For future NBA players, the Draft Combine becomes mandatory!

NBA – Effective from the 2023/24 season, the new collective agreement modifies the process of eligibility for the Draft.

Since Monday, the 30 franchises have received the details of the new collective agreement, and among the 91 pages, a large part relates to the Draft. We know that the NBA has not put an end to the “one-and-done”, and no high school student will be able to register directly in the Draft. On the other hand, there are some changes made to the eligibility process, and the first concerns the Draft Combine, this gathering which allows the 30 franchises to meet the players, but also the NBA to carry out a whole battery of tests. Until now, the Draft Combine was optional, and the very best players, especially those who play abroad, zapped it.

But from 2024, all players invited to the gathering will have to participate! “Prospects”, such as Victor Wembanyama or Scoot Henderson this season, will not be eligible for Draft selection until they participate in a rally, or complete protocol, which includes league medicals, medical history reporting and biomechanical testing. and functional tests, as well as power and flexibility tests, shooting exercises, performance tests and anthropometric measurements. Players will also have to participate in interviews with the leaders of the various franchises, press conferences, etc. The only freedom granted: players will not be forced to participate in five-against-five.

Younger players will be able to stay longer in the G League Ignite

But ESPN insists: even if a player is retained by his club in Europe or elsewhere, by a personal problem, or an injury, he will have to carry out all the tests and exercises provided for by the Draft Combine, even if it is at a later date. If the player does not comply with this obligation, he cannot be drafted.

Another change included in the new collective agreement, players are no longer automatically eligible for the Draft when they are in their 19th year. This means that high school students who decide to go abroad, to Europe or Australia, or to play with the G League Ignite or in the Overtime Elite (OTE) circuit, will be able to stay there for several years. This will prevent, for example, a player from the G League Ignite being selected despite an average season, and the player concerned will now have up to 22 years to choose the right moment.