NBA Rookies
I am here at the next level; however am I ready for the lifestyle? This is the question that goes through the mind of every rookie in the NBA (National Basketball Association). NBA rookies have problems such as maturity, finances, drafts and relocations.
NBA rookies have problems such as maturity issues. Whether related to skill, leadership or maturity, these rookies ditched college far too soon. I am going to have to group Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers together. Even though Davis was taken as the number one overall pick, Rivers was 10 both of them will come in to change the face of the franchise from day one. If they continue to grow and mature this could turn into one of the most dynamic duos since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neil. Dion Waiters is another rookie with his work cut out for him. I absolutely dislike the pick at number four, however there’s no denying Waiters’ talent. He was the sixth man at Syracuse, and while he did have some impressive stretches, he just had not shown people enough to warrant this high of a selection. If he is able to mature and accept a larger role he has the perfect combination of power and shooting ability, therefore are a lot of question marks here. If each Rookie could have a mentor to guide them, then they will be able to live this lifestyle. Therefore, NBA Rookies are mature enough for the NBA.
NBA rookies have finances problems. For 5-9 point guard Isaiah Thomas, last player taken in the 2011 draft at No. 60 by the Sacramento Kings, life has not changed much since leaving the University of Washington after his junior year. "I stay in the apartment I stayed in college, right by campus," Thomas says. "I don't have to live the big life. It feels like I am still in college. That is just how I am. That is how I was raised. I do not need to spend money. I am the type that will try to save as much money as possible and try not to do too much." As the NBA has locked out players since July 1, that is a good thing for Thomas. Rookies wouldn't draw paychecks until November 15 anyway, although they have been known to get advances from their clubs after signing. Even today they do not have contracts. Under the expired collective bargaining agreement, first-round picks such as guard Iman Shumpert (New York Knicks) would have guaranteed deals. Second-round picks such as Thomas, guard Josh Selby (Memphis Grizzlies), guard Travis Leslie (Los Angeles Clippers) and forward Jordan Williams (New Jersey Nets) would not. After staying at the Atlanta home of guard Jarrett Jack (New Orleans Hornets), Shumpert was sent to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, last month by agent Happy Walters. Shumpert has the basics: A room, workout facilities for two-a-days, three meals a day and a refrigerator that stays stocked. He does not have a car. "They make sure little stuff is done. The gym is in walking distance," Shumpert says. "My parents gave me some money (he has a debit card). Some guys take out loans." Everybody's got their own way of doing it. I'm not in a position where I need money. It is not like I am going to starve or anything." Leslie, who trained at the Impact Basketball series in Las Vegas with Shumpert, Selby, Thomas and Williams, went to a bank for help. "I did not get much of a line of credit but it's something. I'm living off that," Leslie says. "Many rookies have lines of credit. We are just staying on a budget. I'm trying my best not to spend my money because I know I've got to pay it back." Therefore, NBA rookies have problems with finances.
NBA rookies have problems with drafts and relocations. The rookie class of 2012 ended up producing some decent NBA talent as there are many who made their mark in their rookie season. The future of the league is in good hands as the young talent coming into the league are very talented and versatile players for the most part. We round out