Earlier this year, when Devin Williams was rolling and I was wondering how Jaysean Paige pried No. 5 from his broad shoulders, we learned a little about the big fella. “Well, there’s a story,” Williams said. “My brother passed away. He actually got shot — murdered — and he wore No. 41.”

From that point forward, when Williams talked about his family and specifically his nephew, it started to make more sense. Today, there’s added context with Williams announcing he’s entering the NBA draft. Here and there I see a lot of people saying, flatly, it’s a mistake and that he should make use of his final season of eligibility.

With respect, I ask, “Why?”

For some, the NBA is the dream. For others, basketball is a way to make a living for a player and/or his family. It can be both, but it can be separate, too.

Let’s be honest: What more was Williams going to prove next season? The NBA won’t invent a position for him, and he’s stuck between a short center and a power forward who can expect to has issues guarding opposites. The college game isn’t going to cede ground so he can put up stupendous numbers, either. I’d say he is now who he would be then except that it bypasses the point. He’s a year younger and he’s healthy. That can and could change next year.

His mother lived with him this year. He’s watching out for his nephew. He has a chance to make money, and, again, don’t assume it has to be in the NBA. He could end up there, but if he does not, don’t assume this is was a bad idea. For one, there’s absolutely no way to argue and thus guarantee he’d be in a better situation next year. And more importantly, there are way, way, way worse ways to earn a living then moving to Europe or Asia and showing your mom a part of the world she maybe would have never otherwise experienced.

If he plays in overseas, he can take steps to make sure much or all of his salary is tax-free. The money isn’t NBA-big, but it’s good money and it can belong to Williams. It’s common for teams to cover the local taxes, and players can get a credit from the U.S. government. Teams also often cover housing and a car, so the expenses would be pretty reasonable.

It’s there for him now. That degree will be here whenever he wants.