Scandal! It seems as if when the NCAA Tournament comes around new allegations of payoffs and “loans” to players in clear violation of the NCAA rules are uncovered. In September, ASM Sports, owned by prominent NBA Sports Agent Andy Miller had his office raided by the FBI. During the raid computers and documents were seized that had detailed spreadsheets of payoffs going to high profile High School and College Players as well as their families. The NBA allows entry into their draft after just one-year completion of college giving them the nickname of “One and Done” players.
How the payoff worked was a famous sneaker company and Mr. Miller had an agreement to offer loans to those prominent players and their families and in return after their one year of college eligibility would enter into the NBA draft, and sign with his company. Some players did and some players chose not to sign with his company after receiving “loans” and were required to pay the loans back once they started receiving their big paychecks. The list of players, the amount loaned, and details as to if paid or making payments were listed on these sheets. You can find the detailed list here.
But as much as people are outraged that this happens, it is more of an outrage that nothing is done. The NBA can change this by creating and expanding their farm system and putting into place requirements to enter into the NBA draft. Major League Baseball is a great example of allowing young players to mature, gain knowledge of the game, and through hard work earn a spot on the team. The MLB has a farm system where they do draft High School and College players. They have over 40 rounds in a draft. Players are offered signing bonuses at pick value to join the teams that drafted them or they can choose to attend college, improve their skills, and go into the draft again. A team who drafts a player that does not sign with them is compensated by the MLB with a draft pick the following year.
When a player gets drafted and goes pro in the MLB, they are assigned to the minor leagues. All of them start out in the rookie leagues either in Arizona or Florida. An example of this is Mike Trout. Even with his level of play, athletism, knowledge of the game, and integrity, he still started out in the farm system. First with the Rookie league Arizona Angels, Single-A Cedar Rapids Kernels and Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Double-A Arkansas Travelers and Triple-A Salt Lake Bees before being called up by the Angels on July 8, 2011. As they improve, they will move up to Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A before reaching the majors.
The NBA can create this and they already have taken the first step which is the G-League. The G-League can be the Triple-A league for them. The NBA then can partner with the ABA (American Basketball Association) as the Double-A league, UBL (United Basketball League) as the Single-A league and the NAPB (North American Premier Basketball) as the Rookie League. These leagues would benefit being part of a farm system as people would go to the games and watch future NBA stars play. If the NBA were to do this, the product and competition would improve
It is time for the NBA to get serious and create a similar system. The level of play in the NBA has diminished as evident in their ratings and ticket sales. There is a saying if you always do what you’ve always done you will always get what you’ve always gotten. Let’s eliminate the chance of scandals, payoff’s, loans and develop a league for adults then you will see the interest in the NBA return to the days of Jordan, Iverson, Bird, and Dr. J. The ball is now in your court.
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