The NBA Rookie Career Transition

by Dov Friedmann

Every June the NBA holds a draft where 100 of the nation's top college basketball players enter with the hope of making it onto on of the 29 teams in the league. The top 60 players are selected and the rest either finish college (unable to play for their school) or play in Europe or Canada. However, just because a player is drafted, it does not guarantee them a position on the team. They must still prove themselves, stay clear of injuries, and play above other potential players who may also try out for the team. In fact, of the 57 players drafted in 1997, 15 players were cut before the season and another 18 rookies were signed who had not even entered the draft. Once a player has made the team and signed a contract, he may face a plethora of issues in his new career.

The problems that rookies face are the same, however, depending on what type of player they are, will determine the extent of the challenge. There are three types of players. High-end players are usually taken high in the draft and are given starting positions. Low-end players come off the bench as substitutes for starting or injured players. And development players are future prospects who rarely play but teams make an investment in them because they show potential to be good players. How they handle the pressures in their first season will determine the course of their career in the NBA. Unfortunately, 50% of the rookies are cut by the beginning of the next season. Therefore it is important for rookies to know what issues they are likely to face and how to deal with them.

The first and foremost challenge for all rookies is the rigorous length of the season and the extensive travelling that goes along with it. When the effects of these kick in around mid-season it is identified as "Hitting the Wall" and is determined by an abnormal drop in statistics. There are also mental frustrations and physical pressures that high-end rookies experience due to the amount of expectations that are put on them to perform every night.

The low-end rookies on the other hand face social and economic pressures. They find it extremely difficult to socialize with the high-end players and bond with their teammates because they do not have as much money to spend. Often times they get disillusioned and spend more than they have. Development players also have this problem as well as the frustrations of being on a team but not being able to play.

Adjusting to the NBA lifestyle can be made easier by learning good media skills. It is a way for players to build their image and make themselves more marketable for the future. Also, keeping to a strict diet and a solid workout schedule will keep them in good shape. Being disciplined with their money and planning for a second career will also give them a more secure plan for their life after the game and in turn set their mind at ease so they can concentrate more fully on developing their game.

8/31/98