The upcoming 2022-23 NBA Season will be full of new players coming up ready to leave their mark on the National Basketball Association. However, only a handful list of rookies are ready to step up for the challenge. That's why most of them sign a two-way deal which isn't exactly being part of the NBA main roster.
In fact, those players usually are selected from the NBA Draft's second round. Despite these players don't have a full contract signed, they are one step ahead of the ones who didn't get their name announced at the ceremony. Simply because they are trainning already at an NBA level.
In fact, there is proof that second-round picks are better than first-rounders. This due to the salary cap that allows the teams to sign a second-rounders for less money, while the first-round player is signed under a first-year deal. So, sometimes the team saves money for a really good player as he develops.
What is a two-way contract?
According to the NBA G League official website, a two-way contract is a deal which means a player can be in training sessions with an NBA team but with a limit of 45 days. Two-way players are paid a corresponding daily amount based on the number of days they play in each league. However, only players in their fourth NBA season or earlier are able to sign two-way contracts.
Also, if a player has signed a two-way contract deal, the player won't be available to play in the NBA Playoffs. Although, if the team really needs him, they can change the deal to a full-time roster deal, so he would be available to play. Otherwise, he will be out for as long as his contract situation changes.
In fact, during the 2019-20 NBA season, two-way players were allowed to play in the NBA Playoffs, due to health and safety protocols. Despite that, for this 2022-23 NBA season, two-way contracts will be set for a limit of 50 regular-season games with no playoffs participation.
