Knicks: Is it finally time to abolish the NBA Draft?

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CHARLOTTE, NC – APRIL 11: Jordan Brand Classic athlete Nerlens Noel of the Tilton School announces his commitment to the University of Kentucky during an ESPNU Signing Day Special show at the ESPNU studios April 11, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images) /

Abolish the draft: How would it work?

It’s simple, every team has designated roster spots for two rookies each season. We’ll assume the same rookie wage scale as they have in place today. All the teams can trade the roster spots like they do today.

But the teams will have more flexibility in contract negotiations. They can offer as much money as the 1st pick in the draft would make or as little as the 60th player selected. This is great because the teams in need of a star can offer more money than a team over the cap. Also, the teams can choose to spend less on rookies. Why should the players in a weak draft get paid more than players in a good draft?

This year you might see the Warriors try to trade their pick because they don’t want to be forced to pay the 2nd overall pick almost $10M per season. How many teams take a player at the end of the 1st round out of obligation instead of need?

Teams could trade their rookie roster spots every other year like they do today, but now they would be worth more since there are no protections or restrictions attached the asset. It’s all about how each team manages its salary cap.

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