NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hinted that the league could be closer to removing the one-and-done rule and allow 18-year-old players to join the NBA Draft out of high school.
In an interview with reporters during the NBA Summer League, Silver expressed his belief that the league could remove its age limit and let 18-year-old players to take their chance in the NBA Draft.
"My personal view is that we're ready to make that change," Silver says, per a report by Sam Amick of USA Today.
Silver stresses that he loves the current situation of the league, but they can create a better system by changing the eligibility rules and pave the way anew for players 18 years of age to declare for the NBA Draft.
"'I'm not here to say we have a problem,'' Silver said. ''And I love where the league is right now. But I think we can create a better system."
Earlier, Zach Lowe of ESPN reported that he obtained an NBA memo to all 30 teams that eligibility rules could be changed as early as 2021. Also, National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) executive director Michele Roberts said that an announcement could be made about the change in eligibility rules.
In addition, Tim Bontemps of Washington Post said that Roberts told reporters to stay tuned and expect development in the next few months.
NBA Implemented One-and-Done Rule In 2006
The NBA applied the one-and-done rule in 2006 after the arrival of high school players never lived to expectations. However, the rule boosted the growth of so-called one-and-done players, or players who will attend just one year in college before declaring for the NBA Draft.
During the 2018 NBA Draft, nine of the first 11 players selected played just one year in college. Among them were No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns and No. 2 selection Marvin Bagley III of the Sacramento Kings.
The other notable one-and-done in the first round were Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies, Trae Young of the Dallas Mavericks, Mohamed Bamba of the Orlando Magic, Wendell Carter of the Chicago Bulls, Collin Sexton of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Knox of the New York Knicks, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Charlotte Hornets.
Removing One-And-Done To Hasten Player Development
In a November 2017 interview with ESPN's Mike and Mike, Silver says the removal of the one-and-done rule will help young players adapt into organizations quicker. Also, they will be given the training and environment they need to excel.
"I think we have to take a step back and figure out if we're better off taking those players at a younger age and working on their training and development full-time," said Silver.
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