Mayo drama is proof NBA age limit isn't protection for prospects
The O.J. Mayo saga has dominated headlines this week and by extension brought the NBA's age limit under attack. One argument made by my colleague Gregg Doyel is that forcing elite prospects into college for a one-year pit stop invites problems regarding agents prematurely investing in players.
And he's correct.
It's a recipe for probation.
|
|
| Going straight to the NBA didn't hinder Dwight Howard much, did it? (Getty Images) |
Please.
No theory could be further from the truth.
The reality of the straight-to-the-pros revolution that began in 1995 with Kevin Garnett and ended in 2005 when the NBA halted it is that there is no group of prospects that have been more successful at the NBA level than the ones who declared for the draft after their senior years of high school. And I mean no group of prospects. It's not even close. Just look at this year's MVP voting for proof.
1. Kobe Bryant (no college)
2. Chris Paul (college)
3. Kevin Garnett (no college)
4. LeBron James (no college)
5. Dwight Howard (no college)
6. Amare Stoudemire (no college)
