One-and-Done should be TWO-and-done

[dachampishere2]

I'm not saying that because I'm a Duke fan and being selfish. I say this because if you look at the talent coming out of high school, these kids are not prepared for the pro game. Majority of these kids are poorly coached and lack fundamentals. Now, you have a few that are prepared coming out, but 1 out of 100 is not good enough to change the rule. When you look at the top players in NBA history and currently, I would guess around 90% stayed AT LEAST two years in college. AAU has ruined basketball and for that reason kids need more time to develop in college. I know some of you will say "if you can go to the army out of high school you should be able to make money". Ummmm No and that needs to stop being used. We're talking about athletics and not war where they are looking to pile up numbers. It's not even discussed that college football players have to wait 3 years. No one dares to dispute that, but basketball players should be able to go straight to the NBA. Just like those high school football players aren't physically or mentally ready to go the the NFL, high school basketball players aren't either. High school basketball players may be even more prepared because the level of coaching at the level is so atrocious that it takes them years before they actually know the game. Check out this list of all-NBA players:

Rudy Gobert foreign
Russell Westbrook 2 years
LeBron James high school
Kawhi Leonard 2 years
Draymond Green 4 years
Jimmy Butler 4 years
Stephen Curry 3 years
James Harden 2 years
DeAndre Jordan 1 year – 6 years to become noticeable
Isaiah Thomas 3 years
Anthony Davis 1 year
DeMar Derozan 1 year
John Wall 1 year
Giannis Antetokounmpo foreign
Kevin Durant 1 year

Out of those 15, 7 stayed multiple years, 5 were one-and-done, 2 are foreign and 1 came straight out of high school. Kevin Durant, AD and LeBron are the only ones to actually hit the ground running as soon as they hit the league. KD and AD had that experience playing against men in college so they were better prepared and just special players. LeBron is just a freak of nature and generational talent. DeAndre shouldn't have came out as a freshman and it took him about 6 years before he even became a name talked about. Wall and Derozan took years before they could break out. I just think going to college would make the talent level in the NBA much higher. You wouldn't have so many unprepared players out there on the floor.

Now, one exception to the rule I think they should do is poll the NBA scouts on who is the top senior prospect in high school is and allow that one player to enter the draft. Everyone below that has to go to college for 2 years. This would reward the number one player in the country accordingly. That's just me though.

 

[dukiejay]

Let them go straight out of high school. If they don’t, then stay two years.

 

[dachampishere2]

Let them go straight out of high school. If they don’t, then stay two years.

I wouldn't as a GM pick a high schooler. Hell it's going to take them 2-3 years to get their grown man body and catch up to the speed. I rather just wait and get them as a more matured, better coached player that can hit the ground running. Look at Donovan Mitchell. He looks like the most prepared rookie right now. You know why? Because he went through two rigorous years in the ACC.

 

[TWARedRaider01]

Let them go straight out of high school. If they don’t, then stay two years.

This right here

 

[dukiejay]

I wouldn't as a GM pick a high schooler. Hell it's going to take them 2-3 years to get their grown man body and catch up to the speed. I rather just wait and get them as a more matured, better coached player that can hit the ground running. Look at Donovan Mitchell. He looks like the most prepared rookie right now. You know why? Because he went through two rigorous years in the ACC.

I understand your point and don’t totally disagree. That doesn’t make it right, though.

 

[BlueDevilWildcat]

I think one factor being ignored is that the D-League is being turned into a true minor leagues. With $ much higher than the D-League salaries, I think a lot more high schoolers will be tempted to go work on their games in the G-League while making $100k+. It wouldn't shock me to see 30+ high schoolers per year skipping college if the G-League is made sufficiently attractive.

 

[dachampishere2]

I think one factor being ignored is that the D-League is being turned into a true minor leagues. With $ much higher than the D-League salaries, I think a lot more high schoolers will be tempted to go work on their games in the G-League while making $100k+. It wouldn't shock me to see 30+ high schoolers per year skipping college if the G-League is made sufficiently attractive.

