Does anybody remember when the NBA did this? Basically, The NBA draft allowed territorial picks. Before the actual draft started A team could forfeit there first round pick and instead pick a player from the teams area. It only lasted like 6-7 seasons though. For example The Sixers could have selected Kobe Bryant because he played High school basketball in Philadelphia. If this was still in tact today The Bobcats would be stacked because they could select anybody from Duke haha. Notable players picked in the Territorial Draft: Wilt Chamberlian Dave DeBusschere Gail Goodrich Bill Bradley Tom Heinsohn
This probably took place a little before my time, but I'm glad they got rid of it. There's a few cities with an abundant amount of basketball talent, who would have an unfair edge over cities with less population and a smaller talent pool to select from. What was the original idea behind these type of drafts? Was it to build a fan base faster, because fans could follow hometown heroes? If this rule was still around New York, Philly, LA, and the Texas teams would be stacked.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">What was the original idea behind these type of drafts? Was it to build a fan base faster, because fans could follow hometown heroes?</div> Im pretty sure it was to support the teams who had weaker fanbases than others, I could be wrong.
Lmao thank god this idea's not around. Raptors would have the likes of Steve Nash (only superstar), Bill Wennington and Rick Fox...and that highschool kid who did a windmill over some other dude while jumping over his head (I think he's from Newfoundland?). Man, Canada should really focus more on atheltic scholarships and athletics in general. They wonder why Canadian athletes (aside from hockey players) aren't really recognized and Canada/Canadians is/are virtually non-existent in sports other then lacrosse or hockey. If more support was provided in order to ensure that our players were recognized IN OUR OWN COUNTRY rather then them having to seek to excel in the States, I'm sure we could produce much more recognized athletes.
