Kerr on NBA age limit

[Horns11]

Interesting thoughts.

Some of my faves:

In reply to:

---

---

 

[mcbrett]

It's like a net zero sum game. If you add another year to college basketball, i.e. require a minimum age of 21 or so, or 2 years post high school, then some in the NBA feel they are robbed of something.

But, as Steve Kerr is saying, and I think most people agree, is that the additional year in school, even if the academics are a joke, is very beneficial to the player. And selfishly speaking, I would like to return the NCAA to what it once was before it was a "one and done" type launching platform for the NBA.

One of those things where there is a conflict of interests between economics and the welfare of a person or institution.

 

[Horns11]

It's why I'm a proponent of the baseball/hockey system. Go ahead and sign out of high school if you truly have no intent of being part of a college basketball program. Even if your physical game is maxed out at age 19 (which is doubtful), maybe you really are mentally ready for the money, business aspects, and professionalism. Or, quite frankly, you have no other option because you're not "meant for college."

But for those who actually want the game to mean something, sign with a college, stay as long as you can, and get into the league at a time when the whole world knows who you are. Didn't seem to hurt the greatest players of all time. Kobe is the exception and not the rule.

 

[Handler XIII]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[ProdigalHorn]

I would say that if the NBA really cared about its players, they would institute that rule. I don't think it happens any other way, because certainly if the kids are 18, they ought to have the right to go work or do whatever they want. But the real surprise is that we don't have MORE issues with players getting into trouble, becoming bankrupt shortly after leaving the league and generally being chewed up and spit out.

Having said that, if parents were actually trying to prepare their kid for life as a professional as opposed to trying to get his dunk highlights on ESPN, it wouldn't be as big an issue, either.

 

[MeaHorn]

The whole AAU thing makes me want to puke. Basketball is a pure team sport and they've turned it into a showcase for individuals whole are selfish and care only about their college and NBA dreams.