NBA Cut Explained: How to Make an NBA Roster and Avoid Getting Waived
I still remember the first time I saw an NBA training camp cut happen. It was during my time covering the Golden State Warriors back in 2018, watching a young two-way player pack his bags after just three weeks with the team. The silence in that locker room was heavier than any championship celebration I've witnessed. That's when I truly understood what it means to face the NBA cut - that moment when dreams get put on hold, sometimes permanently.
The reality of making an NBA roster is far more brutal than most fans realize. While superstars sign $200 million contracts, approximately 450 players enter training camps each fall competing for just 510 available spots across 30 teams. That means nearly 20% of hopeful athletes will face waivers before the season even begins. I've seen incredible talents - former college stars, international MVPs - get that dreaded call from the front office. What separates those who make it from those who don't? Having studied roster construction for over a decade, I've noticed it often comes down to something beyond pure talent.
During last season's preseason, I interviewed several players on the bubble, and one conversation particularly stood out. A Filipino-American guard fighting for his NBA life shared his coach's advice that perfectly captures the mentality needed: "Tinanong nga niya ako kung ano puwedeng ibigay sa team. Sabi ko, basta galing sa puso, kahit ano naman ibigay mo sa team, basta willing ka." This raw commitment - giving everything from the heart - often makes the difference when teams make final decisions. I've watched G League grinders outwork more talented players because they brought that relentless energy every single day.
The financial mechanics of NBA cuts reveal why teams make seemingly puzzling decisions. Remember, only the top 15 players make the active roster, with two additional two-way contract spots available. Guaranteed money plays a huge role - a player owed $3 million is safer than someone with a non-guaranteed deal, even if the latter might be slightly better. Teams also consider contract flexibility, future trade assets, and specific role needs. I've seen general managers keep older veterans over younger prospects simply because they needed locker room stability.
What many don't realize is that getting cut doesn't always mean the end. About 35% of waived players eventually catch on with other teams, either immediately or later in the season due to injuries. The NBA's sophisticated farm system - including the G League and international opportunities - means talented players can continue developing elsewhere. I've followed numerous success stories like Seth Curry, who was cut twice before establishing himself as a reliable rotation player. The key is maintaining professional habits and staying ready for that next opportunity.
From my perspective, the modern NBA values specialized skills over balanced games for end-of-bench spots. Teams would rather have a deadly three-point shooter who plays 8 minutes per game than a jack-of-all-trades who's master of none. This explains why we see so many specialists surviving final cuts - the defensive stopper, the three-point specialist, the energy big man. During my analysis of last season's roster decisions, I counted 22 players who made teams primarily for one specific skill despite clear limitations in other areas.
The emotional toll of cut season is something I wish more fans understood. These aren't just transactions - they're life-altering moments for athletes who've dedicated their lives to basketball. I've sat with players minutes after they received news of their release, and the devastation is palpable. Families relocated, apartments leased, children enrolled in new schools - all suddenly upended. This is why understanding the NBA cut process matters beyond basketball - it's about human beings navigating the brutal business of professional sports.
Looking ahead, I believe the NBA will eventually expand rosters to accommodate more players. With the rising emphasis on load management and injury prevention, having 17 or 18 players instead of 15 makes practical sense. The league's new collective bargaining agreement already shows movement toward greater flexibility, and I predict we'll see formal roster expansion within the next 5 years. This could reduce cut day casualties by approximately 60 spots across the league, giving more deserving players opportunities.
At its core, surviving NBA cuts comes down to controllable factors - work ethic, attitude, and finding ways to contribute beyond scoring. The players I've seen consistently beat the odds are those who embrace their roles completely, whether that's being the first in the gym or the loudest cheerleader from the bench. That Filipino-American player's words still resonate with me because they capture the essence of what coaches truly value when making those final difficult decisions. In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, sometimes heart matters as much as talent.
