Ask a 2010 NBA Rookie: First Paycheck? House, Car, or Nothing

Tonight at Madison Square Garden, 60 childhood dreams will be realized at the 2010 NBA draft. For a minute, let’s put aside the chance they have to play basketball on a professional level, and talk about the twin benefit: someone is about to get paid! Financially, becoming a professional athlete forever changes the lifestyle of a few, and gives a brief glimpse of an ‘upgraded’ lifestyle to others.
Yes, it could brief. If you don’t manage your money, it will find a home in all kinds of unproductive places: newly extended family and entourage support, bad investments - both personal and Madoff. It’s not called the NBA lottery for nothing, it’s just like hitting one, with the exact same concerns.

Let’s not get all Suzie Orman on the first night. There is some fun (and needs) to be had with a freshly stacked bank account.

Skeets and Tas of The Basketball Jones asked a handful of NBA rookies what they are going to do with their first paycheck. I guess the answer is the same every year, because they bet it would be: house, car, or nothing. The rooks fell right into the pattern.

Check it out there - Draft ‘10: NBA rookies play new game show