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It seems like the NBA isn’t ready to completely eradicate its “one-and-done” rule that prevents players from entering the NBA. Instead the NBA is increasing its salary for select high profile high school recruits to $125k who want to join the G-League as an alternative to going to college.
The NBA plans to offer a "professional path" to the G-League with select $125K salaries to players as an alternative to the one-and-done college route, ESPN's @DraftExpress reports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 18, 2018
Via ESPN
As part of a newly formed “professional path” starting in the summer of 2019, the G League will offer “Select Contracts” worth $125,000 to elite prospects who are at least 18 years old but not yet eligible for the NBA draft. It will target recent or would-be high school graduates who otherwise would have likely spent just one season playing college basketball, enticing them not only with a six-figure salary but also the opportunity to benefit from NBA infrastructure, as well as a bevy of off-court development programs “geared towards facilitating and accelerating their transition to the pro game,” Turner said.
Without the restrictions of the NCAA’s amateurism rules, players will also be free to hire agents, profit off their likeness and pursue marketing deals from sneaker companies and the like, which could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in endorsement opportunities to top prospects.
Potential one and done prospects will already have access to this “professional path” starting at NBA Summer League in July. The NBA Academies, and other NBA franchises (such as Basketball Without Borders, All-Star Weekend, the NBA Global Camp, and more) could also be utilized.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 18, 2018
Already getting quite a few calls/texts from many of the top NBA agents. They're salivating at this development and think it will gain major traction. Also hearing from some of the major college programs who are understandably nervous & want to learn more https://t.co/pFDaw0EA0E
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 18, 2018
A working committee will be formed shortly to help answer some of the most pressing questions that arise from this. What caliber of player should they pursue? How many? How will they be dispersed to G League teams? There’s a lot still yet to be decided.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 18, 2018
This news is unfortunate for LaVar Ball’s JBA league which attempted to use the same model to attract high school graduates to their league.
LaVar Ball’s basketball league unofficially died today when the NBA announced that the G League would be willing to sign players — who are 18 but not yet an NBA eligible 19 — to a 5-month, $125,000 contract.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) October 18, 2018
— 🐝Melo🇲🇽🍉 (@MeloncitoMelo) October 18, 2018
Don’t we have a league similar to that ? pic.twitter.com/vQInZUBMyp
— MOE-D (@mojetss) October 18, 2018
— Josh (@Dynamitejimi) October 18, 2018
@Lavarbigballer Changed the game! pic.twitter.com/83tR0JEGrL
— Old Man Mir (@Moneymirweather) October 18, 2018
While the increased salary for select recruits is nice it would have been better if they just allowed 18 year old player to join the NBA.
I have doubts about how many top players will go this route. Some, yes. But G-League is full of early connecting flights, long bus rides, small gyms. It isn't glamorous. Big-time NCAA ball still has the trappings of exposure, packed houses, private jets. You'll get paid there too
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 18, 2018