Since the NBA introduced the ‘One and Done' rule in 2006, there have been many controversies surrounding it. First of all, many NBA players, most notably Jermaine O'Neal, have been vocal against this rule, even claiming that the decision of former NBA Commissioner David Stern is racist. While Stern argued that most young urban Americans saw the NBA as a sure path to fame and financial security, it is hard to exactly see why the best high-school players could not choose to pick their own fate and not go to college if they please. That issue is especially controversial when we consider how the NCAA treats their players financially.
However, with the new Commissioner, Adam Silver, things are perhaps beginning to change towards the players interests. In an interview with The Herd, Silver said that he is rethinking the whole situation. He added that this issue will be handled as soon as bigger issues from the CBA are regulated. He did add, as well, that he still believes the minimum age should be 20, but he will set aside his personal opinion to strike a deal with the Players Union, who believe the minimum age should be 18.
Adam Silver has been incredibly different from the strict ex-Commissioner David Stern, choosing to talk about many topics Stern just decided to avoid completely. Also, it can be said that Silver is a players commissioner, working towards solving all the issues players have, and that reputation would be enhanced if he abolished the rule so many basketball players and analysts have been militant against.
If we look at the basketball players point of view, as long as this rule stays and the NCAA does not ease their regulations against compensations for players, the lure of money in Europe and China might be even bigger for young players. Two biggest examples of people playing overseas before declaring for the Draft are Emmanuel Mudiay and Brandon Jennings, who played in China and Italy respectively.
It is, however, really great to see that some of these core issues are not ignored by the commissioner and we will see an improvement of these rules over time.
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