May 14, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum reveals the number two pick for the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery at the Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
As with everything this year around the Association, the 2021 NBA Draft is going to be pushed back from its normal June date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news? It’s not going to be held in November like last year. The better news? It most likely won’t be all-virtual.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the annual event will take place on July 29 with the NBA Draft lottery being held June 22.
A truncated 72-game season has the NBA preparing for a July 22 end to the Finals should that championship round go a full seven games. It will give the Association at least a week to prepare for the 2021 NBA Draft.
At this point, we have no idea who will host the annual event if it is held in-person. What we do know is that some fan and prospect attendance will likely be in the cards. Remember, the NFL is preparing for that to happen in late-April after it held an all-virtual event last year. The influx of Americans getting vaccinations for the COVID-19 virus makes this a real possibility.
As of right now, Oklahoma State point guard Cade Cunningham joins G-Leaguers Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Green as the likely top-three picks in the draft.