They're beyond reach now. The Detroit Pistons are off to the fastest start in team history and hold the best record in the league at 28-5. Outside of temporary lapses in defense and rebounding, Detroit is performing flawlessly and they show no signs of slowing down. With this success, many games have developed into bench showcases. The habitually censured bench has evolved and at times impressed, however, one setback remains the topic of controversy. With the second overall pick in the 2003 draft, the Pistons selected Darko Milicic, the 18-year-old Serbian phenom. His career has been anything but phenomenal. The excuses are plentiful, but their legitimacy is laughable.
Before we delve into the world of ridiculous justifications, let's first summarize the situation and play the blame game. Two years of playing under Larry Brown, with the occasional almost-break-out game scattered amongst the multitudes of one and two minute appearances. The embarrassing moments were taken with the flashes of progress. No one expected production from the end of the bench. Fast forward to the summer of 2005, where Darko was expected to vacate the role of "the Human Victory Cigar" and make strides towards becoming the contributing power forward he was drafted to become. Nothing of the sort occurred. After a fairly impressive preseason, Milicic descended into his familiar style of unconfident and soft play. Quickly losing his position in the rotation, Darko played a particularly unenthusiastic nine minutes against the Chicago Bulls and landed himself in his all too recognizable position at the end of the bench. Milicic lost his right to minutes due to uninspiring and indolent play, and as Flip works Dale Davis into his role, the fans in Motown are bewildered by the same question. What's wrong with Darko?
Those who have already passed judgment on the situation are asking who's to blame in between their perpetual frustration. Darko has been called "Joe Dumars's only mistake." Nothing could be further from the truth. It is common knowledge that Joe Dumars is a mastermind and the outstanding trades and signings he has accomplished are evidence of that. If you were at all interested in the 2003 NBA Draft, you are already well versed in the hype. They said he's the next aggressive and creative scorer from Europe. One scout said, "He dunks in traffic, dribbles and goes one on one like a guard, scores on the pull-up jumper, passes well and blocks shots." They told of his skilled ball handling, his premier shooting, and his efficient post ability. Every scout called him the next Pau Gasol, the next Dirk Nowitzki, or even the next Tim Duncan. That includes Detroit's own scouts. There's no denying he had an extraordinary workout. While the Pistons were losing to New Jersey in the conference finals, Milicic was showing off for Pistons personnel. Lebron James's unavailability was a certainty, and due to Tayshaun Prince's breakout performance in that year's playoffs, Carmelo Anthony was not even brought in for a workout. Dumars look no further than Milicic, and rightfully so. Darko was the pick to make, and if anyone is to blame for the squandering of the second overall pick, it is Milicic.
Though the abundant pretexts for Darko's lack of development come in many shapes and sizes, they all essentially break down to fit one of three categories: he's still too young for anything to be expected, Larry Brown derailed his development, or his lack of playing time has disrupted his growth as a player and wrecked his confidence. Though each justification merited some degree of genuine consideration at some point, each has become so tired and implausible that they can now be dismissed.
Quite simply, the excuse that Darko is too young to be expected to produce off the bench or demonstrate consistent improvement is a joke. His age defense died on his twentieth birthday. There are multitudes of young men in his age group dependably performing at a level much higher than anything expected of Milicic. Bearing in mind that Darko has spent years practicing day after day against quality NBA big men in Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, and Antonio McDyess, the truth that he should be better on both ends of court is evident. Age, if a factor at all, makes a case against the Human Victory Cigar.
