Braden’s NBA aspirations

[proudopete]

Does Braden aspire to go to the NBA early?

I know all college players want to make the NBA but, doesn’t it seem like Braden especially wants to leave early and go at the end of this season.

What are the odds? I don’t think he has a chance to be a lottery pick but if he stays on the trajectory that he is on now, I could see teams maybe wanting to use a second round pick on him. The question is, if Braden’s aspirations would cause him to bolt early as a second round pick?

 

[BBG]

With NIL I think that staying in college is a lot more feasible for a LOT of players that otherwise would jump to the NBA. I think he will go through the process like Zach did, but also follow his path and return.

TKR I can see doing the same as well.

 

[qazplm]

Does Braden aspire to go to the NBA early?

I know all college players want to make the NBA but, doesn’t it seem like Braden especially wants to leave early and go at the end of this season.

What are the odds? I don’t think he has a chance to be a lottery pick but if he stays on the trajectory that he is on now, I could see teams maybe wanting to use a second round pick on him. The question is, if Braden’s aspirations would cause him to bolt early as a second round pick?

If you leave early, you really want it to be a first round guaranteed contract, because if it isn't then if you don't get picked up out of training camp you've actually probably thrown away some money compared to NIL.

So yeah ANY player should absolutely leave at any time if they are getting first round guarantees. Otherwise, you only leave if you aren't getting NIL and we all know he's getting NIL.

Do I think Braden can play in the NBA? Sure. TJ McConnell exists.

Do I think NBA teams will spend a first round pick on his this year? Highly unlikely. Only takes one though so if definitely put my name in if I were him, because of course you do that. Then if you are told first round, you leave, if not, you stay.

 

[DrEss]

Braden’s draft stock might not be any higher than it will be after this season. NIL $$ and maybe early portal signings for any perceived missing players for a 2026 final four run, would hopefully keep him in WL, but it might not be a given.

 

[ImRonBurgandy?]

He's not even on any draft boards...yet. only way I could possibly see him having enough stock to go early is absultely going parabolic in the tournament.

 

[qazplm]

Braden’s draft stock might not be any higher than it will be after this season. NIL $$ and maybe early portal signings for any perceived missing players for a 2026 final four run, would hopefully keep him in WL, but it might not be a given.

I mean he better hope it is or he's going to have a harder road

 

[New Pal Boiler]

Does Braden aspire to go to the NBA early?

I know all college players want to make the NBA but, doesn’t it seem like Braden especially wants to leave early and go at the end of this season.

What are the odds? I don’t think he has a chance to be a lottery pick but if he stays on the trajectory that he is on now, I could see teams maybe wanting to use a second round pick on him. The question is, if Braden’s aspirations would cause him to bolt early as a second round pick?

I guarantee you the Pacers are keeping a close eye on him. He would be a perfect fit for that offense.

 

[oldboiler52]

1.157Mil. Is the minimum salary in the NBA which is close to the top pay overseas excluding China. I don't recall how much he is said to be making but he is the top selling NIL player in D1. Carsen a guard deemed too small for the NBA is making over the NBA minimum while playing less than 1/2 the games. With much less stress and fatigue to his body. And no taxes to be paid. So, the gamble to go early isn't as much a gamble as it once was. I read on another board how much Braden could expect if he enters the portal which could exceed 5mil. that is more likely than a non-guaranteed NBA contract. If you're a coach hired to turn around a program Smith would guarantee success and 5Mil. of someone else's money would be well spent IMO. As a lifelong Purdue fan, it's in our DNA to expect something bad and only one thing could be worse than losing Braden which would be losing Paint. It's always something.

 

[MetMyWifeAtHarrys]

Braden will stay for his senior year. He needs to continue to develop his scoring on an assertive level and get stronger.

 

[BoilerNGold013]

1.157Mil. Is the minimum salary in the NBA which is close to the top pay overseas excluding China. I don't recall how much he is said to be making but he is the top selling NIL player in D1. Carsen a guard deemed too small for the NBA is making over the NBA minimum while playing less than 1/2 the games. With much less stress and fatigue to his body. And no taxes to be paid. So, the gamble to go early isn't as much a gamble as it once was. I read on another board how much Braden could expect if he enters the portal which could exceed 5mil. that is more likely than a non-guaranteed NBA contract. If you're a coach hired to turn around a program Smith would guarantee success and 5Mil. of someone else's money would be well spent IMO. As a lifelong Purdue fan, it's in our DNA to expect something bad and only one thing could be worse than losing Braden which would be losing Paint. It's always something.

Excellent post showing the issue NIL can pose. I think Braden would definitly give a home town discount to Purdue but how much I have no idea. If he leaves for another school because they offered him 3 to 4 mil more than Purdue, I will have no ill will toward him at all to get his money.
But my fandom for any major college sports will be shot and I will not support or waste time on games that Purdue cannot financially compete in. And I am not sure how you even stop NIL. Its truly open market. If some crazy booster wants to overpay by 4 to 5 mil for market value, nothing can be done other than provide more incentives.

