The NBA draft is an exciting time for fans of basketball. It is a time where teams have the opportunity to add new talent to their roster and build for the future. However, not all draft picks are created equal. Some are protected, meaning that teams have certain restrictions on when they can use them. In this article, we will explore the concept of NBA protected draft picks, what they are, and how they work.
What is a Protected Draft Pick?
In the NBA, a protected draft pick is a pick that a team has acquired through a trade, but with certain conditions attached to it. These conditions are usually based on the record of the team that originally owned the pick. For example, a team may trade away their first-round draft pick but will only do so if it falls within a certain range. If the pick falls outside of this range, then the team retains the pick and the trade is not completed.
Protected draft picks are a way for teams to hedge their bets when trading away draft picks. They can ensure that they only give up their draft pick if it falls within a certain range of picks, which reduces their risk of losing a high-value draft pick.
How do Protected Draft Picks Work?
Protected draft picks work by including conditions in a trade that must be met before the pick can be transferred. These conditions can vary depending on the team and the trade, but they usually involve the position of the draft pick.
For example, a team may trade away their first-round draft pick, but only if it falls within the top 10 picks. If the draft pick falls outside the top 10, then the pick is protected and the team retains it. In this scenario, the team that traded away the pick would receive a future draft pick instead.
Protected draft picks can also be traded multiple times. If a team acquires a protected draft pick, they may choose to trade it away again, but with different conditions attached to it. For example, a team may trade a protected draft pick that is only available if it falls within the top 5 picks, but the team that acquires it can then trade it again with different conditions attached.
Why Do Teams Use Protected Draft Picks?
Teams use protected draft picks for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is to protect themselves against the risk of losing a high-value draft pick. If a team believes that a player will be highly sought after in the draft, they may decide to protect their draft pick by placing restrictions on when it can be traded.
Protected draft picks can also be used as part of a larger trade. If a team wants to acquire a high-value player but does not have the necessary draft picks to do so, they may trade away their next available draft pick, but with restrictions attached to it. In this way, they can still receive the player they want, while also providing protection for their draft pick.
Moreover, Protected draft picks also provides a sense of flexibility to the teams. They can create multiple trade options for themselves and keeping their future open for the upcoming events.
Conclusion
Protected draft picks provide an interesting concept in NBA trades. By attaching conditions to a draft pick, teams can protect themselves against the risk of losing a valuable pick while still acquiring the players they need. These conditions can vary, but they are typically based on the position of the draft pick in the overall draft order. Protected draft picks may add a layer of complexity to trades, but they are a valuable tool for teams that want to manage their risk and build for the future. By using these picks, teams can create a variety of trade options and optimize their draft choices for the upcoming seasons.