Without a doubt the rule was never put into place to "protect" young men that were not mature enough yet for the professional life. Nor was it because the kids were not ready physically. We all know that the players union did this to hold onto those last years of aging role players. The old vets were being thinned out from young talent and the rule itself has probably saved a dozen or so jobs a year.
The rule is silly, unlike the NFL where you can make a case for their bodies not being ready to take the brutality of the NFL game. Soccer, NHL and MLB all allow you to make a living as soon as you are able and willing to make the leap. I really believe in light of what's happened with the payouts in the college game....lots of eggs on faces right now and this would be a "quick fix". I'm sure the NCAA and NBA are discussing this. Yes it's the NCAA that is in hot water right now. And I understand that this is a NBA rule. But the embarrassment could be gone quickly with allowing players to have endorsement deals and also being compensated for their likeness being used in products and projects. Add the one and done rule going away.....and it's problem solved. Of course there will be consequences of this that I won't get into now. But this will smooth things over in the short term.
BTW-I totally agree with the funding of the G-league needing to be raised to pay these guys a decent wage. Between the G-League and overseas opportunities, players can develop while not starving.
Great post!!!
: )
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I agree -- to put more time, energy and money behind the G-League. I think that'll have a long range effect as long as Silver continues thinking progressively and is willing to make the right changes -- which it appears he's open to. (Btw, upvoted and followed.)