Texas Tech basketball: Reasons for Jahmi’us Ramsey to head to the NBA

It’s tough to turn down millions of dollars

Of course, the most obvious reason for Ramsey to head to the NBA this summer is that he will have a shot at becoming a millionaire long before he is old enough to legally purchase alcohol or rent a car.  Not many 18 or 19-year-old kids are going to turn down that opportunity, nor should they.

According to RealGM.com, the top pick in this year’s draft will make over $8 million per year.  The final lottery pick, No. 14 overall, will make just north of $3 million.

But Ramsey is not going to make that much as a late first-round pick.  Still, he is in line to become an instant seven-figure earner.  If he were to be taken at No. 20, he would make $2.2 million per season.  Should he fall to No. 30, the last pick of the first round, he will have a salary of $1.7 million per year.

Also, the fact that the NBA salary cap is expected to drop next season could play in his favor.  The remarks Houston Rockets owner Daryl Mory made in support of freedom for Hong Kong last fall has essentially cut off the league’s revenue from China, its second-most lucrative market in the world.  What’s more, the current coronavirus shutdown is costing NBA organizations tens of millions of dollars.

Therefore, teams may be on the lookout for cheaper talent to round out next year’s roster.  Rather than signing a player to the veteran minimum, which will exceed the salary of a late first-round pick if that veteran has four or more years of experience, they may be inclined to save some cash and go with a cheaper player, even if he is a second-round pick.

Falling out of the first round is entirely possible for Ramsey.  If that happens, he will not have a guaranteed first contract.  But he will also be cheaper and that could give him an unexpected edge when trying to make a roster.