How to Watch the 2020 NBA All-Star Draft Live Stream and See Team Captains Pick

I remember sitting in my living room last February, eagerly awaiting the NBA All-Star Draft like it was Christmas morning. There's something uniquely thrilling about watching team captains handpick their squads from the league's elite—it feels like we're getting a behind-the-scenes look at how these superstars really view each other's games. The 2020 edition promised to be particularly fascinating with LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo returning as captains, and having covered basketball for over a decade, I've learned that the draft often reveals more about player relationships and competitive dynamics than any press conference ever could.

If you're wondering how to catch this year's draft live, the process has become remarkably accessible compared to just a few years ago. The main broadcast will air on TNT at 8 PM Eastern Time, but what many casual fans don't realize is that the NBA's digital streaming options have become incredibly sophisticated. Through the NBA League Pass—which offers a surprisingly affordable monthly subscription of $28.99—you can stream the draft seamlessly across multiple devices. I typically watch on my laptop while keeping my phone handy for Twitter reactions from analysts like Shams Charania and Adrian Wojnarowski, who often drop fascinating tidbits about selection strategies during the broadcast. The NBA's official app also provides free streaming if you're willing to sit through a few commercials, though I've found the premium experience well worth the investment for the crystal-clear HD quality and multi-angle views.

What makes the draft particularly compelling this season is how the selection process might reflect the shifting balance of power in the league. Looking at those quarter scores from last year's All-Star Game—29-31, 59-55, 83-67, 111-99—you can see how Team LeBron gradually pulled away after a tight first half. Those numbers aren't just statistics; they tell a story about roster construction and in-game adjustments. I've always believed Giannis learned valuable lessons from that experience, particularly how LeBron's choices emphasized spacing and shooting to overcome Giannis's length and athleticism. This year, I expect Giannis to prioritize different types of players—maybe targeting more versatile defenders who can switch across multiple positions.

The actual draft format has evolved into quite the spectacle. Unlike the traditional NBA draft where teams select from college prospects, here we see established superstars essentially building their dream teams from the league's current elite. The captains alternate picks from the pool of eight starters previously selected by fans, media, and players, followed by choices from the 14 reserves chosen by NBA coaches. What many casual viewers miss is the strategic dimension—captains aren't just picking the best available player; they're considering fit, chemistry, and even personal relationships. I'll never forget two years ago when LeBron selected Kevin Durant first overall, bypassing his longtime rival Stephen Curry in what many interpreted as a nod to their Olympic team chemistry.

From a technical perspective, streaming the draft has never been easier, though I've learned a few tricks over the years. If you're watching through a streaming service, I recommend starting the stream about fifteen minutes early to ensure you don't miss the initial picks—the broadcast often begins with analysis before jumping right into selections. The NBA's digital platforms typically offer DVR functionality, allowing you to rewind if you miss a particularly interesting pick or reaction shot. What I find most valuable is the second-screen experience; following hashtags like #NBADraft on Twitter provides real-time commentary from journalists and former players that often reveals the thinking behind certain selections.

Having attended three All-Star drafts in person, I can confirm that the television broadcast captures only about half the drama. There are subtle interactions between players—a knowing smile when certain teammates are reunited, the competitive fire when rivals find themselves on opposing squads—that speak volumes about the league's interpersonal dynamics. The production has become increasingly sophisticated, with cameras capturing both captains' reactions simultaneously, but there's nothing like being in the room when, say, LeBron selects Anthony Davis ahead of James Harden, sparking endless speculation about free agency intentions.

As we approach this year's draft, I'm particularly interested to see how the captains value traditional positions versus modern versatility. The game has shifted so dramatically toward positionless basketball that I wouldn't be surprised to see Giannis prioritize wings who can guard multiple positions over traditional big men. Meanwhile, LeBron has always had an eye for complementary skillsets—I've noticed he often pairs dominant scorers with defensive specialists and floor spacers. Those quarter scores from last year's game—that 83-67 third-quarter advantage for Team LeBron particularly stands out—demonstrate how strategic roster construction can create separation even among equally talented groups.

The beauty of the All-Star draft format is its transparency; we get to see which players the captains genuinely value in competitive situations. When Giannis selected Joel Embiid with his first pick last year, it signaled his respect for the Philadelphia star's two-way dominance. When LeBron immediately countered with Kevin Durant, it reinforced the longstanding narrative of their generational rivalry. These choices matter beyond the All-Star Game itself—they influence MVP voting narratives, shape trade deadline conversations, and occasionally reveal genuine tensions between elite players.

What often gets overlooked in draft analysis is how captains manage egos and relationships. Selecting a player too late can create legitimate friction, as we saw when James Harden fell to the reserves a couple years back. The captains have to balance competitive considerations with diplomatic ones—a challenge I find absolutely fascinating to watch unfold. Having spoken with several players after previous drafts, I've learned that while most publicly downplay the significance of selection order, privately they acknowledge that going earlier carries symbolic weight.

As tip-off approaches, I'll be watching not just who gets picked, but how they react to being picked. The body language when teammates become opponents, the subtle nods when expected rivals end up on the same squad—these moments provide genuine insight into the league's complex social fabric. The quarter scores from last year's contest—that decisive 111-99 finish—remind us that while the All-Star Game is ultimately an exhibition, the competitive instincts of these incredible athletes never fully switch off. The draft sets the stage for those competitive fires to emerge, and for basketball enthusiasts like myself, that makes it unmissable television.