The subject of load management is one of the most controversial in the NBA.
Some people feel it’s appropriate and just the cost of playing in such an intense and physically demanding league, while others think it’s disrespectful to the fans who are paying so much money to come see games.
Speaking to NBC, basketball legend Michael Jordan opened up about his views on load management and why he thinks it’s a bad idea that he can’t wrap his head around.
“[Load management] shouldn’t be needed. I never wanted to miss a game, because it was an opportunity to prove. I want to impress that guy, way up in the top, who worked his a– off to come and watch me. You have a duty that if they’re wanting to see you, as an entertainer, I want to show,” Jordan said.
Jordan comes from an era when load management wasn’t nearly as popular.
When players would sit out of games during his career, it was almost always because they were legitimately hurt.
These days, it’s not uncommon to see certain stars rest on the bench even when they aren’t suffering from an injury.
That is because the team is attempting to keep them physically primed for the long, exhausting season.
Fans have cried out again and again, demanding that the league do something about this practice.
So far, the NBA hasn’t been able to do much, although they have enacted some rules that address load management.
But it seems like it’s something that will forever be in the NBA, even if it’s more limited.
Jordan doesn’t like it and, frankly, doesn’t understand it either.
He was always ready to compete, and doesn’t comprehend the players who aren’t.
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