I doubt the G-league gets a rise in participants coming straight out of high school. Kids look forward to playing in packed arenas and winning national championships in college. Plus we all know players get paid in college under the table. When I went on my recruiting trip back in high school, the recruiting coordinator pulled out about $10K in 100s and said "we take care of our players when they need it".

A lot of those kids that leave college early and end up in the G-league regret not staying in college because the lifestyle change is completely different

 

[pisgah101]

I think straight out or three

 

[jwill133]

Straight outta HS or 2 years.
The NBA needs to have a scouting committee, in order to go straight outta HS, you must be approved by the committee. Some classes may have 2 guys eligible to go, some may have 10.

This would prevent the original issue, which was guys leaving outta HS who weren’t ready (and went in the 2nd round) or will prevent immature guys who need 2 years in college (guys who went lottery who flamed out quickly.)

 

[Mac9192]

This may be crazy but what about a combine of some sort where the top 20-30 h.s. seniors go right before their senior year, and after evaluation, top 10 or so can go straight to the pros. If not, minimum 2 years. I realize that has its flaws as well, but there seems to be no way for this to be done and everyone wins.
Malcom Brogden was rookie of the year but stayed 4 years in college. Bagley would have helped any team that selected him right now. Trent is nowhere near ready, I mean nowhere.

 

[Canadian Dukie]

So what do you do about the kid who does not have the ability to achieve the academic minimums required to play college basketball?all he wants is to play basketball for a living,should he be denied his right to pursue the career he wants? There should be more options available to these kids.Hockey players,who have no intention to do anything but pursue a hockey career have about 9 different pro leagues they can play in,also many European leagues,they don't pay like the N.H.L. but they can still make a good living doing what they love

 

[hallside]

I'm with dukiejay's option. Best for the players, colleges, and NBA. Just makes sense.

 

[jwill133]

So what do you do about the kid who does not have the ability to achieve the academic minimums required to play college basketball?all he wants is to play basketball for a living,should he be denied his right to pursue the career he wants? There should be more options available to these kids.Hockey players,who have no intention to do anything but pursue a hockey career have about 9 different pro leagues they can play in,also many European leagues,they don't pay like the N.H.L. but they can still make a good living doing what they love

There are plenty of options already for guys who won't qualify for college: overseas, G-league etc. The issue here is for the guys who can qualify for college, but are good enough to bypass it.

Back to my idea of having a scouting combine to be approved for the NBA draft, the issue is: when does that happen? Example: we have Jones, Barrett, and Reddish coming in, what if all 3 guys get approved end of senior year to enter the NBA draft? We are then the worst team in the ACC next year if all 3 guys don't come to Duke.

End of a high-schooler's junior year seems too early, but can't do end of senior year because it throws off all recruiting, no wonder nothing has been set yet, this is very complicated.

 

[hallside]

So what do you do about the kid who does not have the ability to achieve the academic minimums required to play college basketball?all he wants is to play basketball for a living,should he be denied his right to pursue the career he wants? There should be more options available to these kids.Hockey players,who have no intention to do anything but pursue a hockey career have about 9 different pro leagues they can play in,also many European leagues,they don't pay like the N.H.L. but they can still make a good living doing what they love

There are hundreds of teams in Europe that would take a young American/Canadian talent. I'm kind of confused by this post, maybe I'm not understanding you?

 

[dachampishere2]

So what do you do about the kid who does not have the ability to achieve the academic minimums required to play college basketball?all he wants is to play basketball for a living,should he be denied his right to pursue the career he wants? There should be more options available to these kids.Hockey players,who have no intention to do anything but pursue a hockey career have about 9 different pro leagues they can play in,also many European leagues,they don't pay like the N.H.L. but they can still make a good living doing what they love

There are more options for them to play for money outside of the NBA. Like I said before why isn't this discussed when it comes to football? Nobody even question that but basketball players are supposed to automatically get shooed into the big leagues. They are just as unprepared as football players

 

[HonkeyT]

The flood gates just busted open after the '95 NBA Draft. Before that the earliest was usually a Soph but with an occasional Frosh. KG changed it all coming straight outta HS, after that draft, the flood gates just opened up and things were never the same. In '96 it was Kobe and Jermain O'Neal were straight from HS and a couple of foreign born kids. I think Marbury and Adur-Rahim were Frosh going in the top 5. I would have to Wiki but I'm too lazy. Anyway KG changed the game, I think before that one dude in the 70s went pro straight out of HS.

