(03-12-2018 07:57 AM)arkstfan Wrote:  

(03-12-2018 07:40 AM)Chappy Wrote:  If I ran the NBA, I would establish an invitation-only academy where we would invite the top 25-50 graduating high school prospects each year. They'd spend one year on-site working out, scrimmaging, taking classes on things like health and finance, and being evaluated by scouts from all NBA teams. They would not be paid a salary but all expenses would be covered. At the end of the year, they'd be draft eligible. Here's the part where I'd need NCAA cooperation; if they are not drafted, they could go play college ball, and hope to be drafted at a later date, but at least they'd have an opportunity to earn a degree.

Interesting idea but hard to monetize and not as effective as playing 50 games in the G League vs players with NBA experience or considered significant talents.

While it wouldn't be making money, it would save the teams a lot of money spent on draft busts. The scouts would have unprecedented access to these players, so there'd be no excuse for making bad picks. Perhaps the league could even have G-League players come in a scrimmage with the prospects.

Additionally, this could work hand-in-hand with an expanded G-League. Once every NBA team has a full G-League affiliate, I could see the draft adding a third round and a player your scouts like but want to see more from could always be drafted and sent to the G-League after his year in the academy.