Undrafted NBA player = Diamond in the rough?

Merriam Webster defines a “diamond in the rough” as “one having exceptional qualities or potential but lacking refinement or polish.” Initially, this column may sound stupid or redundant to some people. I’m quite sure someone just said, “Huh? What?” after reading the title of this column. I wanted to shed some light on the advantages of being an undrafted free agent in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Players drafted in the first round will receive guaranteed contracts for two years. If you are drafted in the second round of the NBA Draft, then you do not have a guaranteed contract. Players drafted in the second round of the NBA Draft have to opportunity to earn a guaranteed contract once they prove themselves.

Here is a list of undrafted NBA players who are currently on rosters: Joel Anthony (Miami Heat), Chris “Birdman” Andersen (Denver Nuggets), Gustavo Ayon (New Orleans Hornets), J.J. Barea (Minnesota Timberwolves), Raja Bell (Utah Jazz), Will Bynum (Detroit Pistons), Jose Calderon (Toronto Raptors), Matt Carroll (Charlotte Bobcats), Marquis Daniels (Boston Celtics), Maurice Evans (Washington Wizards), Reggie Evans (Los Angeles Clippers), and Gary Forbes (Toronto Raptors). Some of these players such as Joel Anthony and Jose Calderon start for their respective teams. Joel Anthony is a prime example of a player who starts without averaging a lot of points. Anthony blocks and rebounds well. He is also a very good low-post defender. It goes to show you that being an undrafted player does not minimize your value or worth to NBA teams. Clearly, NBA execs desire players who can contribute in some way.

The advantages to being an undrafted player are that they are not bound to an agreement. They are free to sign with the team of their choice. Also, there are not any big expectations placed on the undrafted NBA players. There is not a lot of pressure on the player. Pressure to do well exists, but only because the undrafted free agent is vying for a position on an NBA team. NBA executives expect for undrafted players to know how to play ball. If you perform well, then you get a deal. Point blank. I would rather be in this position, than be a No. 1 draft pick like Kwame’ Brown and be viewed as a bust in the NBA. However, Kwame’ Brown can laugh his way to the bank because he is young and rich without having to break the law.

Switch your attention to one of our former Tar Heels who may or may not receive an offer from an NBA team in June. No one talks about Justin Watts playing in the NBA. It is widely assumed that he will not be in the NBA. Many people probably assume that Watts will play overseas. This may be true; however, there may be a team who is intrigued by his skill set among other things. Maybe a team desires a defensive stopper, a la Bruce Bowen. Of course, Bowen turned out to be more than just a defensive player. He also became quite a reliable three point shooter.

Although Justin Watts may not garner a great deal of attention as a lottery pick, he may possibly have a future home with an NBA team. You may remember a player by the name of Greg Buckner, who played basketball at Clemson University from 1994 to 1998. He is the same size as Watts, 6’4”, 210 pounds. Buckner averaged 5 points a game throughout his career in the NBA. He played the shooting guard and small forward positions. At 6’4”, Buckner guarded many players who were bigger. This sounds very familiar to what Watts did during the past two seasons at Carolina. The most important thing about Buckner is that he played for several NBA teams in 11 seasons. Buckner spent most of his time with the Dallas Mavericks from 1998 to 2002 and during the 2006-2007 season.

I prefer the story of Scott Williams better. I know that my true colors (as in Carolina blue) are shining through right now. Williams is a former Tar Heel who went undrafted in the NBA Draft. Williams played 16 seasons in the NBA. He won three rings with the Chicago Bulls in 1991, 1992, and 1993. Williams is currently a color commentator for the Phoenix Suns.

Greg Buckner and Scott Williams are merely two examples of undrafted players who defied the odds. Williams had the opportunity to win three championships after going undrafted. Buckner had a reputation for being a defensive stopper throughout his career. There are many other players I could name; however, my column would be a lot longer. The point to remember is that ANY player can become a better player. A basketball player’s collegiate career does not necessarily correspond to how they will perform in the pros (i.e. Russell Westbrook, Adam Morrison, Greg Oden, J.J. Redick, Dee Brown, Jason Williams, and Sherron Collins). College basketball players who go undrafted should remember that they still have options. Moreover, undrafted free agents should view themselves as an NBA team’s next “diamond in the rough.”