Let's bring the NBA back to glory

[Marc]

Okay, we all know about how all the media and just about everyone is saying the NBA is in major decline. You have declining ticket sales, really low ratings, violence, and just the bad image of the league now. My question to you is how can the NBA turn itself around from this downward spiral? I'll propose some ideas:


Age limit in the NBA. I think 21 is a good limit... if they want to come out early, they will have to go to some kind of NBA-prep league or class to prepare them. Having 19-year-olds with pockets full, fame, and glory spells trouble.
No long-term contracts for players who first start in the league. This will make players play hard, show up for every practice, and put forth their best effort because they know if they don't come to play, they won't be playing anymore. Right now, players with long-term contracts may not try as hard because they already are in a long-term contract.
Get rid of two-three of the worst teams. This will improve overall quality of the game and league. Either this, or stop expansion teams until the NBA is thriving again.

[Jersey Devil]

Supposedly one of the big arguments that the player's union has against the age limit is that you can't deny a person the right to work (age discrimination). I think that it's pretty bogus, but usually the player's union gets their way.

[SC-Jared]

I really like the getting rid of two or three teams, because teams will then be really good, and level of play will improve.

Biggest thing has to be the zone defense. That would free up the players, and make the game a shooters game (better play).

Mainly, I think that if ALL the players' contracts were not gaurenteed, then they'd be forced to work hard and earn their money. That'd be the heaven of improving the NBA.

[iFroggy]

Having 19-year-olds with pockets full, fame, and glory spells trouble.


That is very unfair, Marc. It depends on the person and how you were raised for the most part.

I also believe in a 'freedom' of sorts. They should be able to leave college when they want, its their life and they can make the decision that they want to make. Their should be no restrictions on contracts. The 'try as hard' thing is irrelevant when it comes to this discussion in my opinion.

[Marc]

From CPKSports.com (http://www.cpksports.com/The_Story/Commentary/commentary.html), a SC affiliate, I thought this was interesting:

Suggested Rule Changes:

1. Allow zone defense. Why in the world is it illegal? After all, do you actually see one player guard another one player the entire game? No. Zone defense is part of basketball. Let the players play and the coaches coach.

2. Get rid of the three point line. No I am not crazy, but too often players try to take a shot from 22 feet away and quite frankly these guys can't shoot well. I think scoring would go up because more players would shoot the high percentage 15 foot jumper.

3. Raise the basket. That's right. Raise the basket to 12 feet high. I think the problem with basketball on the pro level is it is too easy. Slam dunks are not even exciting anymore because they happen all the time. By raising the basket to 12 feet it might make the players work a little bit harder. Heck, Shaq might even become a decent free throw shooter (well I can hope can't I?).