This year, the 2025 NBA Draft has 59 picks, down from 60. The New York Knicks lost a second-rounder due to tampering. This makes every pick on Day 2 even more exciting.
Round 1 was filled with surprises. Cooper Flagg was picked first by the Dallas Mavericks. Dylan Harper went second to the San Antonio Spurs. VJ Edgecombe was chosen third by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kon Knueppel, Ace Bailey, Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears, Egor Demin, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Khaman Maluach made up the top 10. These picks and trades will influence who gets picked next.
So, when does the nba draft start for Day 2? Round 2 kicks off on Thursday, June 26, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT. You can watch it on ESPN, ESPN.com, and the ESPN app.
If you’re wondering what time the nba draft is tonight or when Round 2 starts, now’s the time to set alerts. Fans will also follow the full order and the top players left.
Players like Maxime Raynaud, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Johni Broome, and others are waiting to be picked. With fewer picks, every minute is critical. Each selection could change the playoff picture.
Round 2 Overview: What’s Happening on Draft Day 2
On nba draft day 2, teams are on high alert, looking for value and filling gaps. Fans want to know when the second round starts and when nba draft round 2 happens. They’ll get a clear schedule. Front offices are busy reshaping their boards after a wild first night.
Round 2 date and venue
The 2025 NBA Draft’s second round is on Thursday, June 26, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The same excitement and energy from the first night return for nba draft day 2. It promises to be just as thrilling.
How Day 2 differs from Round 1
Day 2 is all about speed and finding the right fit. Teams focus on players who can fill specific roles. Fans will see a different kind of draft, with contenders looking for specialists.
Impact of reported trades from Round 1 on Round 2 strategy
Trades from the first night change everything. Phoenix’s deal with Charlotte, for example, impacts their frontcourt strategy. Memphis’s trade with Portland shows they’re betting on guards. New Orleans’s move to Atlanta changes their big-man search.
Utah’s trade for Walter Clayton Jr. and Sacramento’s pick-up of Nique Clifford add depth to their teams. These deals alter the draft landscape, affecting who gets picked and when.
Official Round 2 start time (ET, CT, PT)
The second round starts at 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. CT, and 5 p.m. PT. For those wondering when the second round begins, these times are set. It’s the perfect time to catch all the action.
How to Watch and Stream Round 2 Live
Fans looking for the nba draft start time can check at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT. This time fits the schedule for the nba second round draft perfectly.
Set an alert early and check local listings for any pregame coverage changes. This way, you can pick the best screen for the night.
TV channel broadcasting Round 2
ESPN will broadcast the nba second round draft nationwide on Thursday night. Fans searching for the start time will find ESPN’s coverage at 8 p.m. ET, as scheduled.
Streaming options on ESPN.com and the ESPN app
Stream Round 2 live on ESPN.com or the ESPN app. You might need a TV provider login to watch on phone, tablet, or connected TV. This ensures you catch the nba second round draft at the right time.
Tips for cord-cutters on Draft Day 2
If you don’t have cable, pick a live TV streaming service with ESPN. Sign in before the game starts. Make sure to test the ESPN app on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, or mobile devices. This way, you’re ready for the 8 p.m. ET start.
Full 2025 NBA Draft Round 2 Order
The nba draft round 2 board is set, and fans want clarity on when is round 2 of nba draft and how trades shape each slot. The list below reflects the pre-pick order. This helps teams plan for draft round 2 time and possible moves that often define the second round nba draft.
Picks 31–40
These early Day 2 selections often yield rotation talent. The 2nd round nba draft starts fast. Front offices weigh value, fit, and stash options.
| Pick | Team (Pre-Pick Ownership) | Via/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | Phoenix Suns | From Utah through Minnesota |
| 32 | Boston Celtics | From Washington through Detroit and Brooklyn |
| 33 | Charlotte Hornets | Own pick |
| 34 | Charlotte Hornets | From New Orleans through San Antonio, Phoenix and Memphis |
| 35 | Philadelphia 76ers | Own pick |
| 36 | Minnesota Timberwolves | From Brooklyn through Phoenix |
| 37 | Detroit Pistons | From Toronto through Dallas and San Antonio |
| 38 | Indiana Pacers | From San Antonio |
| 39 | Toronto Raptors | From Portland through Sacramento |
| 40 | New Orleans Pelicans | From Phoenix through Washington |
Picks 41–50
As the second round nba draft moves past 40, teams target specialists and upside swings. Monitoring draft round 2 time helps track run-on positions and trade windows.
