NBA Draft: The future of the one-and-done; how it affects the Cavs

How this affects the Cavs long-term plans

In the long run, not eliminating the one-and-done rule could benefit the Cavaliers. Let’s take a look at a guy like Isaac Okoro.

He was drafted fifth overall because of his athleticism and his defensive capabilities. His rookie season wasn’t good, but it also wasn’t bad. He averaged nearly 10 points per game, while also kicking in a steal per game.

When you look at Okoro’s game, you can easily pin-point some of his weaknesses. His shooting needs to improve, and his entire offensive arsenal needs some improvement. Now say Okoro wasn’t drafted in 2020, and was a college freshman in 2025.

He would have been able to show off his defensive capabilities and athleticism for one season, but would not be able to really improve his game. However, if he decided to stay at Auburn for another year, while guys like LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards went pro, it’d be different. In the end it all worked out for Okoro as he was a high lottery pick.

On top of young players being able to grow in college, another way this will benefit the Cavs, and other NBA teams, is that players will come into the league with at least a little bit of knowledge of money management. Some of the major issues that a lot of young men face when getting to the NBA is how to handle their money. If you look at ex-NBA players like Antoine Walker and Shawn Kemp, who are now essentially bankrupt, their money problems started early on in their careers.

By going to college for a year, and being able to benefit from your name, players would come to the NBA with at least some knowledge of how to invest and save their money.

Will this rule ever be eliminated?

Personally, I don’t think that the rule will be brought up again until 2025 or 2026. Right now with college athletes getting paid for their likeness, there is no real motive to go straight to the NBA.

Now, I know players want to get to the league and make some real money. But, there is nothing wrong with attending a university for a year or two. If you don’t like it, and just want to hoop, then make the jump to the NBA. On top of that, most players who previously jumped from high school to the NBA, have gone back and gotten a degree. Whether it be online, or a campus near the city they play in, having a college degree is important to a lot of families.

Even taking all that into consideration, I don’t think we’ll see the end of the one-and-done rule until at least 2026 or 2027.