NBA commissioner Adam Silver is looking to eventually break away from the one-and-done rule.
Before 2005, NBA hopefuls had the option to either jump straight to the league or elect to go to college. Because players would enter the league under-developed, then-commissioner David Stern proposed a rule that would change the NBA. Starting in 2005’s NBA Draft, to declare you had to be 19 years old or at least one year removed from high school. The main purpose of the rule was to remove scouts from harping on potential NBA players at high school gyms. But the true impact has been a mixed bag, with players simply going to college for a year, then declaring. There have even been cases in which players declared after never developing in their one year at school.
With the pay-for-play scandal still rocking the college basketball world, this has forced the current NBA rule in place to become evaluated. Per ESPN, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver plans to get the league more involved with elite high school talent. This, in turn, will open the door back for 18-year-olds to play professionally.
"A plan is expected to include the NBA starting relationships with elite teenagers while they are in high school, providing skills to help them develop both on and off the court. It would ultimately open an alternate path to the NBA besides playing in college and a way 18-year-olds could earn a meaningful salary either from NBA teams or as part of an enhanced option in the developmental G League, sources said."
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Per the report, Silver could present the proposal within the next few months. But it’s the league may hold off until after the Commission of College Basketball presents their report this spring. Whenever Silver chooses to propose the idea, will be a huge step for the NBA. With everything happening in college basketball as of late, it’s time to break away from the one-and-done rule. Generally speaking, the rule has caused more harm, than good.