Bass to make final decision on Friday. Doesn't look good

It's evident that Bass would rather not return. The unfortunate thing is if he declares for the draft, he very well might be picked in the 2nd round. I'd put the chances at 50/50.

But, the aspect that few are talking about is this new age rule. If Bass stays and they institute this rule, then Bass will have MUCH less competition coming out next year. His draft position would be much better, even if he doesn't improve his play.

My prediction is he'll declare for the draft. If he does, I really hope he's drafted in round 1...but I don't think he will be.

 

Red,

Do you really think it's a safe bet if he comes out? I think it's 50/50 as to whether he'll be a #1 draft pick.

 

Randolph Morris of UK entered the draft yesterday. That's just another player that plays the same position as Bass that he will be competing against if he enters the draft. I think Bass is a better player and would take him over Morris anyday but Morris is 6'10" 250 and NBA guys like bigger bodies.

Incidentally, I don't think Bass will improve his draft stock much more even if he does play another year unless he plays the 3 exclusively, something I don't see happening with Tasmin Mitchell coming in. Unless he grows another couple of inches or gets a much better handle, he'll be in that late 1st early 2nd position. He'll have to earn his spot on an NBA roster and won't be handed anything, but I think he will be successful at that, similar to Ronald Dupree with the Bulls and Pistons.

The one wild card that could really boost his draft position, as someone mentioned, is if the NBA goes with the 20 year old age limit. If he stays and the rule is enacted, it would be a great thing for Bass.

 

I respect his decision, either way and wish him well. But this just reeks of a Trev Faulk situation.

 

He may want to get an early jump on working on that second contract though, Red. You know, the next contract is where the truly big bucks come into play, because by then you're established. If Brandon feels like he can make a NBA roster right now, then he'll be playing for that big deal all the sooner.

That having been said, with all the talent in this draft, and the number of quality players at the 4 position who have declared, I think it's conceivable that Brandon might just slip through the cracks and go undrafted this year if he takes the risk. Then he's stuck taking the free agent route for the best deal he can get.

 

G MAN
If you get picked in the second round there is no guaranteed contract. Rookies can't sign five year deals the max they can sign for is three years.

 

i agree with mike-d. he is still a 'tweener if he comes back another year which likely won't increase his stock overall very much barring a sudden 4 inch growth spurt. his skills may become a bit more polished yet its not going to differentiate him enough to really skyrocket his stock.

he is what he is. it just comes down to a specific team falling in love with him in particular.

 

You must have misunderstood what I was saying. I never said anything about rookies signing 5-year deals or guaranteed contracts in the second round. All I was implying is that if Brandon feels like he can make an NBA roster, he may want to do it now, so that the next contract he signs will get here sooner. In other words, he may want to start working towards that NOW rather than next year.