What exception is used to sign first round draft picks?

The use of Rookie Exceptions is specifically relevant for signing first-round draft picks in the NBA. These exceptions allow teams to sign players who are entering the league for the first time after being selected in the NBA Draft. Each first-round draft pick has a predetermined salary scale based on their draft position, which the Rookie Exception facilitates. This ensures that rookies can be compensated appropriately while allowing teams to maintain flexibility under the salary cap.

The other options correspond to different contexts within the NBA salary cap and player contracts. The Veteran Exception is designed for signing established players with prior NBA experience, while the Mid-Level Exception provides teams the means to acquire players across various levels of experience within a limited salary cap space. The Disabled Player Exception applies to situations where a player is injured and unable to play, allowing teams to replace that player’s salary for new signings. However, none of these alternatives facilitate the specific signing process for rookies drafted in the first round as effectively as the Rookie Exceptions do.