Mark Tatum, the deputy commissioner of the N.B.A., had a crucial responsibility on Thursday night, despite its lack of glamour. He was assigned the late shift, starting at 11 p.m., to announce the names of players selected in the second round of the N.B.A. draft at Barclays Center. As the crowd dwindled, leaving only a handful of scattered fans and fatigued family members, Tatum’s audience became sparse. However, he remained committed to recognizing the confident players who were feeling overlooked and the long shots still yearning for an opportunity. While some players sat at the adorned tables on the arena floor, Tatum called out the names of players like Amari Bailey from U.C.L.A. who were accompanied by their loved ones in the stands, unable to be part of the privileged 24. The atmosphere resembled an upscale cafeteria, with its black tablecloths and golden basketballs. Tatum expressed his enthusiasm for announcing the second-round picks each year, acknowledging that it is during this round that the committed basketball fans at Barclays Center make the most noise. Their exclamations echoed throughout the nearly empty arena, creating a lively atmosphere even as the night wore on. The spectators showcased their passion for the sport as they eagerly awaited the latest selection. One such fan, Christian Cabrera, a San Antonio Spurs enthusiast from Atlantic City, refused to leave, asserting that a true fan would not tire on a night like this. Cabrera cherished the opportunity to witness the draft up close, claiming that he received his money’s worth by seeing Victor Wembanyama’s selection and even appearing on ESPN. Indeed, staying till the end offered the chance to witness history, exemplified by the story of Nikola Jokic, who was unknowingly drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2014 while he slept in Serbia. Tatum’s commitment to the night shift was affirmed by a former classmate, Depelsha McGruder, who attested to his genuine fondness for the second-round draft. McGruder, an executive at the Ford Foundation, emphasized that regardless of the diminished attendance, the N.B.A. draft remained a significant event where hoop dreams come true. As Tatum announced the final pick of the night, emotions ran high and a player found solace in his arms. Rayan Rupert, a 19-year-old guard from France, experienced a heartfelt moment when he was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the last of the invited players to remain at the tables on the main floor. This prompted a resounding standing ovation from the remaining crowd as Rupert embraced his loved ones, tears streaming down his face. While most second-round picks may not achieve All-Star status, the abundance of hugs, cheers, and tears throughout the night attested to the importance of being drafted, regardless of the hour. The Milwaukee Bucks concluded the draft by selecting Chris Livingston, a forward from the University of Kentucky, as the 58th and final pick. As the night came to an end, Tatum bid farewell with a handshake, completing his duties for the evening.
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