An accusation of racism by Jermaine O'Neal being the root cause of the age limit proposition is the fuel by which the renewed debate over minimum age for the NBA burns. While I, and most sensible basketball fans, disagree with such a notion, the thought of such a limit is irrational and absurd. The many ways in which this limit would weaken all aspects of the game of basketball is proof enough, if the ways it would hurt the players and the fans aren't.
In its purest form, this is really a debate about opportunity. In my opinion, delaying a prodigy's ability to make a living in his field of excellence two years later than he would normally be able to is ridiculous and unconstitutional. The belief that a minimum age rule would help improve a supposedly low-quality college game is equally ridiculous. If the NBA were to institute an age limit of 20, what's to stop high school prodigies from going across the Atlantic to European teams that will happily pay them for two years? Having America's finest preps in Europe won't help the college game any. It's nearly as idiotic to suggest that forcing them to go to college will improve their games and create a more talented player went they arrive in the NBA. If you're good enough to make an NBA roster, then 10 minutes in a professional game and the benefit of practicing day in and day out with highly-skilled NBA players will do you much more good than dominating at the college level. If Albert Einstein was bored in school because he was too advanced for his peers, isn't it reasonable to assume that LeBron James would also be bored going head-to-head with players far below his talent level?
An age limit would also have a difficult time standing up legally. "If you try to put an age limit on when someone can play pro sports, somebody always is going to challenge it," 19-year-old Chris Bosh said. "You'll be in court all the time." If the rule David Stern would like introduce were in effect, Bosh would still be at Georgia Tech. Recent developments in the Clarett case have proved as much, as the NFL bylaw stating that a player must be three years removed from high school was ignored while a judge ruled that Clarett, who played one collegiate year, is eligible for the April draft. Stern will have a difficult time upholding such a rule, especially without the support of the players, the union, and many powerful owners and managerial figures.
Speaking of Stern, his logic behind his push for an age limit is illogical at best. Stern said last week, "I just feel a little diminished focusing on kids who are 10 or 11 years old, and who are thinking they're going to be the next Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James. I think it's better for them to stay in school." Apparently the man who also said, "We could put an all-star team together with our young players," would like to keep those young players from coming to the league before 20. If that makes any sense to you, feel free to contact me. I have a difficult time seeing Stern saying such things a few years back while he was relying on Michael Jordan, who made an early departure from college himself, to popularize the league.
Amare Stoudemire. LeBron James. Those are the names of the past two rookies of the year, both skipped college for the pros. Add to those two the names of Jermaine O'Neal, Rashard Lewis, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and Kevin Garnett. Those are the names of the seven players without college experience who played in this year's all-star game. The preps-to-pros stars are very successful. If they are capable of handling the NBA, why not let them? As Jermaine O'Neal said, "To say you have to be 20, 21 to get in the league, it's unconstitutional. If I can go to the U.S. Army and fight the war at 18, why can't you play basketball for 48 minutes?"
So how do you make kids go to college, make the college and NBA games more talented, and keep those 18-20 year olds from going to Europe? The real answer is simple. Collegiate athletes should be allowed to receive some kind of payment while in school. The reason many high school athletes go straight to the pros is the risk of injury while playing payless college ball. In this scenario, everyone wins. The players get the money, the NBA gets players who are ready, the NCAA can keep talented players for longer periods of time, and the fans aren't deprived of seeing the prodigies in the pros straight out of high school.
However, Stern continues to insist upon an age limit that would be detrimental to every facet of basketball, save the NCAA, and only to a minimal extent there. The reality of the situation is, it is wrong to bar a teenage phenomenon from playing professional basketball simply because a commissioner holds the opinion that "it's better for them to stay in school." Opinion is opinion, and fact is fact. And the fact of the matter is, no adult should be denied the right to earn a living, and the fans of an entertainment franchise should not be denied the right to see him do it. Age should be no limit.
In its purest form, this is really a debate about opportunity. In my opinion, delaying a prodigy's ability to make a living in his field of excellence two years later than he would normally be able to is ridiculous and unconstitutional. The belief that a minimum age rule would help improve a supposedly low-quality college game is equally ridiculous. If the NBA were to institute an age limit of 20, what's to stop high school prodigies from going across the Atlantic to European teams that will happily pay them for two years? Having America's finest preps in Europe won't help the college game any. It's nearly as idiotic to suggest that forcing them to go to college will improve their games and create a more talented player went they arrive in the NBA. If you're good enough to make an NBA roster, then 10 minutes in a professional game and the benefit of practicing day in and day out with highly-skilled NBA players will do you much more good than dominating at the college level. If Albert Einstein was bored in school because he was too advanced for his peers, isn't it reasonable to assume that LeBron James would also be bored going head-to-head with players far below his talent level?