My love for the NBA slowly wained over the next 10 years after that. Seeing dilluted talent come the league and seeing a lot of these kids burn out sucked. In the process it hurt Duke and the college game that I love along with the NBA game I loved and that really pissed me off, but it is what is. Don't really care that much for the NBA anymore. I was huge Celtics fan in the day so it was cool seeing them win the title in '08. The game used be so physical and the offense started from the inside out, now teams are bombing thirty 3s a game and get technicals for bush fouls....Oh Kevin Mchale and Kurt Rambis how I miss thee...the old dudes know what I'm talking about. God I miss physical basketball.

People go nuts over some of these highlights but the NBA game is sh!t compared to back in the day. Just my opinion.

 

[Canadian Dukie]

I guess what I was trying to say is I don't see why college has to be the only way into professional sports, ,i think there should be more options available for those who choose to pursue a professional sports career.the only way into the NFL(that I'm aware of) is thru college,that no good for a kid with a ton of talent but not a ton of smarts.

 

[jwill133]

I guess what I was trying to say is I don't see why college has to be the only way into professional sports, ,i think there should be more options available for those who choose to pursue a professional sports career.the only way into the NFL(that I'm aware of) is thru college,that no good for a kid with a ton of talent but not a ton of smarts.

Football is a completely different case though, and yes the only way into the NFL is basically through college, if a kid doesnt qualify outta HS than he goes the JUCO route. Ultimately, football is fine, they have MANY issues, but draft rules hurting the college game is not one of them.

 

[dukephysics]

It should absolutely be illegal for the NBA (and the NFL for that matter) to be able to keep teams from drafting an adult (18 year old) basketball player. This is exactly the kind of thing that the NFL got sued over by Maurice Clarett. Even if the teams collude, and all agree to just not do it, it should still be illegal. The NFL won, basically arguing that it was a safety issue. These pro leagues (especially the NFL) have a monopoly on the market and should not, legally, be able to do this. But they get away with it, and I'm convinced it has everything to do with $$$$.
Name one other company that can say "you are too young/old" when referring to adults to disqualify them from working. That's called discrimination and would be illegal.
**All that said, since we live in a world where these pro leagues have so much power, I would prefer the model similar to baseball that many are suggesting...straight out or at least 2.**

 

[sheyduke]

So what do you do about the kid who does not have the ability to achieve the academic minimums required to play college basketball?all he wants is to play basketball for a living,should he be denied his right to pursue the career he wants? There should be more options available to these kids.Hockey players,who have no intention to do anything but pursue a hockey career have about 9 different pro leagues they can play in,also many European leagues,they don't pay like the N.H.L. but they can still make a good living doing what they love

But if they go to the draft and don’t get drafted he’s gonna be in the mix with college seniors and juniors who are physically better prepared.
What happens if he doesn’t make it period? He has no degree to fall back on.
Atleast in two years you can get an associate degree and don’t have to pay for a gym.
There is also the junior college route.
I like straight out of high school or two years.

 

[Canadian Dukie]

Football is a completely different case though, and yes the only way into the NFL is basically through college, if a kid doesnt qualify outta HS than he goes the JUCO route. Ultimately, football is fine, they have MANY issues, but draft rules hurting the college game is not one of them.

Thanks for clarifying that for me,it's different here in Canada,most kids who want a professional hockey career will be drafted by a Junior A team,some as young as 16.they will be billeted with a family in the city that drafts them and will attend high school and live with that family until they are eligible for the NHL draft when they turn 18

 

[sheyduke]

It should absolutely be illegal for the NBA (and the NFL for that matter) to be able to keep teams from drafting an adult (18 year old) basketball player. This is exactly the kind of thing that the NFL got sued over by Maurice Clarett. Even if the teams collude, and all agree to just not do it, it should still be illegal. The NFL won, basically arguing that it was a safety issue. These pro leagues (especially the NFL) have a monopoly on the market and should not, legally, be able to do this. But they get away with it, and I'm convinced it has everything to do with $$$$.
Name one other company that can say "you are too young/old" when referring to adults to disqualify them from working. That's called discrimination and would be illegal.
**All that said, since we live in a world where these pro leagues have so much power, I would prefer the model similar to baseball that many are suggesting...straight out or at least 2.**

Law enforcement.

