The NBA’s ‘one-and-done’ draft rule has been one of the more discussed topics for years. Many have gone back and forth on whether the rule is ultimately beneficial for the NBA as well as college basketball and commissioner Adam Silver has openly spoken about the league looking at potential changes.
NBA All-Star Weekend allowed Silver the chance to provide an update on the possibilities of changing the rule during his annual address about the state of the league. “We’ve talked a lot about youth development in terms of whether we should be getting involved in some of these young players even earlier than when they come into college,” Silver said.
“And from a league standpoint, on one hand, we think we have a better draft when we’ve had an opportunity to see these young players play an elite level before they come into the NBA.”
It is an interesting conundrum as teams would likely get a better feel for players by watching them in college longer. The NBA as a whole, however, is now better suited than ever to develop young players.
“In terms of the NBA, we’re conflicted, to be honest, Silver said. “Are we better off intersecting with them a little bit younger?”
“Are we better off bringing them into the league when they’re 18 using our G League as it was designed to be as a Development League and getting them minutes on the court there? And there is also recognition that for some of these elite players, there is no question that they can perform in the NBA at 18 years old.”
With the NBA’s G League expansion, as well as the introduction of two-way contracts, teams now have more means to bring in players and develop them and many players could benefit from being under the watch of professionals everywhere.
But there a limited number of jobs in the NBA, and an overall age reduction could lead to many veterans being pushed out. Something that many players have already spoken to Silver about.
“It’s not just in terms of minutes on the floor, but they play an important role in mentoring young players as well, even for some of the veterans who may never have much playing time in terms of games, they’re important to be in the locker room,” he said. “They’re important during practice time.”
Changing the one-and-done rule will continue to be an ongoing discussion, but there are so many factors at play. Silver is clearly taking in a number of possible outcomes before making a final decision that will affect the entire league.
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