| Pick | Team (Pre-Pick Ownership) | Via/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | Phoenix Suns | From Miami through Brooklyn, Indiana and Golden State |
| 42 | Sacramento Kings | From Chicago through San Antonio |
| 43 | Washington Wizards | From Dallas through Utah |
| 44 | Oklahoma City Thunder | From Atlanta |
| 45 | Los Angeles Lakers | From Sacramento through Chicago |
| 46 | Orlando Magic | Own pick |
| 47 | Milwaukee Bucks | From Detroit through Washington |
| 48 | Memphis Grizzlies | From Golden State through Washington and Brooklyn |
| 49 | Cleveland Cavaliers | From Milwaukee |
| 50 | New York Knicks | From Memphis through Oklahoma City and Boston |
Picks 51–59 and why there are only 59 picks this year
Late in the 2nd round nba draft, teams often consider two-way slots and international stashes. For a full, official listing and updates, see the NBA Draft Round 2 order as it posts changes in real time.
| Pick | Team (Pre-Pick Ownership) | Via/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | Los Angeles Clippers | From Minnesota through Atlanta and Houston |
| 52 | Golden State Warriors | From Denver through Charlotte, Minnesota and Phoenix |
| 53 | Utah Jazz | From LA Clippers through LA Lakers |
| 54 | Indiana Pacers | Own pick |
| 55 | Chicago Bulls | From LA Lakers |
| 56 | Memphis Grizzlies | From Houston |
| 57 | Orlando Magic | From Boston |
| 58 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Own pick |
| 59 | Golden State Warriors | From Oklahoma City through Atlanta, Houston and Phoenix |
There are only 59 selections in the nba draft round 2 slate this year. This is because the New York Knicks’ second-round pick was rescinded after a 2022 free-agency tampering violation involving Jalen Brunson. Fans tracking when is round 2 of nba draft can pencil in draft round 2 time knowing one slot is removed from the board.
Top Remaining Players Entering Round 2
Fans are eager to see the nba round 2 draft unfold. They want to know when the second round starts. Teams are looking at the nba draft best available to find the right players.
For those checking when is second round of nba draft or when is the 2nd round of the nba draft, this snapshot frames who’s most likely to hear their names early.
Best available bigs: Maxime Raynaud, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Johni Broome
Maxime Raynaud from Stanford has touch and length. He’s good at pick-and-pop plays and defense. Ryan Kalkbrenner from Creighton is a top rim protector and efficient scorer.
Johni Broome from Auburn is versatile and improving his shooting. These players are great for teams needing size and defense.
Wings and forwards to watch: Rasheer Fleming, Noah Penda, Alex Toohey, Bogoljub Markovic
Rasheer Fleming is quick and can switch defenses. Noah Penda from France is a modern wing with length and speed. Alex Toohey from Australia shoots well and has feel.
Bogoljub Markovic from Serbia is a smart pick for depth. Teams looking for wings will consider these players’ skills.
Guards who could rise: Jamir Watkins, Chaz Lanier
Jamir Watkins from Florida State is aggressive and passes well. Chaz Lanier from Tennessee shoots deep and makes quick decisions.
These guards are in a good spot to be picked up in the second round.
| Player | Position | Program/Nation | Calling Card | Best Team Fit Trait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxime Raynaud | C | Stanford | Stretch size, touch | Pick-and-pop spacing for nba round 2 draft contenders |
| Ryan Kalkbrenner | C | Creighton | Rim protection | Drop coverage anchor |
| Johni Broome | C | Auburn | Two-way production | Screen-setting and putbacks |
| Rasheer Fleming | F | Saint Joseph’s | Switch defense | Energy wing for multipositional schemes |
| Noah Penda | F | France | Length and slashing | Transition pressure and cutting |
| Alex Toohey | F | Australia | Feel and shooting | Connector play on second units |
| Bogoljub Markovic | F | Serbia | Frame and craft | Physical wing depth |
| Jamir Watkins | G | Florida State | On-ball drive and vision | Second-side creator |
| Chaz Lanier | G | Tennessee | Deep shooting | Off-ball gravity |
Teams are making their final decisions for the second round. They’ll consider fit, age, and contract flexibility.