While the case against Larry Brown is fairly weak, it is regularly made. It can be read and heard that Brown's reluctance to play Darko and other rookies and his lack of commitment to furthering Milicic's development is directly related to Darko's current situation. To refute this position, one must look no further than Carlos Delfino. In Brown's second and final season with the team, Delfino returned from surgery only to play scarcely in his rookie season. Several clashes between Delfino and Brown resulted in heated exchange of comments through the media. Brown repeatedly criticized Carlos's defense, and perhaps rightly so. Delfino's minutes were nearly nonexistent. Carlos consistently attacked back through the foreign press until it ultimately culminated with Delfino being left off the playoff roster. "They used me, they treated me like trash," he was quoted as saying. "They should transfer me or cut me. From this place, I have the worst memories of my career and I want to go back home." Under Flip Saunders, Delfino has played in all but four games and has shown flashes of exceptional ability. He will likely prove to be a valuable asset off the bench for years to come. Carlos appears invigorated and far more content than he ever has in Detroit. Delfino endured a conflict with Brown and has renewed his bright future. We see the complaining from Darko, but not the perseverance.
As for the Saunders regime, Darko's permanent benching was fair and understandable. Darko was given a second chance and precious minutes to prove himself, and he exhausted both with apathetic and lackluster play. Nothing in the NBA is given, and dispirited and inconsistent performance is neither appreciated nor rewarded. Darko lacks mental toughness and is the epitome of passivity. Milicic is consistently weak on the boards, and fails to chase loose balls or make hustle plays. When asked about poor fourth quarter performance, Milicic reasoned "I was cold. Coming in the fourth quarter, I have to warm up." As absurd as that comment is coming from a professional basketball player, it is apparent that Darko, and not anyone around him, is at fault for the current quandary he finds himself in.
Is there time for redemption? There may or may not be. It is clear Dumars would make a trade if he saw it advantageous, as Darko is certainly no longer immune to being traded, though it is also likely that the Pistons are not actively seeking a trade. There is no quick fix. Only hard work in practice will get Darko back into Flip's rotation, but due to Milicic's history, no one should expect that. Sooner or later the excuses will run out. If Darko doesn't play with a more reliable and assertive approach to the game he will remain the letdown of Motown, and he has no one to blame but himself.
Before we delve into the world of ridiculous justifications, let's first summarize the situation and play the blame game. Two years of playing under Larry Brown, with the occasional almost-break-out game scattered amongst the multitudes of one and two minute appearances. The embarrassing moments were taken with the flashes of progress. No one expected production from the end of the bench. Fast forward to the summer of 2005, where Darko was expected to vacate the role of "the Human Victory Cigar" and make strides towards becoming the contributing power forward he was drafted to become. Nothing of the sort occurred. After a fairly impressive preseason, Milicic descended into his familiar style of unconfident and soft play. Quickly losing his position in the rotation, Darko played a particularly unenthusiastic nine minutes against the Chicago Bulls and landed himself in his all too recognizable position at the end of the bench. Milicic lost his right to minutes due to uninspiring and indolent play, and as Flip works Dale Davis into his role, the fans in Motown are bewildered by the same question. What's wrong with Darko?
Those who have already passed judgment on the situation are asking who's to blame in between their perpetual frustration. Darko has been called "Joe Dumars's only mistake." Nothing could be further from the truth. It is common knowledge that Joe Dumars is a mastermind and the outstanding trades and signings he has accomplished are evidence of that. If you were at all interested in the 2003 NBA Draft, you are already well versed in the hype. They said he's the next aggressive and creative scorer from Europe. One scout said, "He dunks in traffic, dribbles and goes one on one like a guard, scores on the pull-up jumper, passes well and blocks shots." They told of his skilled ball handling, his premier shooting, and his efficient post ability. Every scout called him the next Pau Gasol, the next Dirk Nowitzki, or even the next Tim Duncan. That includes Detroit's own scouts. There's no denying he had an extraordinary workout. While the Pistons were losing to New Jersey in the conference finals, Milicic was showing off for Pistons personnel. Lebron James's unavailability was a certainty, and due to Tayshaun Prince's breakout performance in that year's playoffs, Carmelo Anthony was not even brought in for a workout. Dumars look no further than Milicic, and rightfully so. Darko was the pick to make, and if anyone is to blame for the squandering of the second overall pick, it is Milicic.
