Why Hire an Agent?

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Serious question. Beyond screaming "show me the money" I know absolutely nothing about agents.

Kid enters the draft. If he hires an agent, he can't return to school.

If he's drafted in the 1st round, the pay is fixed in a narrow range.

So . . . what does an agent do for a kid that justifies taking a big cut of the pay (or whatever it is the agent gets)?

For example, are agents able to get players drafted higher than they otherwise would be? If so, how do they accomplish that?

Now I'm just talking about kids in the draft. I imagine there could be more benefit when renewals, trades and free agency enter the picture. But why would, say, a consensus lottery pick need an agent?

 

[gauchoheel]

I think they can help drum up interest in a player because of their relationship with teams and front office personnel. They can also serve as an outside source to advise them on draft workouts, prep, interviewing, etc. And then they help with branding, shoe deals, sponsorships. If the player is not a 1st round pick there is a lot more room to negotiate in terms of guaranteed money, length of contract, incentives. And some players in those cases are deciding between playing overseas or in the D-League.

 

[TarHeelMark]

Good question WWJD. If a player is assured of a lottery pick, it doesn't seem like an agent is even necessary initially. Definitely afterwards for marketing opps and subsequent contracts.

 

[Ozheelfan]

I think agents are able to generate more exposure - pay for flights to private workouts, pay for additional coaching, as mentioned above, use their connections with teams to generate 'buzz'

A lot of it is window dressing, but it may help borderline players sneak into the first round.

Also, I believe it's an ego thing... hiring an agent is a statement - like saying you know you're 1st round material and you 'ain't going back'

And yeah, for a player like Justin, the agent can begin working on endorsements now... help pay for the jewellery for that pretty girl of his.