 

[dachampishere2]

It should absolutely be illegal for the NBA (and the NFL for that matter) to be able to keep teams from drafting an adult (18 year old) basketball player. This is exactly the kind of thing that the NFL got sued over by Maurice Clarett. Even if the teams collude, and all agree to just not do it, it should still be illegal. The NFL won, basically arguing that it was a safety issue. These pro leagues (especially the NFL) have a monopoly on the market and should not, legally, be able to do this. But they get away with it, and I'm convinced it has everything to do with $$$$.
Name one other company that can say "you are too young/old" when referring to adults to disqualify them from working. That's called discrimination and would be illegal.
**All that said, since we live in a world where these pro leagues have so much power, I would prefer the model similar to baseball that many are suggesting...straight out or at least 2.**

NFL is a private company and they can make whatever rules they want. Just like the NBA and MLB. Just because you're an adult by age it doesn't mean you're ready to handle adult issues. If that's the case an 18 year old should be able to be president as well. Remember you have to be 35 to even run.

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

straight out of hs or as long as they choose to stay in school

 

[dachampishere2]

straight out of hs or as long as they choose to stay in school

NBA organizations shouldn't fall for it. Give me a seasoned college vet because he knows what it feels like to play against grown men

 

[dukephysics]

NFL is a private company and they can make whatever rules they want. Just like the NBA and MLB. Just because you're an adult by age it doesn't mean you're ready to handle adult issues. If that's the case an 18 year old should be able to be president as well. Remember you have to be 35 to even run.

Which one private company can deny 18 year olds employment? Could Amazon do it? Or your local hospital? Private companies do not get to discriminate based on anything just because they are private companies. There is a huge case over a wedding cake (well, it's about more than a wedding cake) that has gone all the way to the supreme court.

 

[dachampishere2]

Which one private company can deny 18 year olds employment? Could Amazon do it? Or your local hospital? Private companies do not get to discriminate based on anything just because they are private companies. There is a huge case over a wedding cake (well, it's about more than a wedding cake) that has gone all the way to the supreme court.

Sports companies can. There's your answers. Do you think a 18 year old should be able to run for president? Because based on what you're saying once you make 18 you should be able to work and hold whatever position you want in America

 

[dukephysics]

Sports companies can. There's your answers. Do you think a 18 year old should be able to run for president? Because based on what you're saying once you make 18 you should be able to work and hold whatever position you want in America

You are giving the one example (well, congress has age limits too) that is defined in the freaking constitution. I'm not going to list companies that have gotten in trouble for hiring practices that discriminated based on age, gender, .... But it is a long list. So employees of the professional sports leagues are more like positions defined in the constitution than they are every other worker in the country? Sports companies can - do you think Foot Locker could decide to not hire women because they tend to not be tall enough to reach the top shelf? Or Dick's decides they won't hire older people because they want their customers to see young, healthy people?

 

[dachampishere2]

You are giving the one example (well, congress has age limits too) that is defined in the freaking constitution. I'm not going to list companies that have gotten in trouble for hiring practices that discriminated based on age, gender, .... But it is a long list. So employees of the professional sports leagues are more like positions defined in the constitution than they are every other worker in the country? Sports companies can - do you think Foot Locker could decide to not hire women because they tend to not be tall enough to reach the top shelf? Or Dick's decides they won't hire older people because they want their customers to see young, healthy people?

Every single job has requirements that people have to meet to work for them. The NBA has a requirement come into their league. You’re using examples that are completely different. Based on what you’re saying a 50 year old should be able to sue the NBA for not giving him a shot because he’s old. Or a player should sue because the team said he’s not athletic enough to play. What about the jobs that require years of experience as a requirement? I guess women might as well sue because the NBA won’t pick them up. Would it make you feel better if they didn’t actually say that 18 year olds can’t play in the league? It’s pretty self explanatory that women can’t play in the NBA.

