NBA Draft loophole: How is a 21-year-old law student going to feature at the 2023 event?

On June 22, 2023, 58 names will have the chance to join an NBA team via the league’s annual draft. Over the past three months, the names of Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, the Thompson twins and others have dominated draft conversations.

However, a prospect by the name of Jordan Haber is set to leave most scouts, analysts and basketball fans scratching their heads. Haber, an upcoming law student, will be going to Barclays Center on Thursday to mingle with some hoops legends, executives and fellow hopeful draftees.

Haber, in a report by ABC7, detailed how he was able to join this year’s draft:

“So I made a bet with my friends, and I made it into the NBA Draft. There's just a bunch of small little things that I ended up meeting. And I sent over an email to the NBA and they got back to me and sent over paperwork right away."

The league’s rules require those who want to apply for the draft to be at least 19 years old and out of high school for at least a year. It is not specifically stated that one has to join a high school or college basketball team to be eligible for the draft.

Jordan Haber never even played basketball in middle school. He only plays the sport recreationally with friends. From a simple bet with friends, he has become an official member of the NBA’s 2023 draft class.

However, his fantasy run will likely end here, as none of the teams will call his name.

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NBA fans can hardly wait for draft night

Jordan Haber may not have as many butterflies in his stomach as some fans heading into the NBA draft. Outside of Victor Wembanyama, who the San Antonio Spurs are expected to select with the No. 1 pick, everything else is uncertain.

The Charlotte Hornets seem torn between Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller. The Portland Trail Blazers may decide to take offers for the No. 3 pick if they can’t have the player they want (likely Henderson).

The teams picking from 4-14 will be quite nervous about how the draft board will fall. They will have their preferences but may have to go to plan B if the need arises. Cam Whitmore, who many believe will go to the Houston Rockets with the fourth pick, could land a little lower.

Jordan Haber will get his thrill watching the names of his draft class get called. Because of a loophole in the NBA’s draft rules, he gets to live a night he likely won’t forget for the rest of his life.