As expansion looms, a surge in available roster spots could finally reverse the league's youth obsession, restoring vital veteran leadership to locker rooms across the map.
With the NBA reportedly authorizing exploration for league expansion, though not officially confirming expansion yet, there’s one particular thing to look forward to. Aside from fans ready to get NBA basketball back in Seattle, there could potentially be another comeback.
I’m talking about the return of veterans to the league. Even though the league is allowing more players than ever to be on each roster, teams are choosing to fill those spots with younger players. That’s obviously part of the plan, as the additional roster sports are all for Two-Way contracts.
This has had an adverse effect on young players though, as the result has been less veterans around the league. Steven Adams hinted at this on Basketball Network while discussing young players lose themselves in the league.
The Rockets are lucky to have him, Jeff Green, and Clint Capela. Even DFS and Aaron Holiday are experienced players, with Kevin Durant obviously being an elder statesman in the league himself.
That’s not the norm though. Every offseason we see a surprising number of vets left without a job. JaVale McGee just went and averaged 19.3 and 10 in the NBL. Jae Crowder, Torrey Craig, and Spencer Dinwiddie are playing overseas as well.
I’m expecting talent around the league would have to disperse a bit with thirty more standard roster spots, giving teams the opportunity to get a more veteran presence. That doesn’t mean that’s how the 30 extra roster spots will be used though, assuming we can get expansion by 2030.