How to Watch the 2020 NBA All-Star Draft Live Stream and See Team Captains Pick
I remember the buzz surrounding the 2020 NBA All-Star Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've always found the All-Star selection process fascinating, but the 2020 edition felt particularly special with Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James returning as captains. The anticipation wasn't just about which superstars would end up on which team—it was about seeing two brilliant basketball minds strategically build their squads from the league's absolute best.
What made this draft particularly intriguing was the timing and format. Unlike previous years where the draft happened behind closed doors, the 2020 selection was broadcast live on TNT right before the regular season game between the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. I specifically cleared my schedule for February 6th, 2020, because I knew this would be more than just entertainment—it would reveal how these captains approached team construction. The draft followed the traditional playground style, with captains alternating picks from the pool of eight starters voted by fans and fourteen reserves selected by coaches. Having watched every All-Star draft since they started broadcasting them, I can confidently say this format creates genuine drama you simply don't get in other sports all-star events.
Now, let me walk you through exactly how fans could catch this spectacle live. The primary broadcast partner was TNT, which meant anyone with a traditional cable subscription could tune in. For cord-cutters like myself, streaming options included the TNT app, NBA League Pass, and various live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV. I personally used YouTube TV that night and found the stream perfectly smooth, though I'd recommend testing your service beforehand. International viewers had options through NBA League Pass International or local broadcast partners. The draft began at 7 PM Eastern Time, right before the Bucks-Bulls tip-off, and typically lasted about 30-45 minutes. What's crucial to understand is that unlike the actual All-Star Game, the draft wasn't a separate event—it was packaged with regular programming, which made accessibility much better for casual fans.
The strategic elements at play during these drafts always fascinate me. Having analyzed basketball strategy for various publications, I pay close attention to how captains balance positions, skillsets, and even personal chemistry. LeBron, for instance, has historically favored players he respects both on and off the court, while Giannis tends to prioritize defensive versatility. The 2020 draft occurred against the backdrop of the new Elam Ending format that would debut in the actual All-Star Game, adding another layer to captain considerations. This wasn't just about assembling the most talented team—it was about building a squad that could execute under the unique fourth-quarter rules where the game clock would be turned off and a target score would be established.
Looking back at the quarter scores from that eventual All-Star Game—29-31, 59-55, 83-67, 111-99—reveals how the draft decisions played out on the court. That tight first half, with Team Giannis leading 53-41 at one point before Team LeBron closed to 59-55, showed these were competitive teams, not just collections of talent. The third quarter where Team LeBron outscored Team Giannis 24-12 to take an 83-67 lead demonstrated the strategic advantages gained through smart drafting. Personally, I believe LeBron's selection of Anthony Davis proved crucial given how the game unfolded, especially considering Davis would eventually make the game-winning free throw.
What many casual viewers miss is how much preparation goes into these drafts behind the scenes. From conversations I've had with people around the league, captains typically consult with their selected teammates, coaching staffs, and even review extensive analytics packages before making their picks. They consider everything from defensive matchups to three-point shooting percentages to how certain players perform in clutch situations. The 2020 draft was particularly interesting because both captains had experience with the format, having served as captains the previous year as well. This created a fascinating dynamic where both understood the strategic implications of each selection at a deeper level.
The broadcast production itself deserves mention. TNT's crew, led by Ernie Johnson with analysts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal, brought both entertainment value and genuine insight to the process. Their commentary helped casual fans understand why certain picks might be strategic while keeping the tone light and entertaining. I particularly appreciated when they discussed how the new All-Star Game format might influence selection strategy, something most fans wouldn't consider on their own.
Reflecting on that 2020 draft now, with the benefit of hindsight, it's clear how those selections shaped one of the most competitive All-Star Games in recent memory. The final score of 111-99 in favor of Team LeBron doesn't fully capture how competitive the game was, especially with the innovative Elam Ending creating genuine fourth-quarter intensity. The draft process directly contributed to that competitiveness by creating teams with distinct identities and strategic approaches. As someone who's watched basketball evolve over decades, I believe the decision to televise these drafts has been one of the league's smarter innovations, giving fans unprecedented insight into how players think about the game.
For anyone looking to watch future All-Star drafts, my advice is to prioritize streams that offer reliability over flashy features. The draft moves quickly, and you don't want to miss key picks due to buffering. Having followed every televised draft since they began, I can say the 2020 edition set a new standard for both entertainment value and strategic depth. The quarter scores from the resulting game—particularly that dramatic fourth quarter where Team LeBron scored 28 points to Team Giannis's 32 but secured the win—stand as testament to how effectively both captains built their squads that February night.