 

[dukephysics]

Every single job has requirements that people have to meet to work for them. The NBA has a requirement come into their league. You’re using examples that are completely different. Based on what you’re saying a 50 year old should be able to sue the NBA for not giving him a shot because he’s old. Or a player should sue because the team said he’s not athletic enough to play. What about the jobs that require years of experience as a requirement? I guess women might as well sue because the NBA won’t pick them up. Would it make you feel better if they didn’t actually say that 18 year olds can’t play in the league? It’s pretty self explanatory that women can’t play in the NBA.

You realize that if a woman were skilled enough to play in the NBA, she could, right? The NBA has already gone through this with officials and coaches. The PGA has dealt with this. Even the NFL (football, a sport women don't typically play) has female officials.
Every single job does have requirements - and age cannot be one. (unless it is 18 as an adult, or sometimes 16 when legally 16 year olds are more like "adults") 50 year olds can't play in the NBA, not because they are 50, but because they are not good enough. Last I checked, the NBA (and all other leagues) have no upper age limit. I can name 2 guys on Duke's team that are around 18 that would be fine in the NBA.
I'm done arguing with you on this. You've still not named one private company (outside of professional sports) that can choose to not hire someone based on age and it is ok.
Tell you what, when you start a company, advertise that you are hiring physicists. Then send me a certified letter (I'll pay the postage plus $20 for your trouble) saying that I need not apply because you won't be hiring straight, white, middle-aged physicists for the position. You'll make the news - I'll make sure of it.

 

[dachampishere2]

You realize that if a woman were skilled enough to play in the NBA, she could, right? The NBA has already gone through this with officials and coaches. The PGA has dealt with this. Even the NFL (football, a sport women don't typically play) has female officials.
Every single job does have requirements - and age cannot be one. (unless it is 18 as an adult, or sometimes 16 when legally 16 year olds are more like "adults") 50 year olds can't play in the NBA, not because they are 50, but because they are not good enough. Last I checked, the NBA (and all other leagues) have no upper age limit. I can name 2 guys on Duke's team that are around 18 that would be fine in the NBA.
I'm done arguing with you on this. You've still not named one private company (outside of professional sports) that can choose to not hire someone based on age and it is ok.
Tell you what, when you start a company, advertise that you are hiring physicists. Then send me a certified letter (I'll pay the postage plus $20 for your trouble) saying that I need not apply because you won't be hiring straight, white, middle-aged physicists for the position. You'll make the news - I'll make sure of it.

You made my point and don’t even know it. Sports are different! It’s not your regular job. For some reason you don’t get that. They don’t believe a player fresh out of high school is prepared enough to play against men. You brought age into this. I said two years out of high school. You’re bringing up race, sexual orientation and gender. Has nothing to do with this at all smh

 

[sheyduke]

When it comes to sports it’s also unionized unlike most jobs. The sports programs/companies have to do a lot in terms of being able to keep up with the players union. I would go as much to say it’s all on the companies some of the blame lies with the players unions.

 

[jwill133]

Don't believe the rules will ever be like this, it just sounds wrong, but what if it became must be 2 years removed from High-School before entering the NBA, as in strictly 2-and-done?? We get 2 years of guys like Tatum, then sprinkle those guys in with a few stud freshman each year, who then become stud sophomores.
Do we win the title every single year? Why aren't we petitioning for this to happen?

 

[DukeJim99]

From a fan's perspective, I absolutely love this idea. And I do think that most players, college basketball, and the NBA, would all be better off if this rule was in place.

From a right/wrong perspective, though, I don't think it's right for the NBA (or the NFL) to tell an 18 year old that they need not apply. It's simply not up to us, the fans, or the NBA, or the NFL, to decide what's best for an adult. I think it violates antitrust laws for all NBA or all NFL teams to decide not to draft 18 year old. Certainly, for example, the Celtics could decide they don't want to risk a high draft pick on a high school kid. Nothing illegal there. But for all NBA teams to agree that none of them will draft a high school kid? To me that's an antitrust violation.

