Sam Presti said the NBA is considering changing the rules for the expansion draft, allowing teams to protect only up to eight players who are under contract or are restricted free agents. Given the age and depth of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s core, this could be a team whose ability to defend just eight players will be negatively affected.
“What’s notable about the regulations is that many of the expanded regulations related to human resources were written around 1980,” Presti said. “Those things haven’t changed since 1980. One thing we’ve known since Adam Silver became commissioner is that I think he’s done an incredible job, but I think he’s done an incredible job in every way. I think we’re the most sophisticated league in many ways, with the same set of rules that were used when (Larry) Bird and Magic (Johnson) were rookies. I don’t think the idea of using it is appropriate for his administration.I also think again that we have come a long way and the world has changed since those days.
“One of the things that the league is really focused on is that if you have a team that is managed properly, you don’t randomly find yourself at a disadvantage. I’m sure there will be a lot of focus and work done to ensure equality and ultimately fairness in those rules.
“Team building is also very different now than it was back then. But those rules lasted from ’80 until 2004. Adam was very close to the league every step of the way to make sure it was fair. I’m sure they’ve looked at it and made sure it’s modern at the same time. Do it again. But I don’t know if they will decide on it, so it may never happen. .”
