Certainly, hard drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, have absolutely no place in the NBA, but Shawn Kemp's battle with cocaine and recent rehabilitation attempts are an entirely separate issue. The recreational marijuana use that goes on after games is troubling enough for the NBA.

As the season draws to a close, it is important to take a look at the NBA's drug policy. Certainly, there are legal issues involved. Until marijuana is legalized in the United States, use of the widely popular drug remains a criminal offense.

But it is an inevitable facet of the NBA. Eradicating the drug problem in the NBA is about as likely as watching a showdown between the L.A. Clippers and Chicago Bulls this June. It just isn't going to happen. (So, don't worry Lamar Odom, you'll have plenty of extra "recreational time" with your friends this summer).

There are more serious implications to the increase in drug use over the past few years. Whether they would like to admit it or not, these players are indeed role models for youngsters all over the world. Professional basketball has long surpassed baseball in popularity and has been nipping at the heels of the NFL, which has been looking for someone to fill the gaping holes left by larger-than-life stars like Elway and Marino. It's pretty difficult to get excited over journeymen like Elvis Grbac (once a third-string quarterback for the 49ers behind Montana and Young) and prima donnas like Ryan Leaf.