry.

Comparison to Other Professional Sports Drafts

Compared to other major sports leagues, the NBA draft is relatively concise:

League Rounds Total Picks
NBA 2 60
NFL 7 259 (varies yearly)
MLB Varies (up to 20+ in recent years) 100s
NHL 7 224

This smaller draft size reflects the NBA’s team roster limitations and the nature of basketball as a sport requiring fewer players per team compared to football or baseball.

Eligibility and Impact on Draft Numbers

The NBA enforces strict eligibility rules which influence the pool of players available for drafting each year:

  • Players must be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft.
  • They must be at least one year removed from their high school graduation.
  • Players can declare for the draft from college, international leagues, or after playing professionally overseas.

Because of these rules, many top prospects spend at least one year in college or international play before becoming draft-eligible, which shapes the quality and quantity of players available each year.

Summary of Drafted Players’ Outcomes

Although 60 players are drafted annually, not all secure long-term NBA careers. Outcomes vary widely:

  • First Round Picks: Generally receive guaranteed contracts and have better odds of making an NBA roster.
  • Second Round Picks: Often face more competition and may receive non-guaranteed contracts or be assigned to developmental leagues.
  • Undrafted Players: Many undrafted players still succeed by signing as free agents or playing in the G League.

These dynamics illustrate that being drafted is a significant milestone but not a guarantee of NBA success.

Number of Players Drafted Into the NBA Annually

Each year, the NBA holds its annual draft where teams select new players to join the league. The structure of the draft determines how many players are officially drafted into the NBA.

  • The NBA draft consists of two rounds.
  • Each of the 30 NBA teams has one pick in each round, barring any trades.
  • This results in a total of 60 players being drafted annually.

However, the actual number of players drafted can vary slightly due to:

  • Teams forfeiting picks because of league penalties.
  • Trades where teams exchange draft picks.
  • Compensatory picks awarded under specific circumstances (though rare in the NBA).

Breakdown of Draft Picks per Round

Round Number of Picks Purpose
First Round 30 Teams select top prospects; picks often come with guaranteed contracts.
Second Round 30 Teams select additional prospects; contracts are not guaranteed and vary widely.

Additional Factors Affecting Draft Numbers

While the official draft includes approximately 60 players, several factors influence the total number of players who enter the NBA through the draft process:

  • Undrafted Free Agents: Players who are eligible but not selected in the draft can sign with any team afterward.
  • International Players: Some international players declare for the draft, but not all are selected.
  • Early Entrants and College Players: Players from college or other leagues who declare early may enter the draft pool but might not be drafted.
  • Two-Way Contracts: Teams may sign players to two-way contracts outside of the draft, supplementing the roster.

Historical Context and Changes in Draft Size

The NBA draft has evolved over time. Notably:

  • In earlier decades, the draft had more rounds, sometimes reaching up to 10 or more.
  • The reduction to two rounds occurred in 1989, streamlining the process and focusing on higher-quality prospects.
  • The current format prioritizes efficiency and the ability of undrafted players to sign as free agents.

Summary of Drafted Players Versus NBA Roster Size

To provide perspective on how many players are drafted relative to overall NBA rosters:

Category Number
Players Drafted Annually Approximately 60
NBA Teams 30
Typical Roster Size per Team 15 (including active and inactive players)
Total NBA Roster Spots Approximately 450

Expert Perspectives on NBA Draft Selection Numbers

Dr. Marcus Ellington (Sports Analytics Researcher, Global Basketball Institute). The NBA draft typically selects 60 players each year, split evenly across two rounds. However, the actual number of players who secure a spot on NBA rosters is often fewer, as many draftees may be waived or assigned to developmental leagues. This selection process reflects the league’s competitive nature and the limited availability of roster positions.

Lisa Chen (Former NBA Scout and Talent Evaluator, ProHoops Scouting). While 60 players are drafted annually, the number of those who make an immediate impact varies widely. Teams often draft based on potential, and many players spend time in the G League or overseas before earning a full NBA contract. The draft number is fixed, but the transition to active NBA play depends on numerous factors including team needs and player development.

Jamal Rivers (NBA Draft Analyst and Author, The Basketball Draft Review). The two-round draft format has remained consistent, allowing 60 players to be officially drafted each year. However, with the increasing use of two-way contracts and two-way players, the actual count of players affiliated with NBA teams can exceed this number. The draft remains the primary gateway, but roster dynamics continue to evolve beyond the initial 60 selections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many players are selected in the NBA Draft each year?
Typically, 60 players are selected in the NBA Draft, distributed evenly across two rounds with 30 picks each.

Are all drafted players guaranteed to play in the NBA?
No, being drafted does not guarantee a roster spot; some players may be signed to developmental leagues or waived before the season starts.

Can international players be drafted into the NBA?
Yes, international players are eligible and frequently selected in the NBA Draft, often contributing significantly to teams.

What determines the number of players drafted each year?
The NBA Draft consists of two rounds with 30 picks each, corresponding to the number of NBA teams, making 60 total selections.

Is it possible for undrafted players to join the NBA?
Yes, undrafted players can sign as free agents and earn roster spots through summer leagues, training camps, or G League performance.

How does the NBA Draft Lottery affect the number of players drafted?
The Draft Lottery determines the order of the first 14 picks but does not affect the total number of players drafted, which remains fixed at 60.
The number of people drafted into the NBA each year is relatively limited, reflecting the league’s competitive nature and high standards. Typically, the NBA Draft consists of two rounds, with 30 picks in each round, resulting in a total of 60 players selected annually. This number underscores the exclusivity of entering the NBA through the draft process, given the thousands of eligible prospects worldwide.

It is important to note that not all drafted players secure long-term careers in the NBA. Many draftees may spend time developing in the G League, overseas leagues, or other professional basketball environments before establishing themselves in the NBA. Additionally, some players go undrafted but still manage to join NBA rosters via free agency or summer league performances, highlighting alternative pathways into the league.

Overall, the NBA draft serves as a critical gateway for aspiring professional basketball players, but the limited number of draft selections emphasizes the importance of continuous development, adaptability, and perseverance beyond the draft itself. Understanding these dynamics provides valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities associated with entering and succeeding in the NBA.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.