A district court judge issued such a ruling in the Maurice Clarett case, ruling it was clearly an antitrust violation for the NFL to exclude Clarett from its draft.

The three court of appeals judges in the Clarett case, including current SCOTUS Sotamayer, disagreed. They overturned the district court judge's decision, ruling that because the NFL's entry rules were the product of labor negotiations with the players' union, they were not subject to normal antitrust arguments, dismissing Maurice's complaint. I didn't read the briefs or the entirety of their decision, and I'm no labor law expert, so maybe they're right. But my gut tells me this is an antitrust violation.

Edit: As to the point about the president needing to be 35 - that's irrelevant. The day there's a constitutional amendment that specifically says kids must be 20 to enter the NBA draft, then the analogy works. Until then, irrelevant.

 

[dachampishere2]

Don't believe the rules will ever be like this, it just sounds wrong, but what if it became must be 2 years removed from High-School before entering the NBA, as in strictly 2-and-done?? We get 2 years of guys like Tatum, then sprinkle those guys in with a few stud freshman each year, who then become stud sophomores.
Do we win the title every single year? Why aren't we petitioning for this to happen?

I say two and done. either you go to college for 2 years or across seas. you can't really judge a player off him playing kids that he's just bigger and more skilled than. he needs to prove himself against men before i put my franchise in his hands. only reason i take that position is because of the lack of coaching in high school and AAU, these days, which makes these players less prepared than a Kobe or LeBron were.

 

[dachampishere2]

From a fan's perspective, I absolutely love this idea. And I do think that most players, college basketball, and the NBA, would all be better off if this rule was in place.

From a right/wrong perspective, though, I don't think it's right for the NBA (or the NFL) to tell an 18 year old that they need not apply. It's simply not up to us, the fans, or the NBA, or the NFL, to decide what's best for an adult. I think it violates antitrust laws for all NBA or all NFL teams to decide not to draft 18 year old. Certainly, for example, the Celtics could decide they don't want to risk a high draft pick on a high school kid. Nothing illegal there. But for all NBA teams to agree that none of them will draft a high school kid? To me that's an antitrust violation.

A district court judge issued such a ruling in the Maurice Clarett case, ruling it was clearly an antitrust violation for the NFL to exclude Clarett from its draft.

The three court of appeals judges in the Clarett case, including current SCOTUS Sotamayer, disagreed. They overturned the district court judge's decision, ruling that because the NFL's entry rules were the product of labor negotiations with the players' union, they were not subject to normal antitrust arguments, dismissing Maurice's complaint. I didn't read the briefs or the entirety of their decision, and I'm no labor law expert, so maybe they're right. But my gut tells me this is an antitrust violation.

Edit: As to the point about the president needing to be 35 - that's irrelevant. The day there's a constitutional amendment that specifically says kids must be 20 to enter the NBA draft, then the analogy works. Until then, irrelevant.

it's not necessarily an age thing. it's a year removed from high school. it's either/or. the NBA feel that kids aren't prepared for the rigors of an NBA season coming directly out of high school. Half of them find college to be challenging and that's only 30 games playing against a majority that won't sniff the NBA

 

[jwill133]

I say two and done. either you go to college for 2 years or across seas. you can't really judge a player off him playing kids that he's just bigger and more skilled than. he needs to prove himself against men before i put my franchise in his hands. only reason i take that position is because of the lack of coaching in high school and AAU, these days, which makes these players less prepared than a Kobe or LeBron were.

While this would be in Duke's best interest (we would get the best players and have them for 2 years, sign me up!) this would never happen. There is no way a rule will pass that forces kids to be 2 years removed from High School, just isn't right. Imagine Lebron having to wait 2 years out of High School to get to the NBA.

Honestly, I believe that guys are more prepared than ever for the next-level. 10 years ago, if you take the 10 best players in college basketball, maybe 1 would be a freshman (KD, Beasley, Blake Griffin, etc. each year).
Take this year, I'd say at least 5 of the 10 best players are freshman. (Bagley, Young, Ayton, Sexton) Porter JR would be there too but he is injured.
Freshman are just better now than they were in the past. Now, are they as physical, as prepared to play high-level defense?? Great questions, but just in terms of preparation, guys are better now than ever.