An age limit would also have a difficult time standing up legally. "If you try to put an age limit on when someone can play pro sports, somebody always is going to challenge it," 19-year-old Chris Bosh said. "You'll be in court all the time." If the rule David Stern would like introduce were in effect, Bosh would still be at Georgia Tech. Recent developments in the Clarett case have proved as much, as the NFL bylaw stating that a player must be three years removed from high school was ignored while a judge ruled that Clarett, who played one collegiate year, is eligible for the April draft. Stern will have a difficult time upholding such a rule, especially without the support of the players, the union, and many powerful owners and managerial figures.
Speaking of Stern, his logic behind his push for an age limit is illogical at best. Stern said last week, "I just feel a little diminished focusing on kids who are 10 or 11 years old, and who are thinking they're going to be the next Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James. I think it's better for them to stay in school." Apparently the man who also said, "We could put an all-star team together with our young players," would like to keep those young players from coming to the league before 20. If that makes any sense to you, feel free to contact me. I have a difficult time seeing Stern saying such things a few years back while he was relying on Michael Jordan, who made an early departure from college himself, to popularize the league.
Amare Stoudemire. LeBron James. Those are the names of the past two rookies of the year, both skipped college for the pros. Add to those two the names of Jermaine O'Neal, Rashard Lewis, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and Kevin Garnett. Those are the names of the seven players without college experience who played in this year's all-star game. The preps-to-pros stars are very successful. If they are capable of handling the NBA, why not let them? As Jermaine O'Neal said, "To say you have to be 20, 21 to get in the league, it's unconstitutional. If I can go to the U.S. Army and fight the war at 18, why can't you play basketball for 48 minutes?"
So how do you make kids go to college, make the college and NBA games more talented, and keep those 18-20 year olds from going to Europe? The real answer is simple. Collegiate athletes should be allowed to receive some kind of payment while in school. The reason many high school athletes go straight to the pros is the risk of injury while playing payless college ball. In this scenario, everyone wins. The players get the money, the NBA gets players who are ready, the NCAA can keep talented players for longer periods of time, and the fans aren't deprived of seeing the prodigies in the pros straight out of high school.
However, Stern continues to insist upon an age limit that would be detrimental to every facet of basketball, save the NCAA, and only to a minimal extent there. The reality of the situation is, it is wrong to bar a teenage phenomenon from playing professional basketball simply because a commissioner holds the opinion that "it's better for them to stay in school." Opinion is opinion, and fact is fact. And the fact of the matter is, no adult should be denied the right to earn a living, and the fans of an entertainment franchise should not be denied the right to see him do it. Age should be no limit.
The season's end brings a lot of things in the NBA. Playoffs for those who have made it, blame games and early off season work for those who haven't, and of course, awards on the year. Perhaps one of the most debated awards in recent history is the Rookie of the Year honor. Yao v. Stoudemire. Lebron v. Carmelo. If there ever was a year to award co-ROYs, it may be between ex-UConn teammates Ben Gordon and Emeka Okafor this year. That scenario seems improbable, however, so let the debate begin.
Emeka plays for the Charlotte Bobcats, the expansion franchise playing its inaugural season. Being the cornerstone of a new team, Okafor has almost single-handedly brought his team 15 wins, and there's 12 games left to improve upon that total. It should be noted that that total may have been higher if not for a sprained left ankle earlier this year. It also should be noted that by almost single-handedly I mean the starting lineup also includes: Gerald Wallace, Primoz Brizec, Brevin Knight, and Keith Bogans. Nothing against those guys, but their average minutes jumped from 14 last season to 28.6 this season. That says something about the quality of help Emeka has had getting the Bobcats to where they are now. He has shown a willingness to play hurt and the ability to lead.
Emeka's stat column includes 14.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. Okafor averages a double-double in a league where only 10 other players do. On the Charlotte Bobcats, he is the man other teams prepare for. He gets the defensive attention of other teams. He ranks 5th in the NBA in rebounds per game, 3rd in offensive rebounds per game, and 6th in double-doubles. Among other rookies, he ranks 2nd in points per game and 1st in rebounds per game. There isn't much more you can ask for from a rookie in his situation.
How does his competition stack up in these aspects of the game? Gordon has a 0.4 edge in the points per game category, but he has that edge while taking more shots than Emeka. Gordon supporters will have you believe he does more with less time, but Ben is 3rd in the NBA is field goals attempted per 48 minutes. He is also 5th in the NBA in turnovers per 48 minutes. And in comparing the two, you must also compare their situations. While the Bulls may have a significant advantage in the standings, it must also be noted that they have an equally significant advantage in personnel. How well do you know the players I listed above? How much would you expect a team consisting of those players and a smattering of no-names? How much would you expect from a team featuring the following players in addition to Gordon: Antonio Davis, Othella Harrington, Kirk Hinrich, Chris Duhon, Tyson Chandler, Luol Deng, and Andres Nocioni? With those names in mind, do you feel Ben Gordon is the cause of Chicago's success?
