Kansas Basketball: Malik Newman missed out on huge payday

Kansas Basketball had two seniors get drafted during last week’s NBA Draft. Their underclassman, Malik Newman, left school early and went undrafted.

There is a huge debate that’s been going around for decades. When can a high school phenom jump to the NBA? The fix? Make them play a year at the collegiate level. It affects Kansas Basketball just like every other school and the players that wear their uniform.

The problem for many of these kids is that they never hear their names called, meaning life could get very hard, very quick. Malik Newman should consider himself lucky. The Kansas Basketball guard didn’t hear his name called, but he didn’t have to wait long to find an opportunity.

The money is tempting. I would be a hypocrite if I acted like I wouldn’t chase the money too. The promise of finance and fame is quite possibly the hardest thing to turn down.

However, the difference between guaranteed money and having to work for the chance to get a contract is simply one more year at college.

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When Newman announced he was leaving school early, it didn’t surprise many. When he was projected to go late in the second round and even undrafted on most draft boards across the internet, it seemed clear it was the wrong decision.

Had Newman returned to the Jayhawks for his junior year, the chances of his draft stock rising are strong. They are almost automatic. Barring injury, if Newman had the type of junior year that he did as a sophomore he would be one of the best players in the league for two years in a row.

More times than not, especially on a team coached by Bill Self, players get better with every passing season. Newman would have been a first-round pick more than likely, guaranteeing himself a nice bank account and first dibs on an NBA roster, had he stayed. Again, barring injury.

The difference for Newman, like many undrafted free agents who have been signed, is now there is no guarantee.

Take Udoka Azubuike for example. He tested the waters and returned for another year at Kansas to work on the things NBA scouts are looking at. Now, barring injury, Udoka will be looking at a hefty payday in next year’s draft, probably a mid first round selection.

Wayne Selden is another Jayhawk that should have stayed one more year. There is no doubt he can play basketball. With the Memphis Grizzlies this year he played well enough to probably keep a roster spot for a few seasons, but his journey could have been a bit smoother.

There is a good possibility that Newman will have a productive NBA career. He has all the right tangibles to succeed. The Lakers got a good deal when they signed Malik, and Malik is in a good spot.

Still, there are fewer guarantees. If Newman makes the most of his time in the NBA he may earn himself a different contract with Los Angeles. As of now, he is playing on a two-way contract. That means half his rookie season will be down in the g-league, while half will be in the NBA. The contract can be terminated at any time.

It’s the difference between four zeroes and five or six zeroes on the paycheck. Although you still get paid for playing basketball, you leave a ton of money on the table.

Next: Best Jayhawks currently in the NBA

Stay in school, enjoy your childhood, enjoy your college days. Determine that you are a sure thing before throwing yourself to the wolves.

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