Question about the NBA Draft

[Anthony]

apparently no one is impressed with the (non)talent available at this year's NBA draft. are teams obligated to use their 1st round picks (and give the guaranteed contracts that come with them) or can they forfeit their right to choose?

or do they have to choose a player, but not offer him a contract by which he'll then become a eligible for next year's draft and he goes to next year's draft pool (like what would have happend with Drew Henson having his rights held by Houston). or do they not do that in the NBA?

[DeToxRox]

i am sure they can forfeit it, but don't quote me.

this is why it's smart to just draft a european player, as the pistons did with delfino last year. let him to to europe as you maintain their rights (i believe this answers your second question) but you don't have to keep them on your roster.

[lynchjm24]

You don't have to offer a contract. Chicago did this with Travis Knight when he was the last pick in the first round.

If they don't offer a contract the player becomes a free-agent.