There’s been no shortage of opinions on amateurism and the NBA Draft process from those in the NBA, with people such as Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James among those advocating for changes to be made to the current setup or voicing their displeasure with the system.
On Tuesday Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr offered his thoughts on the process for players who leave school early to enter the NBA Draft. In Kerr’s view, undrafted players who have not hired an agent should be allowed to return to school.
“One of the things the NCAA needs to look at is, if a kid signs with an agent and he doesn’t get drafted, welcome him back,” Kerr said according to ESPN. “Why not? What’s the harm? We talk about amateurism and all this stuff, but if you’re truly trying to do what’s right for the kid, and the kid declares for the draft and doesn’t get drafted, you know what? Welcome him back. Do something good for the kids.”
At present time, players have to withdraw from the NBA Draft prior to the set deadline in order to return to play college basketball. Given the issues in basketball, there are some major issues that need to be addressed at all levels for the long-term health of the game.
With the NBA looking into moves such as having a G-League affiliate for every NBA franchise and how to reach top talents earlier in their development process, it’s clear that the league is re-evaluating the landscape and how it can benefit. Will the powers that be at the collegiate level do the same, or will they look to maintain the status quo?
