Since taking the helm as NBA commissioner in 2014, Adam Silver hasn’t shied away from implementing significant changes when deemed necessary.
Most recently, he has zeroed in on eliminating the “one-and-done” rule, which prohibits prospective players from directly entering the league after graduating high school.
Such a change has been speculated for months, though an official ruling may not come into fruition until the 2020 NBA Draft at the earliest, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
The NBA and National Basketball Players Association’s conversations on eliminating the one-and-done entry rule have centered on lowering the minimum age requirement no sooner than the 2020 draft, league sources told ESPN.
The “one-and-done” rule was applied by previous commissioner David Stern in 2006. That was despite the instant success of Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard and LeBron James, among others, who thrived without playing collegiately.
As it currently stands, high school players have the option of immediately entering the G League, rather than college basketball. But most high-profile prospects have been hesitant to go down that path, given the uncertainties of foregoing an education.
Silver eventually paving a way for 18 year olds to immediately enter the NBA stands to benefit all parties involved. For one, it would allow players to earn a respectable salary right away.
Not only that, but the raw talent level in the NBA will rise as a result. Players that struggle initially will also have the G League available to them.
Furthermore, the G League will expand to 27 teams next season. An increased player pool will only make the NBA’s equivalent to a Minor League organization more credible and competitive.