Notable Names Stil on the Board
The spotlight is on as the nba draft 2nd round approaches. Teams are looking at skill, age, and fit. Fans are eager to know what time the second round starts, hoping to catch value early.
Scouts are eyeing guards and wings who can make an impact right away. They are looking for players who can help on rookie deals.
They were highlighted repeatedly before the second round draft time, with eyes on two-way tools and reliable shooting. For anyone wondering when does the second round of the draft start, these prospects are the ones drawing the loudest buzz once the clock resumes.
Blue-blood guards: Tyrese Proctor and Koby Brea
Tyrese Proctor has Duke polish as a pick-and-roll passer who defends. His size and poise can steady a second unit early. Koby Brea, now at Kentucky after a breakout at Dayton, profiles as a floor spacer with deep range and quick release.
Both fit roster holes that often emerge once the nba draft 2nd round starts rolling. Their shooting and decision-making answer front offices asking what time does the second round start so they can strike before runs on guards begin.
High-upside scorers: Kam Jones and Mark Sears
Kam Jones flashed pull-up craft at Marquette, thriving off movement and pace. Mark Sears powered Alabama with efficient shot creation and late-clock poise. Each can bend coverage and punish switching, key traits in a tight playoff rotation.
As teams track when does the second round of the draft start, these scorers stand out for instant offense. Their blend of efficiency and nerve can swing a bench unit during the second round draft time.
Underrated prospects with role-player appeal
RJ Luis Jr. showed size and slashing at St. John’s, with defensive length that scales. Versatile wings who rebound, cut, and hit open threes hold premium value once the nba draft 2nd round opens up.
Front offices weighing what time does the second round start will eye players who do the small things well. Clean footwork, quick reads, and switchable defense tend to rise when the second round draft time narrows choices.
| Prospect | Program | Calling Card | Best Early Role | Why It Matters in Round 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Proctor | Duke | Pick-and-roll feel, team defense | Secondary ball-handler | Stabilizes bench units as the nba draft 2nd round accelerates |
| Koby Brea | Kentucky | Movement shooting, quick release | Floor-spacing combo guard | Counters defensive sagging when the second round draft time tightens |
| Kam Jones | Marquette | Pull-up scoring, off-ball gravity | Microwave scorer | Creates instant offense right after what time does the second round start |
| Mark Sears | Alabama | Efficiency, late-clock shotmaking | Lead guard in staggered lineups | Trusted decision-maker when does the second round of the draft start |
| RJ Luis Jr. | St. John’s | Slashing, defensive length | Two-way wing connector | Fills rotation gaps as value peaks in the nba draft 2nd round |
Round 1 Recap That Shapes Round 2
Round 1 set the stage for draft night 2. It made the second round of the NBA draft more interesting. Fans wondering when the second round starts can see why teams will look for specific players next.
No. 1 through top 10 highlights: Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe
Dallas picked Cooper Flagg at No. 1. San Antonio chose Dylan Harper at No. 2. Philadelphia selected VJ Edgecombe at No. 3. These picks changed what teams need for the second round.
Charlotte added Kon Knueppel, Utah got Ace Bailey, and Washington picked Tre Johnson. New Orleans chose Jeremiah Fears, the Nets selected Egor Demin, and Toronto picked Collin Murray-Boyles. Phoenix selected Khaman Maluach. These moves made teams look for lead guards and versatile forwards for draft night 2.
Key first-round trades influencing second-round needs
Memphis moved up to No. 11 for Cedric Coward. The Pelicans jumped to No. 13 for Derik Queen. Utah went to No. 18 for Walter Clayton Jr., and Sacramento got Nique Clifford at No. 24. Phoenix later adjusted after drafting Khaman Maluach. These moves will affect how teams approach the second round. For more on these trades, see this first-round analysis.
