- The NBA needs to extend the one-and-done rule into a two-and-done rule. This would improve the overall talent level in the collegiate game, while also better preparing players for their time in the NBA. Would there be less players characterized as busts? I have to think there would be. One of the big debates involving the rule includes players who have no desire to play in college, or players who would not be academically eligible or NCAA eligible for a variety of reasons. Enter the NBA Developmental League. Expansion of the league- where each team has their own affiliate- would allow for recent high school graduates to sign with a team for 2 years before coming draft eligible (Going the Brandon Jennings route would still be possible too). The college game, the D-League, and overall quality of the player- on and off the court- would be noticeably improved. Speaking of the D-League...
- Each team needs the ability to control some players on their D-League teams. In the current system, any player on any affiliate can be signed by another NBA team- unless under an NBA contract on a D-League assignment. Many of the reticent teams unwilling to splurge for a D-League franchise cite lack of control of player development as a paramount reason for staying on the periphery of the league. If each team had 5 D-League contracts to offer, maybe for 1/3 of the NBA minimum, more players would be adequately developed by the D-League. The rest of the rosters could be filled by other free agents- whose status would be under the current system- and high school players unwilling to go to college for 2 years (see the rule change proposal in the above paragraph). This would be a stellar start to making the D-League more of a minor league- a AA level- to the NBA.
- Riley Cooper- a current WR for the Eagles- was recently quoted using the N-word towards a security guard at a country music concert. His status with the team needs to be carefully analyzed by the team, and I fully expect him to be cut by the end of the week. The N-word is used far to frivolously in pop culture, which has led to some journalists dismissing this as a mistake. Given the context of the incident, as well as the fact that Cooper is a replacement level WR (sad but true- if he was a Wes Welker level player he wouldn't be cut), I think it is safe to say his tenure in the NFL is over. It should be a cautionary tale for pro athletes everywhere.
- PED use in the MLB will reach new levels in the coming days, as 8 or more players will be significantly suspended for ties to Biogenesis. Alex Rodriguez is the headlining player, and, as a player who has been outed as a PED user in the past- albeit with no suspension- he is facing a potential lifetime ban. The biggest winners in this? The New York Yankees. The team would conceivably be off the hook for the over 100 million remaining on his 10 year contract he signed over half a decade ago. In 6 years we will be looking at the Albert Pujols 10 year 300 million dollar deal in a similar fashion. Regarding the PED use, I think a 162 game suspension would be adequate for A-Rod, and a 100 game suspension for the rest of the positive testees. A-Rod does not quite deserve a lifetime ban, and the media attention that will go with it.
- The Lakers hired Kurt Rambis- former Laker and protegee of Phil Jackson- as an assistant to Mike D'Antoni. D'Antoni might make it through the season, as the team is unlikely to make the playoffs, though I'd be willing to bet that the 2014/15 season begins with Kurt Rambis coaching the Lakers.
- Russell Wilson will win the NFL MVP award- you heard it here first. Expect an NFL prediction column soon!
- Would anyone else like to see more opinionated personalities on ESPN? I am so tired of the same opinions from every personality. Around the Horn has become stagnant. PTI needs more freedom for Wilbon and Kornheiser to vent on important issues and game scenarios. The station needs another Jim Rome-like figure who is not afraid to voice their opinion- and no, I am not talking about Stephen A. Smith or Skip Bayless. What about Max Kellerman? Should Colin Cowherd get back into TV? Would you watch a show on ESPN that was all Bill Simmons? The last 3 options are very intriguing, and ESPN needs drastic changes to their TV lineup come fall.
Follow me on Twitter @ZRey12
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