If White Chocolate spoke in the third person it would be game over, no contest. But in order to really establish it WCT would have to do it for at least a month straight.My only competition is White Chocolate
NBA Draft 2025
- Thread starter dk423
- Start date
One thing I have learned is I am not RJ or any of these kids. I don't pretend to understand their current situation as a fan.
I am just a fan.
It's their life decision not mine.
Correct way to look at it. Want RJ to do well in basketball and in life but I think he's made a really bad decision here. Hope I'm wrong.
MarkRedman
Well-known member
I totally agree with your take
However, he is doing a major disservice to himself financially with his decision
He would make a lot more money staying in school next year than being a 2nd round draft choice
Staying in school another year might have helped him become a 1st round pick in '26 along with a large guaranteed contract
Or an undrafted free agent.
I think RJ made the right decision. A lot of monster kids dropped out. I don't think there is a realistic chance he could replicate his 2024-2025 season -- certainly not the accolades. Worst case is he goes undrafted and signs a two-way deal. I do think he will be drafted in the second round.
He'd have to have the most ridiculous type of season to be in a better spot next year at 23.5 years old. Good luck, RJ.
He'd have to have the most ridiculous type of season to be in a better spot next year at 23.5 years old. Good luck, RJ.
This is the only rationale that makes sense for the decision. We often lament that some guys don't go when their stock is at the highest. In this case, that could be very well be his and his team's thinking - not unreasonable. In his case too, his stock is not crazy high to begin with for a variety of reasons, so in weighing it, I would have opted for staying another year, collecting my $2mil +/-, and bettong on myself to solidify a second round (or first round) slot. A lot of factors both ways.
L J S A
Well-known member
There may be a bench spot for him somewhere once a team guts their team to land Giannis. I'm hoping for Warriors or Knicks but Giannis has all the power even without a no-trade clause.
I suppose any team that manages to acquire KD would need cheap bench parts as well.
Hopefully it works out for him.
I suppose any team that manages to acquire KD would need cheap bench parts as well.
Hopefully it works out for him.
L J S A
Well-known member
Michigan apparently told him they would pay him more than late first round slots, so you figure $3+ is a nice chunk of change. And that staff seems to have put Danny Wolf in first round territory so I imagine Yaxel could definitely move up.
Agree that the decision likely maximizes his potential pro earnings. Also agree that he's unlikely to make $2-3 mill in a season during that career. But he bet on himself. Gotta love the confidence.
Apparently, he feels that he will receive better coaching and face better competition working his way through the G league route. How much does he improve playing 30 college games against younger lower-level talent? A lot can go wrong and probably zero player development by re-running a fourth college year.
He's a grown man and not an 18-year-old receiving bad advice. I would not bet against a talented kid with his determination.
He's a grown man and not an 18-year-old receiving bad advice. I would not bet against a talented kid with his determination.
You don't know that for sure. You are not him.
What if he comes back even with a decent NLI and blows out his knee. Then what?
What if he comes back and has a TERRIBLE year and hurts his pro chances even more.
Some would take those risks and come back. Others may not want to take those risks.
My point is I am not him. I am not his family. It is not my future. It is his.
Who am I to say his decision is wrong? What because I went to a few games?
Do I think RJ will stick in the league? I lean no, but I also never thought Julian Champagnie would be in the league so who knows. Good luck RJ
Julian ended up in right place where his shooting was needed and valued. Fit will be equally important for RJ, as it is for many.
None of us know how things will work out for RJ here. But he, his family and agent all seem to be united that this is the best move for him - all we can do is wish him the best - a successful post college career wherever that may be .
MarkRedman
Well-known member
Most kids who come back to school for an extra year have an insurance policy for protection in case of injury
If he comes back and has a terrible year he's not good enough to even think about making it into the NBA
All I am saying is that, as a 2nd round pick (at best), he gets little or no guaranteed money and no financial stability
If he came back, he'd make lots of NIL money and, with another good year, could parlay that into the 1st round next year
I'm not looking to argue with you or anyone else and am not saying that his decision is wrong
I'm just suggesting that, from strictly a financial point of view, coming back to school was probably a better option for him
But, you're right, I'm not him and he and his family have to do what they think is best for him and I wish him the best of luck