I guess so the agent, who is experienced in sealing deals, can make sure his client doesn't get screwed and work to getting him more money. Look at JaMarcus in last year's NFL draft, for example. They wanted to pay him less than the number one pick from the year prior. These are just kids, after all, with no business sense or experience.
But no team pays the player before he is drafted do they?? after draft hire a agent to protect yourself.. I guess my real question is why did Anthony Randolph have to have a agent now?? He has all the information he needed about where he is projected to go so why not wait? Anyway, some things I am not ment to understand I guess..
Teams could be scarred off by players who enter early without an agent because there is a risk he could alter his plans. Having an agent now ensures that teams will look at him seriously as a viable option. You also want an agent to guide you with NBA interviews, etc... Agents also help out with the expenses of the draft process until they get paid such as flights between clubs, etc...
I'll put it this way, why do folks hire a real estate agent? Why do you hire stock broker? Information, and someone who has experience who does the dirty work. The reason guys hire agents is because presumably the agent is worth his commission for the ability to "pipe" into organizations, feel them out, do the talking, and leverage your position. An agent with good familiarity with the organizations can get the real scoop or at least have credibility during negotiations. In this case, AR's agent will be BJ Armstrong, a NBA vet, and probably respectable guy. Also think about it this way, if an agent can get you moved up a spot or two in the draft, or get you a slightly higher contract $, he's worth the %. If you're going to be a 1st rounder, and are serious about not coming back, you get the agent. A guy who has doubts about not coming back, or a guy who's presumably a second rounder and just wants to test his stock, doesn't get an agent.
OK, so a first rounder needs the agent to improve his draft position & help with expenses, A second rounder kinda needs to keep his options open till after the draft to see where he is. Does anyone know just where Randolph is projected to fall in the draft? Is he a lottery pick? must be a weak draft if he is. buy, buy Anthony darn it..
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=3366445 by andy katz "Olson said that signing with an agent during these next two months is pointless. He said players don't know the draft order yet (they will on May 20), and they don't know what foreign players have declared and where they may be slotted. And, especially this year, the new NCAA rule about the NBA draft makes giving up your amateur status even more absurd. The new rule allows NBA teams to pay for players' workouts with individual teams. This rule has changed multiple times through the years. Now, an underclassman can have his expenses paid for during his draft experience, including the Orlando pre-draft camp (May 27-30). And he still can withdraw from the draft on June 16 (10 days prior to the draft) and retain his amateur status." hope you know what you're doing, anthony.
Can't blame him, but think it's a mistake. The money will be there later. He could use a couple more years to bulk up and build some savvy. I'm not sure he's physically ready.