Emeka was essentially thrown into a bad situation in Charlotte, and yet he has lead his team to a decent opening season, through injury, criticism, and the difficulties of learning the NBA game. Gordon was selected by a team on the rise, and granted, he has achieved a lot as a rookie. He is certainly deserving of the Sixth Man of the Year award. However, Emeka's incredible success both as a leader and in the box score as a rookie on a sub par team establishes Okafor as the 2005 Rookie of the Year.
Emeka plays for the Charlotte Bobcats, the expansion franchise playing its inaugural season. Being the cornerstone of a new team, Okafor has almost single-handedly brought his team 15 wins, and there's 12 games left to improve upon that total. It should be noted that that total may have been higher if not for a sprained left ankle earlier this year. It also should be noted that by almost single-handedly I mean the starting lineup also includes: Gerald Wallace, Primoz Brizec, Brevin Knight, and Keith Bogans. Nothing against those guys, but their average minutes jumped from 14 last season to 28.6 this season. That says something about the quality of help Emeka has had getting the Bobcats to where they are now. He has shown a willingness to play hurt and the ability to lead.
Emeka's stat column includes 14.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. Okafor averages a double-double in a league where only 10 other players do. On the Charlotte Bobcats, he is the man other teams prepare for. He gets the defensive attention of other teams. He ranks 5th in the NBA in rebounds per game, 3rd in offensive rebounds per game, and 6th in double-doubles. Among other rookies, he ranks 2nd in points per game and 1st in rebounds per game. There isn't much more you can ask for from a rookie in his situation.
How does his competition stack up in these aspects of the game? Gordon has a 0.4 edge in the points per game category, but he has that edge while taking more shots than Emeka. Gordon supporters will have you believe he does more with less time, but Ben is 3rd in the NBA is field goals attempted per 48 minutes. He is also 5th in the NBA in turnovers per 48 minutes. And in comparing the two, you must also compare their situations. While the Bulls may have a significant advantage in the standings, it must also be noted that they have an equally significant advantage in personnel. How well do you know the players I listed above? How much would you expect a team consisting of those players and a smattering of no-names? How much would you expect from a team featuring the following players in addition to Gordon: Antonio Davis, Othella Harrington, Kirk Hinrich, Chris Duhon, Tyson Chandler, Luol Deng, and Andres Nocioni? With those names in mind, do you feel Ben Gordon is the cause of Chicago's success?
Emeka was essentially thrown into a bad situation in Charlotte, and yet he has lead his team to a decent opening season, through injury, criticism, and the difficulties of learning the NBA game. Gordon was selected by a team on the rise, and granted, he has achieved a lot as a rookie. He is certainly deserving of the Sixth Man of the Year award. However, Emeka's incredible success both as a leader and in the box score as a rookie on a sub par team establishes Okafor as the 2005 Rookie of the Year.
Power Rankings - April 1st, 2005
0 Comments Published by Ian MacLean on Friday, April 01, 2005 at 8:09 PM.
1. Spurs
They've won 3 in a row without Duncan, but he isn't expected back until very late in the regular season. That mars the projected championship run.
2. Suns
The Suns have won 7 of their last 8, and their only loss was to the Heat. (The score was 125-115)
3. Heat
They're playing .500 ball as of late, and the recent schedule features loss to Charlotte and Houston.
4. Supersonics
Last 3 games include 2 losses a 3-point victory at Memphis, but Seattle should feel safe 10 games ahead of Nuggets.
5. Mavericks
The Mavs are winners of 9 of their last 11, including wins over Detroit and Boston.
6. Pistons
Weak bench play and uncharacteristic defense are worry areas heading into postseason play.
7. Rockets
They've won 5 of their last 6, but that includes a 13-point loss to the Duncan-less Spurs.
8. Nuggets
They're 11-2 in March, but those two losses came against Phoenix, a possible first round opponent.
9. Bulls
Chicago has won 7 straight and they're putting the pressure on the Pistons for the Central Division crown.
10. Wizards
Finally broke out of the .500 ball funk and won 3 straight, even without Jamison.
11. Celtics
Clearly playing below their talent level, Boston has lost 4 straight.
12. Grizzlies
Currently playing the game of 7th-spot tug-of-war with the Nuggets, the Grizzlies have lost 3 in a row.
13. Kings
Only playing decent ball as of late, but it should be noted that they've now taken the Sixers down twice.
14. Timberwolves
Winners of 4 straight, they're not dead yet, but they will be without some Grizzlies/Nuggets losses.
15. Pacers
Indiana has won 3 of their last 4 and snuck into the 7th spot. They will likely stay there, and tackle the Pistons in the first round.
