From a KY blogger
FWIW, it's expected that Jalen Green is going to take this option when he announces on Thursday rather than go to Auburn or Memphis.
Word is G-League is making a big push to get top 2020 kids to forgo college and play in th G-League next year
$125K pathways contract plus name, image likeness deal worth up to $500K plus the option of choosing which G-league team to join.
Does anyone know what the financials of the G-League are? Is it fully supported by the NBA via television deals and attendance to pro games or does it stand on its own?
What do affiliations between NBA and NBA G Leagues entail?
There are two types of affiliations: one-to-one affiliation, in which the NBA team fully owns and operates its NBA G League team; and “hybrid” affiliation, in which the NBA team manages and funds the basketball operations while local ownership maintains control of the business and community relations aspects of the team.
Currently, 25 NBA teams fully own and operate their NBA G League affiliates: the Bucks, Bulls, Cavaliers, Clippers, Grizzlies, Hawks, Heat, Hornets, Jazz, Kings, Knicks, Lakers, Magic, Mavericks, Nets, Pacers, Pelicans, Raptors, Sixers, Spurs, Suns, Thunder, Timberwolves, Warriors and Wizards. Three teams have hybrid affiliations with their NBA G League affiliates: the Celtics, Pistons and Rockets.
I would argue that, in the long run, this is a good development for college basketball (and college athletics in general). On the one hand, it does take the best talent away from college hoops and therefore dilutes the quality of what we will see on the court. BUT, on the other hand, maybe it will reduce the endemic cheating, the influence of the shoe companies etc etc etc. That might, just *might* take us back to more level playing fields for all college programs, rather than today's "if you ain't cheating' then you ain't tryin'" mentality.FWIW, i think this is a pretty brilliant move on the G-League's part right now.
The top players for the most part don't care that much about playing in college, it is a one year way station on the way to the NBA.
Given all the uncertainty right now, there can be little degree of confidence that there will even be a college basketball season. Maybe there will, maybe there won't. So if the G-League comes and offers you a package of $500K or so to come play with them (or possibly not play) what would you do. i think most would say take the $500K, because if they don't play, at least I still get payed and I don't have to worry about classes.
I would argue that, in the long run, this is a good development for college basketball (and college athletics in general). On the one hand, it does take the best talent away from college hoops and therefore dilutes the quality of what we will see on the court. BUT, on the other hand, maybe it will reduce the endemic cheating, the influence of the shoe companies etc etc etc. That might, just *might* take us back to more level playing fields for all college programs, rather than today's "if you ain't cheating' then you ain't tryin'" mentality.
Or am I just a dreamer?
I'd rather see that than BS "student" stuff being pulled.From a KY blogger
FWIW, it's expected that Jalen Green is going to take this option when he announces on Thursday rather than go to Auburn or Memphis.
Word is G-League is making a big push to get top 2020 kids to forgo college and play in th G-League next year
$125K pathways contract plus name, image likeness deal worth up to $500K plus the option of choosing which G-league team to join.