I dont have time or care enough to look up leafs contract. Just a random number that a majority of first rounders make in their career. Comparing Rose and Leafs background are crazy. For a guy like Iverson this is true for guys from middle to upper class not so true. The social norms of the classes are not comparable.
The goal for a career is to reach the pinnacle
There is no guarantee the opportunity would still he there. If your goal is to be a D1 player then I might see your point of view, but if your goal is the NBA no way do I agree with you.
Why not do both. Collect 20 million go back get your degree and then work the rest of your life if you want. I would trade my college experience my degree and I would do the laundry clean the floor and carry everyone's luggage to be the last guy on an NBA team playing the game I love.