What Does the NBA Draft Really Look Like for Jordan Walsh Financially?

There's a lot of reality for the Arkansas forward to consider when deciding to risk an early exit from the Razorbacks

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Apr 19, 2023 1:35 PM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas freshman forward Jordan Walsh has finally decided to dip his toes in the water while maintaining his eligibility after weeks of keeping Razorbacks fans hanging.

He posted a cryptic video two days ago of him walking into a high school gym wearing a Razorback top and an amazing pair of brightly colored shorts, which generated no certainty among fans and the media as to which way his decision would go. It turns out uncertainty was the correct tone to project given the ultimate decision.

So now the question is what those toe dipping waters look like.

After a rough start plagued by foul trouble, Walsh grew steadily throughout the year, as did his draft stock. Despite the late improvement, most mock drafts have him extremely late in the second round or not picked at all.

That means, at best, Walsh can hope for a three-year league minimum contract that will guarantee him $1 million his first year, a partial guarantee of $1.6 million in his second year and no guarantee of the $1.8 million in year three. Late second round picks are usually afterthoughts in the NBA, finding themselves fast tracked for the G League.

The highest Walsh appears to be picked is No. 52. Last season's pick at that same spot chose to play overseas instead. No. 53 had to sign a two-way contract to bounce between the G League and the end of the Boston Celtics bench, No. 54 went overseas, and No. 55 was signed directly to the G League.

Even if Walsh were to only work his way up to the last pick of the first round next by staying an extra season, he would be guaranteed $1.8 million his rookie year and over $1.9 million for his second with two more non-guaranteed years on his contract coming in over $2 million. Plus, his odds of being demoted his rookie season will be dramatically less.

As it stands, unless something changes in the next few weeks, the advice and feedback he will get during the NBA draft process will be way more valuable than the contract he might be able to secure if he goes through with the draft.

Players who are testing the NBA Draft have until May 31 to decide whether they are in or out.