Knicks: Is it finally time to abolish the NBA Draft?
By Ken Tavarez
Whether you’re a Knicks fan or not, it might be time to re-think the NBA draft process.
New York Knicks fans just sat through another disappointing draft lottery wondering when the ping pong balls will bounce their way. The Knicks have not moved up since they won the first ever lottery in 1985 when each of the 7 teams had the same exact odds. Needless to say, the only teams that are happy with the concept of the lottery are the ones that have beaten the odds to land a franchise player. All the other teams walk away disappointed.
Is is finally time to get rid of the draft completely?
While my suggestion to do away with the lottery shortly after another drawing where the Knicks fell back in the draft sounds hyperbolic coming from a Knicks fan, it does have merit. Don’t get me wrong, New York’s lottery results are not the reason they have been so bad. There are plenty of franchises that have found great players with picks outside the top 5. But moving up in the draft significantly improves your chances to improve.
Abolishing the practice of a draft is not a new idea. Former NFL Players Association president, Domonique Foxworth has been an advocate of doing away with the NFL draft for years. At first it sounds crazy, but when you think about it, it really isn’t.
Why can basketball players chose where they want to play when they are in high school, college and after their rookie contract, but not when they enter the NBA? It makes no sense, no one has an issue with it in those other circumstances. In fact, the most popular sports events are signing day for college players and free agency for NBA players. Why not do the same with players entering the NBA?