The NBA is the most talented basketball league in the world. Given the level of competition in the league, only the best of the best make it to the league. While fans are mainly privy to the superstars in the league, it is a very big achievement for anyone who secures even a roster spot in a team.
Given how the league is made for the best of the best players in basketball, the amount of money involved in the NBA is huge. While superstars end up earning hundreds of millions, even the smallest of role players end up getting a huge payday in the league.
This is certainly a huge jump for younger players to make. From playing at the collegiate level, players find themselves immediately in the big leagues where multi-million contracts are signed. Given how intimidating it can be, former Indiana Pacers guard and analyst Jalen Rose shared advice for the freshly drafted players in his latest video.
Speaking about how relationships change after signing an NBA contract, Rose said,
“Before you sign your contract, these are friends and family. When you sign your contract, they are your staff and employees. It is very important to manage their lives with everybody in position to do their thing, not necessarily eat of you forever. Because right now if I name people on this earth who slander my name, those are people I have given my hard earned money to.”
This is certainly some much-needed wisdom from Rose to up-and-coming players. Young players should be very careful when they are about to enter the league. While the amount of money involved might be enticing to many young players, it is as easy for individuals to lose their way. Not only is each and every move highly scrutinized, but relationships also change drastically as well after someone becomes a professional.
