NBA "draft rights player"

[Emmette Bryant]

http://dleague.nba.com/nba-draft-rights-players/

If I understand this rule correctly it appears  that with 5 second round picks, it might be a good idea to draft a few guys and let the Red Claws sign them.

Does anybody know why we didn't do this with Marcus Thornton? Why did Danny let him go to Australia instead of signing with Maine?

[Denis998]

I think Australia pays more, and if I remember correctly Marcus played for Maine after his season ended.

[saltlover]

I think Australia pays more, and if I remember correctly Marcus played for Maine after his season ended.

Generally correct.  The other point is that the D-league has a draft.  You can't just send players there at the beginning of the year, because they might not wind up with Maine.  They have to wait a few weeks until the draft is completed, sign a D-league contract, and then get assigned to Maine.  So Thornton hung out in Australia until such time as he could actually play in Maine.  Because he finished in Maine last season, this year he can avoid the draft and head straight to Maine if he's still unsigned by the Celtics.

It's a stupid system, and I really hope they fix it with a new CBA.

[Emmette Bryant]

I think Australia pays more, and if I remember correctly Marcus played for Maine after his season ended.

Generally correct.  The other point is that the D-league has a draft.  You can't just send players there at the beginning of the year, because they might not wind up with Maine.  They have to wait a few weeks until the draft is completed, sign a D-league contract, and then get assigned to Maine.  So Thornton hung out in Australia until such time as he could actually play in Maine.  Because he finished in Maine last season, this year he can avoid the draft and head straight to Maine if he's still unsigned by the Celtics.

It's a stupid system, and I really hope they fix it with a new CBA.

Thanks guys, TP's for both of you.

So as long as the Celtics 2nd round draft picks agree to a reduced wage, the Red Claws can sign them, and it won't count against the  Celtics 15 man roster or salary cap, right?  I'm sure I'll have more questions after the draft.