The past decade or so has ushered in a new era of basketball, and at this point, it would be safe to say that we are playing a different game.
Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade seems to agree, as he asserts that kids these day are much more advanced than they were during his time.
“The talent that these young kids have nowadays is way, way, way more than we had at that age and couldn't even imagine having,” Wade told Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel. “It's definitely exciting and fun to watch.”
Wade is certainly not complaining, and admits his enthusiasm towards the future of the sport. However, the 36-year-old did raise a legitimate concern.
“But it's another side of it that's become a business side of it, which is unfortunate for some kids,” added Wade. “A lot of kids get taken advantage of at an early age.”
As Wade so aptly put it, the business side of this sport can get ugly at times. There are a lot of sharks out there that are looking to take advantage of young and unassuming prospects. The worst part is, more often than not, these kids are unable to live up to their potential, and end up missing their shot at the big leagues.
The NBA and the NBPA are doing its part to try and eliminate this malpractice. The association recently confirmed its intention to eventually eliminate the one-and-done rule. Critics have constantly called for the removal of this rule as not only does it curtail a young athlete's ability to make money for his family at an early age, but some malicious parties have actually taken advantage of the rule to exploit unknowing victims.
This won't exactly eradicate the problem altogether, but it's a good start at the very least.
Follow Us
Subscribe