Early Entry into the NBA Draft?
Now that we are getting oh so close to the NBA Draft, one question keeps being brought up over and over again, especially by my fellow Ohio State fans. Of course, I am talking about Greg Oden and his entry/non-entry into the NBA Draft. While some say he needs one more year, while others are saying Greg Oden would be stupid to not go pro.
I tend to say that Greg Oden should consider the economics of his decision. If he does indeed go pro, he will most likely be the number 1 or 2 pick and thus making himself a millionaire. Furthermore, if he goes pro, you can almost guarantee that Oden will probably get a shoe deal which will also make himself quite rich (along with the other endorsements Oden will pick up).
As a college athlete Oden is not eligible to pick up any of these benefits, should he decide to stay. Furthermore if he stays, he will pick up another year of classes and will get to continue to live the college life. Most of the benefits of Oden staying in school cannot be measured in dollars and cents terms. He frequently says he loves the college life. Which is not a bad thing.
So, by looking at Oden's situation we can see the various opportunity costs facing Greg Oden. On one hand there is millions of dollars and on the other is the continuation of friendship and education. As a side note Oden, may want to consider what happened to Matt Leinart in the NFL draft. At one point Leinart was projected to be the #1 pick in the upcoming draft as a Junior. However, he decided that he should indeed return to school and return for his senior year. The result, Leinart ended up being the #10 pick, a far cry from #1 overall. While, Oden is in all likelihood never going to be drafted any lower than #3 overall, he must consider the possibility of an injury.
So, in conclusion, the economics of the decision clearly point to Oden entering the draft now and becoming a multi-millionaire, and not passing up on so many great opportunities (A Buckeye fan, may disagree with that last point).
10 comments:
I agree with the fact that Oden should go into the NBA. But lets get serious with saying that he would never go below a number three pick. Look at all of the talent in college right now with Durant from texas, Tucker from Wisconsin, every Florida player ( That just got off winning back to back NCAA titles) Oden is good but is he really a #3 draft pick right now. Yeah he can block shots, but his footwork inside could be a lot better and thats why I feel he should stay in a sense to become better and overtime be a #1 draft pick. But right now he wouldnt be in the top three with all of the talent there is in the NCAA. Another factor as well is the team. If a team needs a guard there not going to go with a big man just because he is a great DEFENSIVE player. Yeah inthe national championship game he had 24 points, but all of the other games he averaged 11. He had a wrist injury I know but he still but I feel its an excuse, like what did he cure over night in the N.C. game? SO in retro spect G.O. should stay and improve so he can become a number one overall draft pick
I believe the opportunity costs between going to the NBA and staying in school point in all directions for Oden to go pro. Oden is going to be one of the game's best big men for years to come, like a Shaq. I personally believe Oden is a top pick in the draft if he decides to go. On the other hand i also believe he has much room for improvement in his game, and staying that extra year in college may develop him better as a player.
I think Oden needs to stay in college at least one more year. The Buckeyes need to win a championship! But seriously, Oden does need to develop a little more so he can become one of the top 3 in the draft. He needs to decide which oppurtunity cost means more- giving up his college life, or giving up millions of dollars. Either way, I have no doubt that Oden will make it to the NBA. I don't know when that will be, but I'm hoping it's not this year.
The NBA draft is always a big dilemma for our athletes and college teams. Do college athletes move to the pros to fast or are they going to soon. This year its about Greg Oden. He maybe one of the top 3 picks in the draft but teams are also looking for players that are most needed to fill hole in the team. I do beleive Greg Oden should stay in college at least another year to get more developed and better at his game. I mean dont get me wrong I think he's sweet at basketball but he also said himself he doesnt want to go to the NBA unless he makes a major not minor impact in the NBA. To do that I think he needs another year in college.
I believe on the side of Oden staying in college for a couple more years for a few reasons. If he were to go to the NBA now he would be a good player making an average salary but not a great player making a big salary. The extra year spent in college would help him to grow as a people while maintaining and improving the basketball skills that he already has. Then when he goes to the NBA next year he is more well rounded and a bigger name player making a large salary, with some extra college education to fall back on. And besides, why not stay, he is going to Ohio State for free.
As everyone knows now Oden went into the draft. Honestly, he made the right move. The opportunity cost in dollars in cents far out way education and friends. He can continue his education anytime. You only have so many years before you can't play in the NBA anymore. So taking into consideration the time most NBA players retire he is making a very economic based approach.
I really think it's up to the athlete himself. Yes, if he loves college so much then stay. Obviously he can play at the next level, but why not become even better by staying in college? The money isn't going anywhere. I hate it when athlete ask more bigger pay checks to "support their families." This is different though, this young man is going to be starting his own life. Once again it's his decision. Personally I think he will be just another 7 footer in the NBA. His skill levels are not where they need to be have an huge impact in the NBA.
Go Gators. If Oden is considered the best player available right now he should enter the draft.. look what happened to Leinart in last years NFL draft he dropped all the way to 9, if he would have entered when he first could have he would no doubt have been the #1 pick
I could not imagine being in his position because its a very tough decision. Big money and big fame or developing one more year and living the college life and possible risking a career ending injury. This is totally his decision and im sure he will weigh the opportunity costs of going pro and staying in college.
Post a Comment