This site often bemoans guys leaving early when it's obvious they are not ready for the rigors of the NBA. Out of the 25 previewed in that article, there were 10 early entrants. Of those 10, I think two were absolute no brainers to go (Johnson and Anthony) and three were certainly physically capable (Grant, MCW, Waiters).
Here's that list:
1) Carmelo Anthony (FA) - Dude is rich AF. Good decision. Net worth of about 120 million. Made nearly 250 million in his career.
2) Michael Carter-Williams (Orlando Magic) - Not a great player in the NBA, but he's still in the league and is a multi millionaire. Made about 14.5 million.
3) Tyler Ennis (Turkey) - A strike while the iron was hot guy, and he was a first rounder with guaranteed money. Can't blame him, his stock would never be higher. I think he'll be one to watch when he comes back for Fenerbace. They're a very solid Euro League team. Kid has made 6.5 million in his career.
4) Jerami Grant (Oklahoma Thunder) - Great decision for him, same as Ennis. He has had a very productive and lucrative NBA career. Scheduled to make more than 31 million dollars for his career through the 2021 season.
5) Paul Harris (France) - I had no idea Paul was still playing hoops. Good to see. I doubt he's making "set up for life" money, so I hope he has other plans after his career is over. A very shady website put his net worth at between 1 million and 5 million. He made the smart decision in 2014 to move overseas where the money is more plentiful. Paul's current team in the top league in France had a salary budget of about 1.8 million dollars in 2014. It's not done like this, but divide by 12 and you figure Paul is probably (five years later) making well over year $100,000 a year there.
6) Wes Johnson (Washington Wizards) - No one was disappointed when he left. Outside of Melo he had all the tools he needed to succeed in the NBA. A well respected journeyman who has carved out a niche for himself with each team he plays for. Made about 32 million dollars.
7) Tyler Lydon (Denver Nuggets) - I think it's too early to tell for Mali and Tyler. Tyler has played more in the G League than in the NBA, and I believe he was hurt this past season. Still, the guaranteed contract netted him more than 4 million dollars.
8) Chris McCullough (China, G League, PR) - Chris, we hardly knew ye! Wish he had stayed another year because I really think it would have helped him. He did sneak into the first round though, so he got that guaranteed cash. 4 million dollars is more than I'll make in my life so I'd say he's set himself up well.
9) Malachi Richardson (Toronto Raptors) - Like Lydon, I still think Mali may latch on somewhere. Again though, he's 4 million dollars richer. If he can get that second contract (same with Lydon) they will be set up for good.
10) Dion Waiters (Miami Heat) - Our chunky baby boy! Dion has been an enigma in the NBA. Sometimes a dominant player, sometimes out of shape and out of his depth. If we judge based solely on money though? Dude made the absolute right call. Through 2021 he's scheduled to make 63 million for his career. Yah, that's not too bad.
So what's the point? Outside of Paul Harris all of these guys made really good decisions. They are all multimillionaires, with some of them setting up their family for generations. Even Jonny Flynn netted close to 10 million dollars.
It seems most of our early entrants have made good decisions for themselves. I think that may end with Oshae and Tyus, although I believe they both could easily end up with lucrative careers in Europe.