How the NBA can learn from the NFL’s virtual draft experience

Positive takeaways

ESPN and the NFL will get a lot of credit for their virtual draft. The fact that ESPN now has one under their belt, it should make transitions and setting up a lot easier. However, the bar has been set and the NBA will have to be a little more creative.

Without question, the best part of the virtual draft is humanizing the coaches, decision-makers and players. Often times sports are a “what have you done for me” mindset for fans. But the reality is these coaches, general managers and players are as human as the diehard fan. When a coach is on the hot seat or a player is in a contract year, they’re likely going through the high levels of stress, anxiety and mental health issues. While fans use sports as a release from those things, sports are a livelihood for athletes, coaches and front offices alike.

Providing a look into their homes for even 10 seconds humanizes them. A lot can be seen in a short amount of time. The judgement of office setups is justified but how cool it was to see Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores’ kids on the phone with their recently-drafted players?

Of course, Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel had a house full of kids with a reality many families have likely dealt with — someone using the bathroom with the door open (it’s okay to admit to yourself this has happened in your home.) For the record, Vrabel later said his son Travis was sitting on a stool. It would be an odd place for a bathroom on a closer look at the room.

It was cool to see Matt Patricia’s son next to him and Jon Gruden’s family cheering the Raiders’ picks. Then there was the raw emotion of the players. Though it was delayed due to the technical difficulties of producing a production, it made for some great moments.

There were some tense rooms of players not knowing they were about to be drafted due to the delay. Some great moments of players getting the call, such as CeeDee Lamb making sure he didn’t miss it. Moments of moms being moms and players overcome by emotion.

https://twitter.com/overtime/status/1253512801517215744?s=20

Storytelling comes in many powerful forms and video is no exception. Peyton Manning narrating the open was bone-chilling. The NBA should do something similar. Maybe they call on some of their own talent — Doris Burke, Mike Breen, or a familiar face such as Chauncey Billups, Paul Pierce or Scottie Pippen. One of the great storytellers in Tom Rinaldi would fit the bill. Or maybe a former or current player with a voice — LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Zion Williamson — would be up for the task. Regardless of who, it would be a great touch.