Terrico White did not get drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft last week. His contract – if he is signed – may not be guaranteed. His decision to declare early could have cost him millions. Still, he made the right decision.
If White had gone in the top 30, he would have received a guaranteed contract for at least three years. He didn’t. Instead, he was selected No. 36 by the Detroit Pistons, who hold his rights and have the liberty to do what they like with them. Sign him? Trade him?
Do nothing? Yes, Yes and Yes – all three are possibilities.
Some will use their hindsight to proclaim White made the wrong decision when he declared early, but that’s not necessarily true. Second-round draftees might not have the benefit of a guaranteed contract, but unlike their first-round counterparts, they hold the right to negotiate and can still garner guaranteed money.
Need proof? Sam Young was drafted No. 36 by the Memphis Grizzlies out of Pittsburgh in 2009. He signed a three-year contract (third year is a club option) worth $824,200 in 2009-10, $886,000 in 2010-11 and $947,800 in the option year.
And his salary is guaranteed for the first two years.
On the other hand, the 26th pick in the draft is slotted, which means no negotiations.
It is a three-year deal – with two team-option years that could extend it to five – worth $810,600, $871,300 and $932,100.
With past results at our disposal, it’s not too difficult to envision a case in which White will make more money than a first-round selection.
Players taken in the first round are signed for five years unless the team that employs them decides to opt out of the contract after the third or fourth year.
George Hill, who was drafted No. 26 by the San Antonio Spurs in 2008, is considered a legitimate high-level point guard prospect after his first two years in the NBA.
Hill averaged 34.6 minutes and 13.6 points in the 2010 playoffs. Yet, he is at the mercy of Spurs management for three more years, without the ability to opt out and negotiate a fresh contract.
Sure, it’s favorable for prospects to sign a guaranteed contract before they play a game, but a slip to the second round definitely has its advantages.
For those that prove their worth, payday arrives quicker.
Terrico White didn’t go in the first round? So what? What if he returns and blows out a knee? For what? To give NBA teams more film to scrutinize him?
In a league that drafts on potential, potential and potential (in that order), another season of college ball will make him a year older and likely hurt his case before it helps it.
It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which the Pistons won’t sign White and guarantee at least a portion of his salary. In two years at Ole Miss, he showed NBA-level athleticism and has great elevation and form on his jump shot.
He already has the tools to steal some minutes in the NBA. And just imagine the improvements in his game when he makes basketball his full-time job. At worst, he provides points off the bench as a rookie and could have a season similar to New Orleans Hornet and former LSU guard Marcus Thorton, a 2009 second rounder,
And let’s face it, a top-40 selection is impressive when any collegiate player can enter the draft, instead of strictly juniors and seniors like in the MLB and NFL.
Had White returned for his junior year, maybe he would have proven he can contribute from the point at the next level.
If he were to convince scouts he could do so, it would definitely help. But playing alongside a scoring point guard like Chris Warren doesn’t make it an easy task.
He had to know the second round was a possibility when he declared early. Being listed as a late first round prospect usually means a slip past No. 30 is possible, if not probable in most cases.
He made his decision knowing this, and he landed with a storied franchise whose starting shooting guard – Richard Hamilton – is nearing the end of his career.
All things considered, No. 36 really isn’t that bad.