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NBA commissioner Adam Silver discusses desire to raise NBA age limit

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With the shift in leadership from David Stern to Adam Silver, the NBA has begun a new era with Silver taking over as commissioner. Last week it was discussed that one area in which Silver would like to make changes is the NBA’s age limit, which would be raised from 19 to 20 years old if Silver gets his way.

In an interview conducted by Sam Amick of USA Today, Silver reiterated his desire to increase the NBA’s age limit while also wonder why the players would be opposed to such a change. Below is the portion of Silver’s response that focuses on how such a change would impact not only the NBA but college basketball as well.

“Let me just throw in that at the same time, I think maybe, just to broaden my horizons a little bit, I’m trying to look at it not just from the perspective of the NBA because I believe strong college basketball is also beneficial to the NBA and to the game generally. So even if it’s not terrible for the NBA right now, at least talking to a lot of my college coaching friends and college (athletic director) friends, their view is (that) one and done is a disaster. I think this is one of these issues that the larger basketball community needs to come together and address, not just the NBA owners and our players. Youth basketball and college basketball should have a seat at the table as well.”

The fact that Silver is not only listening to those involved with college basketball but also of the belief that youth basketball should have some say in all of this bodes well for the college game. How much of a say? Not much in all likelihood, with conversation being the most college coaches and administrators can do since they have no impact on the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement.

But there remains the question of just how important this is to the NBPA. Is this issue something they’re willing to fight over when negotiating the next collective bargaining agreement, with the goal being to keep the age limit as is? Or would it be a concession they’re willing to make in exchange for a better deal in other areas?

As it’s been stated many times, college basketball would benefit from the NBA raising its age limit. While some may point to the “player development” aspect, and that is important, such a move would be incredibly beneficial to the business of college basketball as well.

Another year of college basketball for some of the game’s biggest stars means that casual fans, who show up right around the time that the NFL finishes its season, would have more familiarity with the teams and players. And as much as us “diehards” may not like it, those are the fans who boost the TV ratings in March. So for all the conversation of what a move could do for the skill level of players, keep in mind that this is a business decision as well.

Follow @raphiellej