 

[bonefish1]

I don't recall seeing a player develop their game to the extent Smith has. When he was a Sr in high school and Painter was recruiting him, I'd have bet my mortgage that he wouldn't play in the NBA. Hell, I'd have bet that he would barely start at Purdue. Hugely wrong on both accounts.
Smith has figured out his limitations and built his game around those. That step back fade away midrange is deadly and is what will allow him to get his shot off against bigger athletes in the NBA. Very impressed with what he's developed into.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I don't recall seeing a player develop their game to the extent Smith has. When he was a Sr in high school and Painter was recruiting him, I'd have bet my mortgage that he wouldn't play in the NBA. Hell, I'd have bet that he would barely start at Purdue. Hugely wrong on both accounts.
Smith has figured out his limitations and built his game around those. That step back fade away midrange is deadly and is what will allow him to get his shot off against bigger athletes in the NBA. Very impressed with what he's developed into.

Well stated, Lenny.

That is a testament first and foremost to Braden Smith and all the work he has put in on and off the court.....also to his parents and his high school coach.

Naturally, can't leave out Matt Painter's role in recruiting him and guiding him through as a cornerstone of the program during his time as a Boilermaker. When he puts the finishing touch on figuring out the right timing/moments to truly take over when needed, Purdue will be that much more dangerous.

It's been great to watch the journey.......not over yet......and even better moments ahead - wouldn't bet against it, anyway.

 

[JRKinn]

I think the only way he gets to a first round pick this year is to have a Carsen level tourney performance that goes along with a deep run to get as many eyeballs on him as possible. So Elite 8 minimum, stats something like 30/10/6 average would likely be the minimum to wow NBA talent scouts enough to push him to a 1st rounder.

Short of that I think he returns to Purdue. Yes there will be money trying to woo him to head to the portal, but we took pretty good care of Zach to keep him around and I think we can do the same for Braeden. (Edey was between $1-2 MM his senior year was the most common estimates I saw.)

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

I think the only way he gets to a first round pick this year is to have a Carsen level tourney performance that goes along with a deep run to get as many eyeballs on him as possible. So Elite 8 minimum, stats something like 30/10/6 average would likely be the minimum to wow NBA talent scouts enough to push him to a 1st rounder.

Short of that I think he returns to Purdue. Yes there will be money trying to woo him to head to the portal, but we took pretty good care of Zach to keep him around and I think we can do the same for Braeden. (Edey was between $1-2 MM his senior year was the most common estimates I saw.)

We couldn’t even pay Zach completely what he was worth cuz of his citizenship. But I am pretty sure will pay Braden what he’s worth. And fletch and TKR.

 

[Wolegib]

I believe Braden will stay in college.

And in reply to the original post, not all college basketball players have dreams of or want to play in the NBA.

I can think of many who use their scholarship to actually get an education. Caleb Furst comes to mind.

I wonder what Gillis’ future plans are?

 

[johnboiler123]

I checked out 3 different mock drafts and he wasn’t on any. He will be back next year. Will most likely end up being a high level euro player IMO.

 

[bonefish1]

I think the only way he gets to a first round pick this year is to have a Carsen level tourney performance that goes along with a deep run to get as many eyeballs on him as possible. So Elite 8 minimum, stats something like 30/10/6 average would likely be the minimum to wow NBA talent scouts enough to push him to a 1st rounder.

Short of that I think he returns to Purdue. Yes there will be money trying to woo him to head to the portal, but we took pretty good care of Zach to keep him around and I think we can do the same for Braeden. (Edey was between $1-2 MM his senior year was the most common estimates I saw.)

I don't watch much NBA but I would think that the rebounding numbers for him at the NBA level would be the list of their concern. I don't think he'll be asked to rebound at the next level. Too many 6'9-7'0 guys who do that well.

 

[Schmedly_Whiplash]

Does Braden aspire to go to the NBA early?

I know all college players want to make the NBA but, doesn’t it seem like Braden especially wants to leave early and go at the end of this season.

What are the odds? I don’t think he has a chance to be a lottery pick but if he stays on the trajectory that he is on now, I could see teams maybe wanting to use a second round pick on him. The question is, if Braden’s aspirations would cause him to bolt early as a second round pick?

If you are a jr and going to be a 2nd round pick (low $$) we wouldn't you stay and try to secure a place in the 1st round?
We have NO idea what he thinks about leaving. And if he can be a 1st rounder, you gotta go I think.
Bur if a super senior year puts you in the 1st round, well not much of a decision.
And zero doubt in my mind that he's a 1st NEXT year.
My concern is a team desperate for a distributor takes him this year. (1st}