The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness earnings has fundamentally altered the financial risk of turning pro, and North Carolina center Henri Veesaar is finding out the hard way. Veesaar went unselected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft and remains on the board heading into the second round. By declaring early, the standout big man walked away from a $3.5 to $4.5 million NIL offer to return to the Tar Heels’ starting lineup.
Veesaar delivered a breakout season in Chapel Hill, averaging 17.0 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting over 60 percent from the floor. But NBA front offices red-flagged his physical frame and rim-protection capabilities, pushing him out of the guaranteed money of the first round. Second-round contracts routinely hover around the $1 million rookie minimum and frequently lack guarantees.
Had Veesaar entered the transfer portal instead of the draft, his market value was projected to reach $5 million, according to reporting from CBS Sports.
The NCAA passed its “five-in-five” legislation this past Tuesday, granting athletes an additional year of eligibility. That rule change means Veesaar essentially passed on two potential years of college earnings. This financial math is thinning out the professional talent pool, as underclassmen weigh guaranteed collegiate cash against second-round uncertainty, a trend highlighted by FanSided regarding draft depth.