ESPN’s Bobby Marks Estimates Flagg Could Lose as Much as $125 Million If He Delays His NBA Career
The decision of when to turn professional is one of the most significant crossroads a young athlete can face. For many, the allure of joining the NBA is strong, but sometimes the temptation to delay that step for personal, academic, or developmental reasons can be just as powerful. For one highly touted prospect, the financial implications of such a delay could be staggering. ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently estimated that if a top prospect, Flagg, delays entering the NBA for even one more year, he could lose as much as $125 million over the course of his career.
Flagg, a standout player at the collegiate level, is projected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming NBA draft. His unique skill set, athleticism, and basketball IQ have made him a highly coveted player, and many experts believe he has the potential to make an immediate impact in the league. However, the decision of whether to declare for the draft this year or return to college for another season has become a point of contention, with the financial ramifications of this choice weighing heavily on his future.
In a breakdown of the situation, ESPN’s Bobby Marks highlighted the stark reality that Flagg faces if he decides to delay his NBA career. According to Marks, a delay could cost Flagg as much as $125 million in projected earnings, factoring in both his salary and potential endorsement opportunities. The NBA is structured in such a way that the earlier a player enters the league, the more lucrative their contract tends to be, particularly for those selected in the top spots of the draft.
If Flagg enters the draft this year, he is expected to be selected in one of the top five positions. Players drafted in these slots are guaranteed substantial rookie contracts, with first-year salaries that can reach over $10 million, depending on the draft position. Additionally, early entry into the NBA typically opens up more opportunities for endorsement deals, further boosting a player’s earning potential.
However, if Flagg chooses to remain in college for another season, he risks falling out of the top tier of the draft class. A drop in draft position could lead to a significantly lower rookie contract, with players selected outside the top five often seeing first-year salaries in the $5-7 million range. Furthermore, by delaying his career, Flagg may also miss out on endorsement opportunities, as his marketability may decrease while remaining in the collegiate spotlight for an extended period.
While a return to college might provide Flagg with an opportunity for further development, both as a player and as a person, the financial cost is undeniable. The NBA is a league that rewards young talent handsomely, and delaying entry into that system can have profound financial consequences. If Flagg is able to establish himself as one of the top players in the draft, the long-term earnings could easily surpass $100 million over the course of a successful career. A delay would simply push that potential future down the line, and with each passing year, the financial opportunities at stake become more and more significant.
Ultimately, Flagg’s decision will be shaped by a combination of factors: his desire for development, his personal goals, and the financial realities of entering the NBA. While it may be tempting to return to college for one more year, the opportunity to secure a life-changing contract and endorsements as an NBA rookie might be too great to pass up. As Bobby Marks pointed out, for Flagg, the financial stakes are enormous, and his decision could shape not only the immediate future of his career but the trajectory of his earnings for years to come.