Though the abundant pretexts for Darko's lack of development come in many shapes and sizes, they all essentially break down to fit one of three categories: he's still too young for anything to be expected, Larry Brown derailed his development, or his lack of playing time has disrupted his growth as a player and wrecked his confidence. Though each justification merited some degree of genuine consideration at some point, each has become so tired and implausible that they can now be dismissed.
Quite simply, the excuse that Darko is too young to be expected to produce off the bench or demonstrate consistent improvement is a joke. His age defense died on his twentieth birthday. There are multitudes of young men in his age group dependably performing at a level much higher than anything expected of Milicic. Bearing in mind that Darko has spent years practicing day after day against quality NBA big men in Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, and Antonio McDyess, the truth that he should be better on both ends of court is evident. Age, if a factor at all, makes a case against the Human Victory Cigar.
While the case against Larry Brown is fairly weak, it is regularly made. It can be read and heard that Brown's reluctance to play Darko and other rookies and his lack of commitment to furthering Milicic's development is directly related to Darko's current situation. To refute this position, one must look no further than Carlos Delfino. In Brown's second and final season with the team, Delfino returned from surgery only to play scarcely in his rookie season. Several clashes between Delfino and Brown resulted in heated exchange of comments through the media. Brown repeatedly criticized Carlos's defense, and perhaps rightly so. Delfino's minutes were nearly nonexistent. Carlos consistently attacked back through the foreign press until it ultimately culminated with Delfino being left off the playoff roster. "They used me, they treated me like trash," he was quoted as saying. "They should transfer me or cut me. From this place, I have the worst memories of my career and I want to go back home." Under Flip Saunders, Delfino has played in all but four games and has shown flashes of exceptional ability. He will likely prove to be a valuable asset off the bench for years to come. Carlos appears invigorated and far more content than he ever has in Detroit. Delfino endured a conflict with Brown and has renewed his bright future. We see the complaining from Darko, but not the perseverance.
As for the Saunders regime, Darko's permanent benching was fair and understandable. Darko was given a second chance and precious minutes to prove himself, and he exhausted both with apathetic and lackluster play. Nothing in the NBA is given, and dispirited and inconsistent performance is neither appreciated nor rewarded. Darko lacks mental toughness and is the epitome of passivity. Milicic is consistently weak on the boards, and fails to chase loose balls or make hustle plays. When asked about poor fourth quarter performance, Milicic reasoned "I was cold. Coming in the fourth quarter, I have to warm up." As absurd as that comment is coming from a professional basketball player, it is apparent that Darko, and not anyone around him, is at fault for the current quandary he finds himself in.
Is there time for redemption? There may or may not be. It is clear Dumars would make a trade if he saw it advantageous, as Darko is certainly no longer immune to being traded, though it is also likely that the Pistons are not actively seeking a trade. There is no quick fix. Only hard work in practice will get Darko back into Flip's rotation, but due to Milicic's history, no one should expect that. Sooner or later the excuses will run out. If Darko doesn't play with a more reliable and assertive approach to the game he will remain the letdown of Motown, and he has no one to blame but himself.
Detroit Basketball: Institution of the Dynasty
0 Comments Published by Ian MacLean on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 9:31 PM.
The Detroit Pistons are off to the quickest start in team history, leaving the ignorant masses of ESPN in a state of perplexity and shock. Not stunned, however, are those who seriously contemplated the likelihood that the Pistons were merely one-hit wonders, not so much talented and efficient as in the right place at the right time to take advantage of the collapse of the Los Angeles Lakers. Detroit has been granted a breath of fresh air under the regime of new head coach Flip Saunders. His new flex offense and the heartwrenching completion of last year's NBA Finals have rejuvenated the best starting five in basketball and renewed the pursuit of dynasty eminence.