Because ballhandlers and rim protectors were picked early, teams might look for stretch bigs and shooters next. This will be important when fans ask about the second round. The timing can affect trade opportunities.
Teams with multiple second-round picks and their likely strategies
Charlotte has Nos. 33 and 34. They might package these picks for a late first-round player or take two shooters. Phoenix has Nos. 31 and 41. They can improve their backup guard play and find a stash player in the second round.
Washington has No. 43 and can trade for more picks. Indiana owns Nos. 38 and 54. Orlando, Memphis, Cleveland, and Golden State have multiple picks too. They can look for role players, trade up, or stash players. This will keep draft night 2 exciting.
| Team | Extra Round 2 Picks | Primary Day 2 Needs | Likely Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Hornets | Nos. 33, 34 | Shooting wing, backup guard | Package to move up or take two specialists |
| Phoenix Suns | Nos. 31, 41 | Secondary creator, stash big | One ready now, one international stash |
| Washington Wizards | No. 43 (+ trade access) | Defense on the wing | Target best 3-and-D athlete |
| Indiana Pacers | Nos. 38, 54 | Rim protection, energy forward | Trade flexibility or two-role depth |
| Orlando Magic | Nos. 46, 57 | Shooting, ball security | Value picks with playoff utility |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Nos. 48, 56 | Size on the wing | Defensive upside swing |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Nos. 49, 58 | Backup big, movement shooter | Best available fit for rotation |
| Golden State Warriors | Nos. 52, 59 | Length, IQ guard | Stash plus developmental guard |
The timing question—when does the 2nd round of the draft start—matters because staggered picks and clusters invite trade-ups, stashes, and quick pivots once the board breaks.
Why There Are Only 59 Picks in 2025
The 2025 NBA Draft has 59 picks because the New York Knicks lost their second-round pick. This happened due to tampering in their 2022 pursuit of Jalen Brunson. Now, Round 2 has 29 picks, from 31 to 59, changing how teams value late picks.
Fans often ask when is round 2 of the draft and when does round 2 of the draft start. With one less pick, teams are quicker to make deals. This affects how long they spend on calls and planning for the draft.
Experts say the missing pick makes trading harder. There are fewer chances to pick up new talent. This also means teams might buy picks earlier to avoid the rush.
Agents also face challenges. Without the 60th pick, free agency starts sooner for some players. This timing is important for teams planning around the draft and post-draft periods.
| Item | Standard Draft | 2025 Draft | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Selections | 60 | 59 | Fewer guaranteed slots; tighter margins for fringe prospects |
| Round 2 Picks | 30 (Nos. 31–60) | 29 (Nos. 31–59) | Heavier competition for late spots; earlier UDFA activity |
| Cause of Reduction | N/A | Knicks second-round pick rescinded for tampering in 2022 | Alters trade pricing and depth strategies |
| Team Strategy | More late flyers available | Fewer late flyers; emphasis on two-way deals | Clubs prioritize fit and contract flexibility |
| Fan Planning | Predictable cadence | Condensed finish | Clarifies when does round 2 of the draft start and nba draft tome pacing |
Team-by-Team Second-Round Needs and Fits
The NBA Draft Day 2 board resets, and teams focus on role fit, contracts, and timeline. Fans can plan for the second round to start at 8 p.m. ET. This time shapes how teams build clusters of players ready to contribute now or grow on two-way deals.
For clarity on what time is round 2 of the draft, coverage aligns with prime-time windows. This way, viewers can follow trades and slides in real time on nba draft day 2.
Contenders searching for plug-and-play depth
The Phoenix Suns at Nos. 31 and 41 look for defenders who screen, rim-run, and hit the corner three. The Boston Celtics, with No. 32 and later second-round moves, value wings who guard up a spot and make quick reads. Golden State Warriors at Nos. 52 and 59, plus the Cleveland Cavaliers at Nos. 49 and 58, and the Orlando Magic at Nos. 46 and 57, lean toward shooting specialists and mobile bigs who fit bench units without heavy touches.
