Wed Jun 22, 2005, 05:21pm
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In Memoriam
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Hell
Posts: 20,211
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Quote:
Originally posted by BktBallRef
Quote:
Originally posted by South GA BBall Ref
My thoughts on the minimum age requirement being raised to 19 is that it does nothing for the NBA. One year does not guarantee any additional level of maturity for an individual at that stage in their life. Just look at the "problem people" in the NBA; and for that matter the NFL, MLB, etc. They are not always the 18 year olds that have the issues as many would believe. Although it may not be directly racially discriminatory in nature, it does have impacts in a racial context. Just look at the demographics of those entering the NBA fresh out of high school. As for football, there is often a need to do additional physical growth and development, as well as "learning" the game in which it is played in the NFL, and I can therefore understand the NFL's age limit. But basketball's nuances are minor at the HS, NCAA, and NBA level.
Just my $0.02.
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You don't think that the NBA requires "additional physical growth and development, as well as learning the game?" Other than Lebron James, name another player who has come directly out of high school to the NBA and made an impact. Wait, I'll do it for you. No one. Kobe Bryant averaged 7.6 ppg during his first year and Kevin Garnett averaged 10.4. Jermaine O'Neal, who gave up a promising career as a professional fighter to come to the NBA, averaged 4.1, 4.5, 2.9. and 3.5 ppg in his first four years in the league. Yep, that's some impact! HS players are no more ready for the NBA than they are for the NFL.
As for the policy being "racially discriminatory" perhaps you haven't noticed but the head of the players' union is black as well as 80% of the players in the league. Further, for every HS player that comes into the league, a veteran retires. Isn't that age discrimmation, to terminate a person's employment because you're hiring a younger person? There are age requirements throughout life. Do you think NASCAR is going to allow a 17 year old phenom to drive a Cup car? No, pretty sure that they have rules against it.
There's no reason the NBA shouldn't as well.
BTW, none of this means anything for college basketball. These kids will just go to prep school for a year, until they're eligible.
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Well, we should mention the obvious too---- this is a labor agreement. If Jermaine O'Neil and the predominantly-black players' union don't like the new rule, they can vote it down. It's just that simple. Iow, don't complain about it---do something about it. Negotiate something you're happy with.
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