Moses Kingsley Has Not Received a Combine Invite Yet

The NBA draft works a little bit differently than the NFL. For starters, there are only 2 rounds. And unlike the NFL, where players just have to hope they stand a good chance of being drafted at some point, the NBA just flat out tells you whether or not you should enter the draft by sending combine invites to around 70 players. If you don’t get invited to the combine, then the NBA isn’t interested in seeing you play right now. Moses Kingsley did not get a combine invite yesterday, meaning that his chances of getting drafted are slim.

The NBA draft is very player friendly, unlike the NFL. As we discusses yesterday, kids have to take a huge gamble when they declare for the draft early. That’s not the case with the NBA. As long as you don’t hire an agent, you can go and get a draft grade, and see what the scouts think of you, all while being able to return to your college. In fact, the NBA gives players an additional out by sending out invitations to the combine!

It’s great for players that aren’t guaranteed first rounders, like Moses Kingsley. It allows them to get graded, to test the waters without punishment, and gives them a way to save face when returning back to their school. It’s a great system. And while I’ve railed before about how the one-and-done system is hurting college basketball, I’m am 100% in support of the NBA’s combine system.

Kingsley, who was named 2nd team All-SEC last year, did not receive an invite to the NBA combine. What does this mean for the junior post? Well, he’s got 3 options at this point. The first of which is the one that Hog fans and Mike Anderson are hoping for.

Moses Kingsley can come back to Arkansas, play his senior year, develop his skills, and then declare for the NBA draft next year. He’ll get his degree, have a real shot at making a run to the NCAA tournament, probably be first team all conference, and get lots of exposure. The only downside to coming back to Arkansas is the lack of funds that go into his bank account while he’s here.

Kingsley’s second option, and the worst option, is to enter the NBA draft anyway. If you’re not a first round pick, then you’re wasting your time with the NBA draft. Not only do second rounders not get guaranteed contracts, only 33% of them every even saw the court for the team that drafted them. The success rate between the #30 player taken and the #31 player taken, despite being side by side in the draft order, is huge.

The NBA is a star driven league, and second round players aren’t stars. It seems that the second round picks are almost expendable, and unless you’re willing to go to Spain to play basketball, then you’re out of luck and forced to work the D-Leagues and hope you get another shot. Going into the draft at this point is probably the worst option for Kingsley.

However, Moses is probably weighing his European options as well. Kingsley is from Nigeria originally, and has already made a continental move once in his life. What’s one more? If Moses continues toward professional ball, then Europe is the fastest way for him to get paid and start building a professional rep.

Honestly, if Moses is sick of school or is in dire need of money, then he has this option when it comes to turning pro. It’s never the first choice for American athletes, but it’s proven to be a lucrative one for many former NCAA stars that just couldn’t find a home in the NBA.

What this all boils down to is the question of what Moses Kingsley wants to do, and when he’s ready to start the next chapter of his life. As a fan of the Razorbacks, I want Moses back. I think there are many benefits for him to come back to Fayetteville and finish his time on the Hill.

That being said, if he chooses to go pro, either to the NBA or overseas, I’ll totally get it. He has earned our support and respect during his time as a Hog, and if he chooses to start a new adventure, then I’ll be cheering for him. No matter where he ends up.

More razorbacks: Anderson Gets 6th Commit

Except the Lakers. I hate the Lakers.