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David Stern may have a point with Olympic age limit
NBA Commissioner David Stern hasn’t been making many friends lately. Last year when the NBA still had control of the New Orleans Hornets, Stern rejected a trade that would send Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant took offense to that and now their bitter dispute seems to be lingering on.
Kobe seems to only like Stern when he’s giving him an award.
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Stern has recently made a statement that he is looking at limiting the players who represent USA in basketball competition will be 23 years of age and younger. Marc Stein reported on ESPN that Bryant thinks the idea is “stupid” and feels the players should have the opportunity to make their own choice.
Right now I’m on the fence of who’s side to take on this matter. I understand Bryant’s view on the situation and that the best players in the USA should be able to represent their country if they choose to, but at the same time I can understand where Stern is coming from.
My point of view regarding this situation is direct and to the point. If Team USA fails to win the gold medal, then I think Stern has every right to change the age limit to avoid the embarrassment of “the best players in the world” failing to beat “mediocre” teams across the world. It is becoming more clear by the year that the other countries are better team players and their star players are on a high level in the NBA as well.
If Stern does change the age limit, it could create a low risk-high reward situation. Take the rising stars in the NBA and send them to compete. If they fail to win gold, you have the excuse that they’re young and probably weren’t prepared for the international game. If they win gold, Stern would then look like a genius.
Nonetheless if Team USA doesn’t manage to come back with the gold, I think that would spell the end for the top NBA players being able to compete for their country.
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