New NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement

[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.