2025 NBA Draft Overview: Why There Are Only 59 Picks

The 2025 NBA Draft kicks off on Wednesday, with Duke standout Cooper Flagg expected to be the top selection. As the anticipated first pick, Flagg will be the first of 59 players chosen during the event.

While the draft typically features 60 picks across two rounds—30 teams each selecting once in the first and second rounds—the number in 2025 is slightly fewer. The second round will contain only 29 selections, resulting in a total of 59 picks.

Why Are There Only 29 Picks in the Second Round?

The absence of one pick is due to the New York Knicks losing their second-round selection as disciplinary action for tampering. The Knicks’ violation involved their pursuit of Jalen Brunson before his free agency in 2022.

Brunson, who spent his first four seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, signed with the Knicks after his contract ended. Allegations surfaced that the Knicks engaged in improper conduct, including exclusive meetings with Brunson and attempts to manipulate payroll in anticipation of signing him. Additionally, Brunson’s father is an assistant coach with the team, adding further scrutiny.

The NBA conducted an investigation and concluded that the Knicks breached league rules related to tampering and early negotiations. As a result, they were stripped of their second-round pick in the 2025 draft—specifically the No. 56 overall selection. Despite losing this pick, Brunson’s contribution has been significant, averaging 26.4 points and 6.7 assists per game, and helping lead the team to three consecutive playoff appearances, including an Eastern Conference finals appearance this season.

Furthermore, the Knicks’ first-round pick was traded to the Brooklyn Nets last year for Mikal Bridges and Keita Bates-Diop, leaving them without any selections in the 2025 draft. This trade, combined with the tampering penalty, shapes the draft’s current structure.