Just an idea about how the NBA can solve the current problem of underdeveloped, unprepared high schoolers and underclassmen entering the draft. David Stern has proposed a ban on all players under 20. I don't agree with this rule b/c I think if an individual chooses to bypass college to begin earning a paycheck, he should be allowed to do so. However, the lure of big $$$ given to first round picks is too great for some players who get bad advice and have no business leaving school early or by-passing college alltogether. We all know the laundry list of prep stars and underclassmen who, despite warnings by GMs and coaches that they will be lucky to get drafted at all, still stubbornly forfeit their chance to play in college by making themselves eligible for the draft. My proposal is to modify Stern's plan. Rather than exclude all players under 20, allow them to make their own decision, but eliminate the lure of money that often clouds their judgement. Initiate a new pay scale for players under 20 that mirrors that of the current one for second round picks. This means no guaranteed contracts, no instant millionaire 18-year-olds, and no franchises forced to put all their hopes and money into a player who may or may not be ready to play in a couple of years. Rather than earn a starter's paycheck for sitting on the end of the bench, these players could be paid like any other 11th or 12th man while they learn the NBA game. I think this rule would benefit the players, the league, and obviously college basketball. The players would no longer have pressure from agents and family to leave school before they are ready just to make big $$$, but for those who do not want to go to college, they would still have the option to earn a modest living as a professional. The league would benefit greatly b/c a team drafting a high school player in the lottery would not be taking such a huge financial risk with a high pick, and they would also not feel pressure to justify the pick by playing a kid before he is ready. But the greatest benefit would go to the college game. Don't you think St. John's fans would be much happier if Darrius Miles and Omar Cook were still on campus? Also, I think it is ridiculous that high school players who declare for the draft cannot withdraw and return to college. This just traps them and makes the decision that much more difficult. Basically, by doing this, the NBA will be getting better players, the players will still have the freedom to make the choice for themselves, and the college game will improve dramatically. ------------------
this any LOTS of other ideas are really great ideas in keeping kids in school, BUT there is no way the Players Association agrees to any of these. All they care about is the player's perspective, which they should, but they are a bit on the adament side, especially after having to give in to the CBA during the strike. ------------------ One of the newest members of the New Jersey Nets fan club.