Role clarity matters at the exact hour fans ask what time does round 2 of the draft start. With rotations set, contenders want reliable rebounding, point-of-attack defense, and instant spacing that holds up in April and May.
Rebuilders targeting upside swings
Charlotte Hornets at Nos. 33 and 34, Detroit Pistons at No. 37, San Antonio Spurs at No. 38, Washington Wizards at No. 43, and Indiana Pacers at Nos. 38 and 54 can chase length, tools, and patience. Names in the best-available mix—Maxime Raynaud, Rasheer Fleming, Noah Penda, Alex Toohey, Bogoljub Markovic, Jamir Watkins, and Chaz Lanier—offer frames and feel that can pop with NBA reps.
For viewers tracking when is the second round of the draft, that 8 p.m. ET day two draft time lines up with development-focused boards. Rebuilders can absorb mistakes, invest in shooting development, and weaponize G League minutes on nba draft day 2.
International stash candidates late in Round 2
Picks 51–59 often serve as future-facing slots. The Warriors, Cavaliers, Pacers, and Utah Jazz commonly weigh overseas growth versus two-way flexibility. Stash options let teams manage roster spots, cap planning, and timeline syncing with veteran cores.
As fans ask what time is round 2 of the draft, the late-window strategy favors long wings and skilled bigs. They can sharpen shooting and strength abroad, then arrive ready for camp battles the following year.
| Team | Picks | Primary Need | Ideal Prospect Archetype | Strategic Angle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | 31, 41 | Defense, screening, corner shooting | Rim-running big, 3-and-D wing | Plug-and-play depth to support star usage |
| Boston Celtics | 32 (+ later activity) | Switchable wings, connective passing | Multi-positional defender, quick decision-maker | Maintain two-way versatility across lineups |
| Golden State Warriors | 52, 59 | Shooting, movement IQ | Off-ball spacer, mobile big | Fit Kerr motion principles without touches |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 49, 58 | Wing size, playoff toughness | Strong 3-and-D forward | Rotation insurance behind core scorers |
| Orlando Magic | 46, 57 | Shooting around Paolo Banchero | Spot-up guard/wing, team defender | Floor spacing to unlock drives and cuts |
| Charlotte Hornets | 33, 34 | Two-way wings, size | Versatile forward with motor | Upside swing aligned with young core |
| Detroit Pistons | 37 | Shooting, rim pressure support | Big wing shooter, roll man | Space for guards while building habits |
| San Antonio Spurs | 38 | Length, feel, secondary playmaking | Smart connector wing, stretch big | Complement Victor Wembanyama’s gravity |
| Washington Wizards | 43 | Scoring punch, defensive tools | Slashing wing, rangy big | Ceiling play with time to develop |
| Indiana Pacers | 38, 54 | Depth, stash optionality | Spot-up forward, international big | Roster flexibility for a fast-paced system |
| Utah Jazz | Late second | Skill development pipeline | Stash wing with size | Synchronize arrival with roster cycles |
Set your plans for nba draft day 2 with the clear 8 p.m. ET guidepost. Knowing what time does round 2 of the draft start helps map how contenders secure specialists while rebuilders swing for upside, all within a tight night of moves and value grabs.
Conclusion
Round 2 of the NBA draft starts at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT. It’s live on ESPN and streaming on ESPN.com and the ESPN app. If you’re wondering when the second round begins, it’s tonight, making it easy to watch.
The draft order goes from picks 31 to 59. This is because the Knicks lost a second-rounder due to a tampering rule. Teams will quickly pick players they think are the best value.
Round 1 was exciting, with Cooper Flagg going to the Mavericks and Dylan Harper to the Spurs. VJ Edgecombe was picked by the 76ers. Deals with the Suns, Hornets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Jazz, and Kings also made headlines.
Day 2 focuses on finding the best player available. Keep an eye out for Maxime Raynaud, Rasheer Fleming, and others. Guards like Tyrese Proctor and Kam Jones are also worth watching.
Fans can catch every pick tonight, during the evening window. ESPN will broadcast and stream the event. This means you won’t miss any surprises or big picks.
So, if you’re wondering when the second round starts, it’s tonight. The draft is all about finding the best players quickly.
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