 

[DukeJim99]

it's not necessarily an age thing. it's a year removed from high school. it's either/or. the NBA feel that kids aren't prepared for the rigors of an NBA season coming directly out of high school. Half of them find college to be challenging and that's only 30 games playing against a majority that won't sniff the NBA

Not really the point of my post, but OK.

But let's try to follow this alleged "logic" of the NBA. So, let's say Bagley had finished high school and decided not to go to Duke. Instead, he sat on his couch and played video games for twelve months. Then he declares for the draft. The NBA lets him in the draft, of course, and someone drafts him. How is he any more prepared after that 12 months than he would have been when he left high school?

The NBA likes this rule because college ball is like a free minor league system for them where the top kids get excellent coaching and play better competition than they did in high school and AAU. And, they waste less money on 18 year old kids who flame out because they get an extra year of scouting kids before those kids are in the draft. The NBA is not being altruistic here. Not that that should come as a surprise to anyone.

Again, I would love it if two and out was the rule (with or without the option of going straight out of high school). From a fan's perspective that improves both the college game and the NBA game. But I'm just not a huge proponent of limiting the rights of adults to make money in their chosen fields.

 

[dachampishere2]

While this would be in Duke's best interest (we would get the best players and have them for 2 years, sign me up!) this would never happen. There is no way a rule will pass that forces kids to be 2 years removed from High School, just isn't right. Imagine Lebron having to wait 2 years out of High School to get to the NBA.

Honestly, I believe that guys are more prepared than ever for the next-level. 10 years ago, if you take the 10 best players in college basketball, maybe 1 would be a freshman (KD, Beasley, Blake Griffin, etc. each year).
Take this year, I'd say at least 5 of the 10 best players are freshman. (Bagley, Young, Ayton, Sexton) Porter JR would be there too but he is injured.
Freshman are just better now than they were in the past. Now, are they as physical, as prepared to play high-level defense?? Great questions, but just in terms of preparation, guys are better now than ever.

I wouldn't say they're better. Because when majority of them get to the league they don't do much to back up all of the hype. All 5 of those freshmen you named will be maybe 12 point scorers and role players at best in the league next year. you might get one that actually stand out on a consistent basis. we all know the big men will struggle out the gates. that's pretty much a done deal. big men take even longer to get comfortable in the pros than they do in college because the physicality is on another level. defense is very important in the NBA. they won't play you much if you can't defend or understand rotations. I love bagley but next year he will probably be a 12 and 6 guy. that's pretty good but that's not gon help the terrible team he will play for any better.

the reason more freshmen are the best now is because the freshmen from the year before are gone. if they stay then maybe one of these freshmen would be top 10. just imagine if we had tatum and a healthy giles this year. bagley would probably be a 10 and 10 player but jayson tatum would be the superstar in college basketball

 

[dachampishere2]

Not really the point of my post, but OK.

But let's try to follow this alleged "logic" of the NBA. So, let's say Bagley had finished high school and decided not to go to Duke. Instead, he sat on his couch and played video games for twelve months. Then he declares for the draft. The NBA lets him in the draft, of course, and someone drafts him. How is he any more prepared after that 12 months than he would have been when he left high school?

The NBA likes this rule because college ball is like a free minor league system for them where the top kids get excellent coaching and play better competition than they did in high school and AAU. And, they waste less money on 18 year old kids who flame out because they get an extra year of scouting kids before those kids are in the draft. The NBA is not being altruistic here. Not that that should come as a surprise to anyone.

Again, I would love it if two and out was the rule (with or without the option of going straight out of high school). From a fan's perspective that improves both the college game and the NBA game. But I'm just not a huge proponent of limiting the rights of adults to make money in their chosen fields.

you keep bringing up age which is why i said what i said. when you say adults you are talking age. like i said before it's no different from a company having on their app "must have 2-3 years of experience". this is the elite of the elite so there should be some kind of requirement to get in. being good in high school and making 18 isn't enough. you might be adult age at 18 but you are still and immature kid at the end of the day. I need to see you against other potential pros and see what you can do.