(03-11-2023 10:13 AM)BearcatMan Wrote: If Dennis is drafted and given a 2-way contract (much like Rollins), he'll be putting away about a $1M after taxes over the next 5 years. That's why he would go if he has that evaluation (and I'm guessing he may). He can't come anywhere close to that through NIL here, it would be the smart move for him at the moment, as there truly is nothing left for him to prove about his individual game.
All that being said, I hope he stays, because if he doesn't we'll be in a world of hurt next year.
Rollins is not on a 2 way contract. He has a 3 year NBA deal at about 1 mill a year. 2 years guaranteed and the team has an option on a third year. Very similar deal to Preston w the Clippers. Generally, NBA draft contract work like this.
- 1st rounder 3 to 4 year team commitment at about 10 mill a yeaer to 2 mill a year (depending on where you are drafted)
- early 2nd rounder team makes a 2 year commitment at around the league minimum of 1 mill
- late 2nd rounder usually gets a 2 way contract with no real commitment. that is small money if you are playing on the G league roster but bumps up to league minimum if you get called up.
Rollins measured a little over 6-3 with a 6-10 wingspan a 36 inch max vertical and the fastest sprint time at the combine on a broken foot. Dennis is maybe 6-2 with more normal arm length and less athleticism. His skill level and smarts make him a potential prospect, but the physical attributes make him less likely to get picked than Rollins. If UT can make the tourney and Dennis goes off on someone it would alter his profile a bit. FWIW I don't see Carry as an NBA prospect. Too short, small hands, short arms, inconsistent jumper, dribbles too much.
2 way contract and even NBA minimum type money is not necessarily enticing to really grounded young men like Dennis. They know they will get paid to play pro ball somewhere after college. If they are like Rollins and projected as a late 1st/early 2nd round pick there's some assurances, but not really a good long term financial move to leave school as a marginal draft pick. That kind of money (or more) will still be there the next year and you can't get back your senior year of college with your friends. Rollins and Preston left early and spent their first year (Preston his second too) injured, rehabbing, and then bouncing around the G League with a handful of games sitting on the bench in the league.
Don't see any of our key guys going into the portal. They love playing at UT and are a tight knit group. As we've argued on before, few mid major stars who transfer to P6 schools enhance their draft status. You are more likely to get drafted from a mid major where you are the guy and can really show off your total game.