NBA Shouldn't Install Minimum Age

Indiana Pacers power forward Jermaine O'Neal recently said he thinks David Stern's effort to install an age limit of 20 is racist. Although I see no connection to race (in fact, the comment strikes me as completely ridiculous) O'Neal is right about the age limit.

Why would Stern, the commissioner of the NBA, want to raise the minimum age? The player carrying the most responsibility for the future of the league just turned 20 in late December. If LaBron James hadn't been allowed to play last year, the NBA may still be searching for someone to fit the title "The Next Michael Jordan."

The league doesn't need a higher minimum age requirement, it needs a strong minor league system.

There is no good reason to raise the minimum age. If a player isn't ready for the NBA, then he won't make the team. He can either stay in college, or play in the minors. If its structured like Major League Baseball, each team will have affiliate teams at different levels. An 18 year old can be drafted out of high school and go to the minors, or if he's good enough, the NBA. He can also choose to go to college.

It has worked for baseball for many years. Basketball should give it a try too.