Why Players Agree to Get Drafted Despite Not Wanting NBA Careers
Football player Myron Rolle, a world-class neurosurgeon and Rhodes scholar, chose to retire and work on brains rather than have his brain worked on. NFL quarterback Josh Dobbs, a rocket scientist, decided to play football despite being a mid-round pick, which could have meant third-string duties or carrying a clipboard. While these examples showcase talented individuals choosing different paths, a common myth persists in the world of professional basketball: no one is drafted into the NBA without wanting to play, right? This article aims to debunk this myth and explore potential reasons why players may agree to get drafted despite not wanting NBA careers.
The Reality Behind NBA Drafts
The truth is, there have been instances of players getting drafted despite not wanting to play in the NBA. While such cases are rare, they do exist. External pressures, family dynamics, and global opportunities can push players into situations that they are not fully prepared to handle.
External Factors and Decision-Making
There are several factors that can influence a player's decision to get drafted, even if they do not desire an NBA career:
Family Support: Players often have to listen to their parents, agents, and other influential figures in their lives. These individuals may push for them to pursue a professional basketball career in the NBA, believing it will provide financial security and a path to success. Potential for Domestic Remediation: Some players may go through the first-round of the NBA draft with the hope of being traded or utilized elsewhere in the league, even if it means playing for a less prominent team. The allure of a secured future can be persuasive. Global Opportunities: Some players might choose to remain overseas for a period, opting to play in their home countries or other leagues, such as the D-League or EuroLeague. Ricky Rubio's decision to stay in Spain for a couple of years is an example of this.Eligibility and Draft Process
It is important to understand the strict eligibility requirements for the NBA draft. Players must meet certain criteria before they can be drafted:
Age Requirement: Players must be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft. High School Graduation: Players must be at least one year removed from their high school graduation. College Players: Players must have completed their college eligibility or have declared for the draft after playing at least one year of college basketball. College underclassmen must renounce their remaining college eligibility by declaring for the draft. International Players: An international player must be defined as someone who permanently resides outside the United States for at least three years before the draft while playing basketball outside the U.S. They must also be at least 22 years old during the calendar year of the draft or must declare for the draft if younger. Automatic Eligibility: Players who have completed four years of college eligibility or turn 22 in the year of the draft are automatically eligible. Declaration for the Draft: Most U.S. players who have not completed four years of college eligibility must declare their eligibility for the draft. The declaration must be submitted to the NBA within a specified deadline before the draft. Early Entry Candidates: Players under 22 who declare early for the draft must submit a letter to the NBA declaring their intent. They can withdraw from the draft within a specified deadline if they wish to retain their college eligibility or re-enter the draft in the future. Special Cases: Players who sign a professional contract with a basketball team, whether in the U.S. or internationally, are considered professionals and are automatically eligible for the draft.The stringent eligibility requirements ensure that the players entering the draft are adequately prepared and eligible based on their basketball experience and age, making it difficult for individuals to enter the system without proper authorization.
Case Studies: Pieces of Evidence to the Myth
While cases of players not wanting to play in the NBA after getting drafted are rare, there are instances worth examining:
1. Nikola Jokic: In 2014, a few months before the NBA draft, there was rumors that Serbian player Nikola Jokic was about to withdraw his name from the draft and return to Serbia to play professionally. However, the Denver Nuggets drafted Jokic high in the first round, ensuring he would go to the NBA. The decision to draft Jokic was carefully planned and executed.
2. College Underclassmen: College underclassmen who declare for the draft often do not know their ultimate fate. These players have a decision to make between playing in college one more year or entering a professional league. Sometimes, they may not be fully prepared or committed to the NBA, but they still decide to take the risk.
Concluding Thoughts
Despite the overwhelming majority of players wanting to play in the NBA, exceptions do exist. External pressures, personal circumstances, and global opportunities can push players into situations they are not fully prepared to handle. Understanding the stringent eligibility requirements and the reasons behind such decisions can provide valuable insights into the complexities of the NBA draft process.