NBA players react to Zion's injury, criticize NCAA system
Zion Williamson's knee injury 33 seconds into Wednesday's Duke-North Carolina game got Twitter humming among current and former NBA players. Many of them took direct aim at the NCAA system that makes hundreds of millions of dollars off athletes while paying them no salary.
DeMarcus Cousins on Zion Williamson’s injury and why the NCAA is “bull—-“ pic.twitter.com/Y2Ly5DiSHr
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 21, 2019
Again let’s remember all the money that went into this game.... and these players get none of it.... and now Zion gets hurt... something has to change @NCAA
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) February 21, 2019
Last season's EuroLeague MVP Luka Doncic suggested a professional alternative to the NCAA.
go play in europe 🤷🏼♂️😂✌️ https://t.co/2o2VPbwnYX
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) February 21, 2019
Jay Williams, a former Duke star himself, said the time is now to once again allow players to be drafted into the NBA straight out of high school.
This Zion Williamson injury is exactly why players should be able to go directly to the @nba from high school. The league needs to change this rule. PERIOD @GetUpESPN @espn
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) February 21, 2019
Some current players recommended that Williamson shut his season down now in preparation for June's draft.
Let these kids go straight out of HS!!! Too much on the line to be messing with college if you got a legit chance to turn pro. One injury can change somebody career, Zion sit yo ass down lol and we will be ready for you in the big boy league #LookingOutForThePlayers
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) February 21, 2019
Zion Need To Chill Out The Rest Of Season...
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) February 21, 2019
We Need Change💯 @NCAA
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) February 21, 2019