Under Saunders, the Pistons have not abandoned what made them the 2004 Champions, but they have shed the rigidity and strictness of Larry Brown's "right way." Flip has instituted an excellent offensive scheme and it already is evident that his way is actually far more right for these Pistons. "I think it's been a seamless transition with Flip so far," Pistons president Joe Dumars said. "I think it's a testament to him as a coach that he didn't come in and try to re-invent the wheel with us. He saw what we had, he saw what we were, and he just added to that." The new offense has given Detroit reason to discard its grinding style for a more opportunistic approach. Gone are the days of five and six minutes of scoreless basketball. With the plodding offenses of Rick Carlisle and Brown a distant memory, the Pistons have produced in a significant way. They are consistently scoring around 100 points a game and shooting nearly 50%. The Pistons are sacrificing none of the vigorous and inexorable defense for which they pride themselves. Their ability to completely shut down every facet of an opposing team's offense during any particular stretch of a game is still a breathtaking aspect of this team. Now with their propensity to dominate those same stretches offensively, one truth is established. This Detroit team is quite simply never out of a game. There is always a potential to come back or to obliterate an opponent's momentum. As long as this astounding capability is part of the Detroit Pistons arsenal, there is no team in the league that can impede its path to dynasty status.
The best starting five in basketball now has the longest tenure together, as they are the only line-up in the NBA that has been together for 2 seasons. The frontline is as proficient as ever. Ben Wallace is has the flair for defense he's always had, and that's an understatement. While is offense falls shorts at times, he is still averaging over his career numbers, and his free throw is consistently improving. His confidence around the basket is also on the rise. Rasheed Wallace, rather than coming to camp overweight as he did last year, arrived a much better power forward. Detroit's new penchant for going to Rasheed in the post early in games is certainly beneficial for both the team and Wallace. He is definitely still one of the premier post players in the world, and his pick and roll with Chauncey Billups is tremendously effective. Wallace's outlet passes to the wing and the fast breaks he triggers are very beneficial. Rasheed is one of the finest help defenders in the league and a perfect complement to Ben's defense. Tayshaun Prince is key in that he finds his shots in the offense and in transition. Prince manages to maintain a solid scoring average despite not getting many plays specifically called for him. Tayshaun's defense, his original claim to fame, is still there and he is helpful in controlling superstars. Prince is a confident playmaker.
In the backcourt, Richard Hamilton handles the bulk of the scoring, and has become more effective in the new system, coming off nearly the double the amount of screens from last year. Rip's tremendous physical condition and speed are an obvious beneficiary of the coaching change and his defense, the most criticized aspect of his game, is progressively improving. Billups is arguably the most complete point guard in the league, and certainly a perfect go to guy in late-game situations. Chauncey's assists are steadily more frequent, and his turnovers dwindle with every year. Though he is looking for his teammates more, he is undeniably an offensive threat both inside and out and he is one of the most dangerous players from the three-point and free throw lines. The fear that he would become a shoot-first point without the watchful eye of Brown has been silenced, and he undoubtedly feels much more comfortable in Flip's system. His defense helps push the up-tempo attack. If this starting five can avoid injury, it will remain the best in the country. This lineup's chemistry has flourished with time, which is absolutely the cause of its great success and dynasty potential.
The integral ingredient to becoming a dynasty is possessing that proud attitude and unremitting aggression. In Detroit, it is clear the heartbreak of losing out on a championship in the final minutes has restored the Pistons' drive and hunger. "With us, we didn't like the taste we had in our mouths all summer. No disrespect to San Antonio, but we knew we could have beat them in Game 7," Rasheed declared. The ceaseless resolve and the assertion of themselves as the paramount team in the league and one of the greatest in NBA history is once again a feature of this team. The championship swagger of 2004 is back, and copious success will only follow.
The defensive intensity of old remains and the offensive genius of Flip Saunders has invigorated a talented and determined squad. The Pistons are the best there is and their out to prove last year's soap opera was merely an interruption in an era of ascendancy. This Detroit team will win the championship this year and many more in the future. With the strategy of Saunders, the aptitude of the core group, and unparalleled attitude, these Pistons will most assuredly be a dynasty.
