Sixteen years ago, the NBA changed its draft rules to require its prospects to be one year removed from high school to enter the draft. The rule became colloquially known as “the one-and-done” since it forced most prospects to attend one year of college basketball. In contrast, fewer prospects chose to play overseas or in the NBA’s developmental G-League.
That rule could soon be stricken from the rulebooks, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic:
Sources: NBA and NBPA in serious talks on new items for potential Collective Bargaining Agreement:
– Draft age eligibility from 19 to 18, return of high school-to-NBA
– Measure that allows players citing mental health similar to physical injuryMore: https://t.co/ecABKkat2H
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 19, 2022
“Sources: The NBA and NBA Players Association in serious talks on new items for potential Collective Bargaining Agreement: Draft age eligibility from 19 to 18, return of high school-to-NBA. Measure that allows players citing mental health similar to physical injury,” Charania reported.
The NBA world quickly reacted to the news:
Big for LeBron James' future. @ShamsCharania says new preps-to-pros draft rule could go in effect for 2024 draft (and not the upcoming 2023 class).
Bronny James would be draft-eligible in 2024 and Bryce James would be 2025.
Reminder: LeBron can be a free agent in 2024. https://t.co/9FYQt9Ecew
— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) September 19, 2022
“Big for LeBron James‘ future,” Tom Haberstroh wrote. “Shams Charania says new preps-to-pros draft rule could go in effect for 2024 draft (and not the upcoming 2023 class).
“Bronny James would be draft-eligible in 2024 and Bryce James would be 2025.
“Reminder: LeBron can be a free agent in 2024.”
The eligibility age change would go into effect as early as 2024. That is soon and very impactful in shaping timelines for teams approaching or starting rebuilds https://t.co/gPLi0Qm1wS
— Rich (@MavsDraft) September 19, 2022
“The eligibility age change would go into effect as early as 2024. That is soon and very impactful in shaping timelines for teams approaching or starting rebuilds,” said Mavs Draft.
"One new, major goal for the NBPA is the idea of building lasting equity for its players beyond their playing days."
I have a lot of questions, but here's a significant one: how would equity deals account for the differing value of big-market and small-market franchises? https://t.co/n9vccpF3Ob
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) September 19, 2022
“One new, major goal for the NBPA is the idea of building lasting equity for its players beyond their playing days. I have a lot of questions, but here’s a significant one: How would equity deals account for the differing value of big-market and small-market franchises?” asked Sam Quinn.
Lots of downwind impacts to this, and it will be fascinating to see how many prep-to-pros we get per year.
With scouts now converging on Peach Jam and top HS talent clumping at NIBC preps + Overtime Elite, college is a less necessary evaluation tool for NBA teams. https://t.co/4w81AVxedc
— Kevin Sweeney (@CBB_Central) September 19, 2022
“Lots of downwind impacts to this, and it will be fascinating to see how many prep-to-pros we get per year. With scouts now converging on Peach Jam and top HS talent clumping at NIBC preps + Overtime Elite, college is a less necessary evaluation tool for NBA teams,” wrote Kevin Sweeney.
This should be the rule and should be done. But it sucks for college hoops. Crazy statement – but I enjoy seeing the best talent in the sport even for a year https://t.co/MNrBc3kYYj
— Bobby Reagan (@BarstoolReags) September 19, 2022
“This should be the rule and should be done. But it sucks for college hoops. Crazy statement – but I enjoy seeing the best talent in the sport even for a year,” Bobby Reagan wrote.
Only time will tell if the NBA and NBAPA can come to such an agreement. It would be massive if it happens, though.
