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Much has been discussed lately regarding whether or not the NBA should institute a minimum age requirement of 20 for NBA employment. As it stands now, the only requirement for U.S. players is that they must have graduated from high school before they can be drafted (there is no age minimum). Foreign players, however, must be 18 years of age prior to the draft. In fact, just this past February, the league and the players’ union actually relaxed the eligibility requirement for foreign teens; as a result, the Detroit Pistons’ very own Darko Milicic, who literally turned 18 just days prior to the draft, is a living example of how today’s system works.
The debate, however, continues on. At the very top, NBA Commissioner David Stern is seeking to alter the age minimum to 20 for all NBA players. His reasons certainly appear valid and sincere enough. According to Stern, “It’s really about… those preteens who think that the road to the NBA is a road to riches, and a certainty, when in fact it may be the least certain thing in their lives.”
Although on the surface it appears that Stern and his NBA rule makers want the public to know they feel morally obligated to deter youngsters from disregarding college altogether and jumping directly into the big league, the fact is that this issue is not receiving much support or enthusiasm for that matter. Stern himself was recently quoted to say, “I’m losing steam on it. I really do believe it would be a good thing to send a message to youngsters that they should really plan to do something with their life other than basketball between the ages of 18 and 20…I wouldn’t mind standing for the ‘right thing’ but it just doesn’t look like it’s going any place.”
Those in favor of the current system argue that if a player is extraordinarily talented enough to make the draft at age 18, why deny him the opportunity? After all, not every person is suited for college life and certainly no one knows what each human’s future holds (injuries, disease, etc.). Further, some players develop more quickly than others. But the fact is that—for the most part—it is almost unheard of that an 18-year-old player, coming straight from high school, can perform immediately at a superstar level in the NBA.
No discussion on a NBA age restriction would be complete without mention of the almighty dollar. After all, that’s the bottom line, isn’t it? Even though the earnings of top young players are restricted in their first four years, those players lucky enough to be top draft picks will realize millions of dollars more by skipping the college gig and heading straight to the pro’s. Case in point? LeBron James, the incredibly hyped 18-year-old (Number One) draft pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. Did he do the right thing by forgoing a college education? Barring unforeseen injury or disease, it is estimated (by those number counting gurus who figure out this kind of stuff) that he will earn about $70 million more in his lifetime career by not attending a four-year college, versus ONLY $35 million if he had played college hoops until age 20.
So does it really boil down to money? When Nike offers a high school graduate an unbelievable $90 million shoe contract, who are we to argue that the kid made the wrong choice? Our society is inundated with paradigms for the power of the dollar (“Show me the money!”) and one has to admit it would be almost impossible to turn down a lucrative deal when handed on a silver NBA-laced platter. Then too, what about young athletes who excel in other sports? Think about the young tennis players and gymnasts—how many actually attended colleges? In some respects, you’ve got to get it while you can—while you’re young and healthy.
Conversely, forcing an 18-year-old to wait just two more years would undoubtedly add valuable maturity (both physical and mental) to any player. It cannot be argued that the average 20-year old basketball player will indeed be stronger and much more skilled than an 18-year-old hopeful. But what about those few who are far beyond average? Is it right to deny the truly exceptional the chance to hit the big time earlier than most?
For now, the tide has given way to a “freshman” NBA class of very tall and very talented rookies. Expect to see arena stores filled with Lebron, Darko and Carmelo jerseys. Once the season starts, unless these three are tremendous “thuds” in the NBA, the age issue will simply simmer gently on the back burner until next season. Depending on how these young players perform and contribute to their respective teams, time will tell whether the current 18-year-old age minimum is a valid one.
Want to be a guest columnist for Pistons.com? Discuss your opinion on the current age requirement of the NBA and send to feedback@palacenet.com.
The debate, however, continues on. At the very top, NBA Commissioner David Stern is seeking to alter the age minimum to 20 for all NBA players. His reasons certainly appear valid and sincere enough. According to Stern, “It’s really about… those preteens who think that the road to the NBA is a road to riches, and a certainty, when in fact it may be the least certain thing in their lives.”
Although on the surface it appears that Stern and his NBA rule makers want the public to know they feel morally obligated to deter youngsters from disregarding college altogether and jumping directly into the big league, the fact is that this issue is not receiving much support or enthusiasm for that matter. Stern himself was recently quoted to say, “I’m losing steam on it. I really do believe it would be a good thing to send a message to youngsters that they should really plan to do something with their life other than basketball between the ages of 18 and 20…I wouldn’t mind standing for the ‘right thing’ but it just doesn’t look like it’s going any place.”
Those in favor of the current system argue that if a player is extraordinarily talented enough to make the draft at age 18, why deny him the opportunity? After all, not every person is suited for college life and certainly no one knows what each human’s future holds (injuries, disease, etc.). Further, some players develop more quickly than others. But the fact is that—for the most part—it is almost unheard of that an 18-year-old player, coming straight from high school, can perform immediately at a superstar level in the NBA.
 The combined age of Carmelo Anthony (19) and LeBron James (18) is younger than many NBA veterans. Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images |
So does it really boil down to money? When Nike offers a high school graduate an unbelievable $90 million shoe contract, who are we to argue that the kid made the wrong choice? Our society is inundated with paradigms for the power of the dollar (“Show me the money!”) and one has to admit it would be almost impossible to turn down a lucrative deal when handed on a silver NBA-laced platter. Then too, what about young athletes who excel in other sports? Think about the young tennis players and gymnasts—how many actually attended colleges? In some respects, you’ve got to get it while you can—while you’re young and healthy.
Conversely, forcing an 18-year-old to wait just two more years would undoubtedly add valuable maturity (both physical and mental) to any player. It cannot be argued that the average 20-year old basketball player will indeed be stronger and much more skilled than an 18-year-old hopeful. But what about those few who are far beyond average? Is it right to deny the truly exceptional the chance to hit the big time earlier than most?
For now, the tide has given way to a “freshman” NBA class of very tall and very talented rookies. Expect to see arena stores filled with Lebron, Darko and Carmelo jerseys. Once the season starts, unless these three are tremendous “thuds” in the NBA, the age issue will simply simmer gently on the back burner until next season. Depending on how these young players perform and contribute to their respective teams, time will tell whether the current 18-year-old age minimum is a valid one.
Want to be a guest columnist for Pistons.com? Discuss your opinion on the current age requirement of the NBA and send to feedback@palacenet.com.