Under Saunders, the Pistons have not abandoned what made them the 2004 Champions, but they have shed the rigidity and strictness of Larry Brown's "right way." Flip has instituted an excellent offensive scheme and it already is evident that his way is actually far more right for these Pistons. "I think it's been a seamless transition with Flip so far," Pistons president Joe Dumars said. "I think it's a testament to him as a coach that he didn't come in and try to re-invent the wheel with us. He saw what we had, he saw what we were, and he just added to that." The new offense has given Detroit reason to discard its grinding style for a more opportunistic approach. Gone are the days of five and six minutes of scoreless basketball. With the plodding offenses of Rick Carlisle and Brown a distant memory, the Pistons have produced in a significant way. They are consistently scoring around 100 points a game and shooting nearly 50%. The Pistons are sacrificing none of the vigorous and inexorable defense for which they pride themselves. Their ability to completely shut down every facet of an opposing team's offense during any particular stretch of a game is still a breathtaking aspect of this team. Now with their propensity to dominate those same stretches offensively, one truth is established. This Detroit team is quite simply never out of a game. There is always a potential to come back or to obliterate an opponent's momentum. As long as this astounding capability is part of the Detroit Pistons arsenal, there is no team in the league that can impede its path to dynasty status.
The best starting five in basketball now has the longest tenure together, as they are the only line-up in the NBA that has been together for 2 seasons. The frontline is as proficient as ever. Ben Wallace is has the flair for defense he's always had, and that's an understatement. While is offense falls shorts at times, he is still averaging over his career numbers, and his free throw is consistently improving. His confidence around the basket is also on the rise. Rasheed Wallace, rather than coming to camp overweight as he did last year, arrived a much better power forward. Detroit's new penchant for going to Rasheed in the post early in games is certainly beneficial for both the team and Wallace. He is definitely still one of the premier post players in the world, and his pick and roll with Chauncey Billups is tremendously effective. Wallace's outlet passes to the wing and the fast breaks he triggers are very beneficial. Rasheed is one of the finest help defenders in the league and a perfect complement to Ben's defense. Tayshaun Prince is key in that he finds his shots in the offense and in transition. Prince manages to maintain a solid scoring average despite not getting many plays specifically called for him. Tayshaun's defense, his original claim to fame, is still there and he is helpful in controlling superstars. Prince is a confident playmaker.
In the backcourt, Richard Hamilton handles the bulk of the scoring, and has become more effective in the new system, coming off nearly the double the amount of screens from last year. Rip's tremendous physical condition and speed are an obvious beneficiary of the coaching change and his defense, the most criticized aspect of his game, is progressively improving. Billups is arguably the most complete point guard in the league, and certainly a perfect go to guy in late-game situations. Chauncey's assists are steadily more frequent, and his turnovers dwindle with every year. Though he is looking for his teammates more, he is undeniably an offensive threat both inside and out and he is one of the most dangerous players from the three-point and free throw lines. The fear that he would become a shoot-first point without the watchful eye of Brown has been silenced, and he undoubtedly feels much more comfortable in Flip's system. His defense helps push the up-tempo attack. If this starting five can avoid injury, it will remain the best in the country. This lineup's chemistry has flourished with time, which is absolutely the cause of its great success and dynasty potential.
The integral ingredient to becoming a dynasty is possessing that proud attitude and unremitting aggression. In Detroit, it is clear the heartbreak of losing out on a championship in the final minutes has restored the Pistons' drive and hunger. "With us, we didn't like the taste we had in our mouths all summer. No disrespect to San Antonio, but we knew we could have beat them in Game 7," Rasheed declared. The ceaseless resolve and the assertion of themselves as the paramount team in the league and one of the greatest in NBA history is once again a feature of this team. The championship swagger of 2004 is back, and copious success will only follow.
The defensive intensity of old remains and the offensive genius of Flip Saunders has invigorated a talented and determined squad. The Pistons are the best there is and their out to prove last year's soap opera was merely an interruption in an era of ascendancy. This Detroit team will win the championship this year and many more in the future. With the strategy of Saunders, the aptitude of the core group, and unparalleled attitude, these Pistons will most assuredly be a dynasty.
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.
