Could it be that the NBA rule changes come next season is David Stern's subtle way of encouraging High School kids to go to college first? I mean the only players to 'jump' are those who have superior athletic abilities (Miles, Lewis, KG, Kobe, Kemp) and the implementation of zones kind of reduces their short to medium term effectiveness as rookies. Therefore extending the adjustment peiod and as such there would be more of a disparity between post-college and post-high school players - making more NBA teams reluctant to gamble. ------------------ dude.. I'm peakin' tacoz!
I think it is plainly obvious that David Stern and company are too stupid to even think about that as it actually does make sense. ------------------ Haha.. you fool! You fell victim to one of the classic blunders. The most famous is: Never get involved in a land war in Asia. Only slightly less well know is this: Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!
Doesn't make alot of sense to me. The type of player that will strive in the zone, is not the kind of player that the league wants to promote. The players coming out of high school are players that the league would like to market. ------------------ [This message has been edited by tacoma park legend (edited April 15, 2001).]
I don't think so...if he wants to prevent high school guys from going to the nba immediately, he would've enforced an age minimum a long time ago...I'd figure the more talent in the NBA, the better right? Why would he be opposed to guys coming in early? And what's the deal with people not liking the idea of kids going to the nba directly from HS? Other sports like tennis have 13 year old professional athletes making millions and it doesn't seem to bother them... ------------------
I don't think Stern would want to completely prevent High School kids from entering the NBA, but he does want to reduce the (increasing) amount that does. In this year's draft alone there will be a few I'm sure. The reason I think he wants more college players entering the NBA is because for the most part they are more polished. In a way, eventhough high flying showtime ball brings more dough, Stern wants to prevent too much 'street-style' in the game. Zones are more structured and players who have played in a structured system in college would better fit his ideals. But I dunno, maybe he's just bored. ------------------ dude.. I'm peakin' tacoz!
When you play against quality opposition the standard of your game has to improve - if the high schoolers have the talent level to play in the NBA then why not go? Their game will improve far more rapidly in the NBA. Look at Jermaine O'Neal, he should be in his rookie season this year (is that right?) - I think his time riding the pine has helped him mature into an NBA player, combine that with the fact that he's a 4 year "vet" already and that he doesn't have to make the rookie adjustment... seems pretty logical to me! Not that all players should skip college, but if they're good enough then why go? If playing professional basketball is what they want then do it! ------------------
I also thing a Zone helps hide a high schoolers' defensive inadequacies I would not put any high schooler one on one with Gary Payton or Jason Kidd but in a zone . . .. . he could get extensive minutes Also I may be wrong but playing the passing lanes instead of the man is a lot easier. Rocket River ------------------
