Negotiating With Rookies

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

CrazyCanuck or some other wise one,

Today's Washington Post article notes, "Negotiations with top draft picks do not normally begin until July." Can you please tell me why negotiations with rookies start so late? I understand that many teams/agents want to wait to see what kind of deals other rookies get, but that doesn't seem like a good reason to not start negotiating until the 11th hour.

Here are some reasons why it is dumb for teams/agents to hold off on negotiating rookie contracts until July:

First, rookies want to get into camp as soon as possible so they have the best chance of cracking the starting lineup. Holding out isn't the way to get a lot of those starts or endear yourself to the coaching staff. It also sets a rookie a long ways back for a long, long time.....just as Akili Smith.

Second, teams want top draft picks to enter the starting lineup as soon as possible. Waiting to see what other teams offer other rookies is a sure way to ensure your favorite "rook" doesn't come to camp on time.

Third, hold outs adversely affect a team's/player's public relations. Nothing makes fans more pissed off than a team that hasn't signed a player to a contract or a rookie who's holding out for more money.

Fifth, considering that the 2005 draftees can only have their signing bonuses pro-rated over 5 years (due to a lack of an extension of the CBA), negotiating deals with this year's rookies should be immensely troublesome. Both teams and rookies should want to get down to business ASAP.

I just don't understand it. Can someone please clear this all up for me?