Somebody please tell me what this means?

[WildKat]

Going in the first round? What's guaranteed? Is it worth a guy like Daniel Orton (Uk) to leave if he's a first round pick? Who cares if you make big money the first however many years, if your going to ride the bench and not be in the league in five years. I mean, he didn't even start an prob avg 5 pts and 4 rebs a game. Am I wrong? Oh, I know that you can get hurt and never play again, but wouldn't you like to develop some game and have some security in your ability and have some longevity?

[Romanowski]

if youre drafted in the 1st round, youre not expected to be a bench player

nor do they give out money just because you played at kentucky

so despite his #s in college, someone sees some potential, problem becomes when an agent (who gets 10%)

sells him on an unrealistic end, maybe the kid gets bad info, and in reality wont be taken until later rounds

hard to put yourself in their shoes or financial situation also

[Doctor Legit]

When kids hear about the $ theres usually not even a thought of staying...

[WildKat]

Originally Posted by Romanowski

if youre drafted in the 1st round, youre not expected to be a bench player

nor do they give out money just because you played at kentucky

so despite his #s in college, someone sees some potential, problem becomes when an agent (who gets 10%)

sells him on an unrealistic end, maybe the kid gets bad info, and in reality wont be taken until later rounds

hard to put yourself in their shoes or financial situation also

I know that the kid has potential, but is this draft really strong that all the players in the first round are gonna start? I can't see it, but I don't watch the NBA enough to know what kind of talent is needed anymore.

[WildKat]

Staying at UK is probably better off than some pro teams...He's gonna make more at UK and he will be a God in the Bluegrass another year............

[TheLink]

I think a lot of the decisions come down to the background. It is a lot of money for kids and most people think short term. They figure if they get their shot they will make it work. The league needs to do a better job of analyzing the make up of a kid.

[WildKat]

I think I would like to see a list of all the first round picks over the past 5 years and see where they are at now........anybody have this at their fingertips?

[TheLink]

here is a link of the draftees. what they are doing no idea.

http://www.nba.com/history/draft_round1_2000s.html

[WildKat]

Ok, now someone that knows the NBA tell me how many are still playing and are still starting......and I'm talking about the late first rounders...I get leaving if your a Top 10 selection or if your family is on their last meal, but is it worth it in the long run to go lets say 25th if your still trying to develop your game?

[Romanowski]

developing their game isnt the question, they can do that just the same or better in the nba, in fac in the nba they can focus only on basketball whereas in college there re those pesky classes, even to some small degree

its up to the nba scouts to determine whether they have just the basic fundamentals that the nba would assume they already have down, basically to determine by tape and scouting their starting point, and how much much must be coached. Its up to them to see if his unique skill set is nba worthy and how his game will translate. Because college and nba isnt just a step in talent; its a different game. sometimes someone skill is unique in college but not so in the nba

the biggest factor is character however, how will money affect this young man, will he remain as competitive now that he got the contract etc

those are the factors that cant be taught, or seen on film. and where some could benefit from staying in school longer

[grzftbl]

Originally Posted by Romanowski

developing their game isnt the question, they can do that just the same or better in the nba, in fac in the nba they can focus only on basketball whereas in college there re those pesky classes, even to some small degree

I respectfully disagree. Unless you're a lottery pick or even top 20 pick, stay in school. If you're "that good", you'll move up from a 25 pick or higher to a lotto pick the next year, one would think.

Not sure who was on ESPN Radio the other day talking about this same thing. Lotto pick, go and make millions. If you're an end of the 1st round guy, why go and make upper 6-figures (800k was the number he said) to sit on the bench of a real good team. (if you're a 28-30th pick, you're going to a damn good team)

Now, sure, I know 800k to a 20 year old "kid" sounds enticing but long team I think it's a mistake.

[Romanowski]

ok fair point, but not all players imrove their stock from one more year of college level coaching and play

that becomes a judgment call, some hit a peak, at least in perception

some cost themselves money by noit going out

but I see your point, I was just focusing on the fact that regardless where they fall

their game can improve the same in the nba, not on the money in the first deal

if theyve got it, the drive and motivation, they will improve in the nba the same

but the character is lessons that are invaluable in college ...

[dollarbills]

bledsoe and orton are not gonna be hiring agents according to the cats pause

i expect them BOTH to return for next season, and orton actually end up play 4yrs at UK

[justdonating]

If you're not drafted in the top 20 in the NBA, you might be in trouble. After 20 good luck making the team. You're talking about making a playoff team for those at the tail end of the draft. Into the 2nd round, it gets worse, hello NBDL. Orton and Bledsoe are making a mistake, but the lure of money is always hard to pass up.

[TheLink]

Originally Posted by grzftbl

I respectfully disagree. Unless you're a lottery pick or even top 20 pick, stay in school. If you're "that good", you'll move up from a 25 pick or higher to a lotto pick the next year, one would think.

Not sure who was on ESPN Radio the other day talking about this same thing. Lotto pick, go and make millions. If you're an end of the 1st round guy, why go and make upper 6-figures (800k was the number he said) to sit on the bench of a real good team. (if you're a 28-30th pick, you're going to a damn good team)

Now, sure, I know 800k to a 20 year old "kid" sounds enticing but long team I think it's a mistake.

If they are picked in the first round they are guaranteed two years with an option for yr 3 and 4. It still equals millions of dollars for the individual. So if you are confident you will be picked in round 1 worth leaving school early.

The issue with staying is each year you have a new crop of players you are competing against.

This year you also have to consider there could be a lockout after next season. so might have some kids trying to get paid while they can.

There are always opportunities for the players who don't stay in the league overseas. Maybe it isn't ideal but it is still opportunity to make money playing basketball.