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Journalism of Courage
Curiosity over the ‘mysterious’ Satnam Singh Bhamara has steadily spread around the NBA during the pre-draft period. The Dallas Mavericks have now become the fourth franchise, following the Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics, in as many weeks to invite the 19-year-old for a workout session.
Interest in the towering 7-foot-2 inch centre has grown since he signed up as an ‘early entrant’ to the June 25 draft. Rules nonetheless, stipulate a withdrawal period 10-days before the draft date, making June 15 his last day to stand down.
Yet Bhamara is, as of now, not considering a step back and is looking to proceed with the gamble – he will not be allowed to enter the draft again should he fail to make a team this time around.
According to NBA rules, if Bhamara, the first Indian to sign up for the draft, does not withdraw and fails to get selected by a franchise, he will no longer be allowed to sign up for the draft in the following years. However, should he withdraw his name in time, he will be allowed to feature in the draft for two more years, provided he withdraws in the second year as well.
Reasons for withdrawals range from fitness issues to requiring more basketball experience. Injuries carried over a period of time may catch up with a player who may decide to slow down and recover for the following year before giving the draft his best shot. In some cases coaches recommend a reconsideration in order for the player to further develop his skills.
Often its also a player who recognises his own need for further preparation before the high-paced NBA takes charge of his career that can lead to last minute withdrawals.
Bhamara signed up for the NBA’s annual enlisting on April 28 as an early entry candidate – a player with no experience of playing in college, or receiving education at that level. The premature decision outdid what Sim Bhullar went for when he applied for the draft last year after finishing his sophomore year in college.
Life after draft
Bhullar became the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA. Yet he did remain undrafted at the end of last year’s draft. As per the draft rules, the Canadian was ineligible to apply to any subsequent draft. Nonetheless, he could be approached directly by an NBA franchise. While playing for the Reno Bighorns in the D-League of the NBA, the Sacramento Kings offered the centre a 10-day contract.
Just as it was with Bhullar, franchises have the liberty of approaching an unpicked player.
“Going undrafted is never the end of a NBA dream. Lots of undrafted players go abroad or play in the D-League and make a successful career for themselves. Scouts are always watching and if they are good enough, or reach a high level, NBA teams can take the opportunity to hire them. That’s what happened with Sim,” says Carlos Barroca, senior director of NBA India.
The same goes for Bhamara if he remains undrafted like Bhullar before him. However, the four years the teenager has spent in the United States has now resulted in four franchises, for now, seeking a pre-draft workout with the Punjab-born cager. The gamble, nonetheless, remains for Bhamara. But should he manage to convince a team to acquire his services on June 25, he will be the first Indian to play in the NBA.