16. 76ers
There are still a few tough games on the schedule, Webber is down, and Orlando is only one game behind.
17. Nets
They won't make the playoffs this season, but to their credit, they did manage to hold a winning record after the loss of Jefferson.
18. Cavaliers
They're struggling lately, but if they can pull all the loose end together, they may be able to make it to the conference semi-finals.
19. Clippers
The Clippers are wrapping up yet another disappointing season. They desperately need Shaun Livingston.
20. Warriors
No playoffs this year, but the situation in Golden State has looked up since the acquisition of Baron.
21. Magic
Hill came back and is averaging 19.4 points, but the Magic are 6-10 since Hill returned to the All-Star Game.
22. Lakers
There may have been a shred of playoff hope, until Odom injured his shoulder. That should silence any hope.
23. Knicks
The definition of disappointment. Being in New York, it is disappointment in the national spotlight.
24. Raptors
Goodbye Vince. Hello rebuilding.
25. Bobcats
Delivered defeats to Miami and Sacramento in March, and could see 20 wins in inaugural season. Not bad.
26. Bucks
The season might as well be over. All concentration is now focused on keeping Redd.
27. Jazz
Miserable year for Utah will likely end miserably with the remaining schedule featuring Dallas, San Antonio, and Sacramento.
28. Hornets
A high pick and few free agents could make this team Western Conference ready.
29. Trailblazers
With two of their last six road games against Utah and New Orleans, they may yet get that elusive second western conference road win
30. Hawks
Similarly, could a back-to-back featuring Charlotte be the Hawks first 2-game winning streak this year?
They've won 3 in a row without Duncan, but he isn't expected back until very late in the regular season. That mars the projected championship run.
2. Suns
The Suns have won 7 of their last 8, and their only loss was to the Heat. (The score was 125-115)
3. Heat
They're playing .500 ball as of late, and the recent schedule features loss to Charlotte and Houston.
4. Supersonics
Last 3 games include 2 losses a 3-point victory at Memphis, but Seattle should feel safe 10 games ahead of Nuggets.
5. Mavericks
The Mavs are winners of 9 of their last 11, including wins over Detroit and Boston.
6. Pistons
Weak bench play and uncharacteristic defense are worry areas heading into postseason play.
7. Rockets
They've won 5 of their last 6, but that includes a 13-point loss to the Duncan-less Spurs.
8. Nuggets
They're 11-2 in March, but those two losses came against Phoenix, a possible first round opponent.
9. Bulls
Chicago has won 7 straight and they're putting the pressure on the Pistons for the Central Division crown.
10. Wizards
Finally broke out of the .500 ball funk and won 3 straight, even without Jamison.
11. Celtics
Clearly playing below their talent level, Boston has lost 4 straight.
12. Grizzlies
Currently playing the game of 7th-spot tug-of-war with the Nuggets, the Grizzlies have lost 3 in a row.
13. Kings
Only playing decent ball as of late, but it should be noted that they've now taken the Sixers down twice.
14. Timberwolves
Winners of 4 straight, they're not dead yet, but they will be without some Grizzlies/Nuggets losses.
15. Pacers
Indiana has won 3 of their last 4 and snuck into the 7th spot. They will likely stay there, and tackle the Pistons in the first round.
16. 76ers
There are still a few tough games on the schedule, Webber is down, and Orlando is only one game behind.
17. Nets
They won't make the playoffs this season, but to their credit, they did manage to hold a winning record after the loss of Jefferson.
18. Cavaliers
They're struggling lately, but if they can pull all the loose end together, they may be able to make it to the conference semi-finals.
19. Clippers
The Clippers are wrapping up yet another disappointing season. They desperately need Shaun Livingston.
20. Warriors
No playoffs this year, but the situation in Golden State has looked up since the acquisition of Baron.
21. Magic
Hill came back and is averaging 19.4 points, but the Magic are 6-10 since Hill returned to the All-Star Game.
22. Lakers
There may have been a shred of playoff hope, until Odom injured his shoulder. That should silence any hope.
23. Knicks
The definition of disappointment. Being in New York, it is disappointment in the national spotlight.
24. Raptors
Goodbye Vince. Hello rebuilding.
25. Bobcats
Delivered defeats to Miami and Sacramento in March, and could see 20 wins in inaugural season. Not bad.
26. Bucks
The season might as well be over. All concentration is now focused on keeping Redd.
27. Jazz
Miserable year for Utah will likely end miserably with the remaining schedule featuring Dallas, San Antonio, and Sacramento.
28. Hornets
A high pick and few free agents could make this team Western Conference ready.
29. Trailblazers
With two of their last six road games against Utah and New Orleans, they may yet get that elusive second western conference road win
30. Hawks
Similarly, could a back-to-back featuring Charlotte be the Hawks first 2-game winning streak this year?
