The one-and-dones of college basketball could soon be the ‘three-and dones,’ according to a report.
Sporting News NBA writer Sean Deveney reports the league is considering a proposal to raise the age limit from one year after high school graduation to three. That means there would be no Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker or Joel Embiid in this year’s draft.
A key component to extending the current age limit is the NBA’s Developmental or D-League. Sources tell Deveney the league could raise salaries in order to attract more quality young players. A possible scenario could see players skipping college outright to hone their games in the D-League.
No solid proposal is on the table, partially because the NBA Players Association has yet to name an Executive Director replacement for Billy Hunter. The NBPA recently tapped Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to lead the search.
In February during All-Star Weekend, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made his case for raising the league’s age limit to 20:
It is my belief that if players have an opportunity to mature as players and as people, for a longer amount of time, before they come into the league, it will lead to a better league. And I know from a competitive standpoint that’s something as I travel the league I increasingly hear from our coaches, especially, who feel that many of even the top players in the league could use more time to develop as leaders as part of college programs.
Deveney notes that since 2007, nearly a quarter of the first-round picks have been one-and-done collegiate players. The top 3 players selected in the upcoming 2014 Draft will almost undoubtedly be one-and-dones.
This week, Duke’s Jabari Parker announced his intention to declare for the draft, penning an essay for Sports Illustrated.
Check out what Parker told theGrio.com’s Todd Johnson back in April, 2013:
[theplatform media=”EkqGLoqDxyo0″ player=”zvEuDLunqxuD” width=640 height=360]
Follow theGrio.com’s Todd Johnson on Twitter @rantoddj