In recent years, many have suggested that load management was the answer to help players avoid injuries and ensure they are at 100% for the playoffs. However, it seems as though that may not be the case.
In a recent report by Joe Vardon and Sam Amick of The Athletic, NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars explained that data doesn’t back up the merits of load management.
“Before, it was a given conclusion that the data showed that you had to rest players a certain amount, and that justified them sitting out,” said Joe Dumars.
“We’ve gotten more data, and it just doesn’t show that resting, sitting guys out correlates with lack of injuries, or fatigue, or anything like that. What it does show is maybe guys aren’t as efficient on the second night of a back-to-back.”
“Obviously everybody’s not going to play 82 games, but everyone should want to play 82 games. And that’s the culture that we are trying to reestablish right now.”
There is no doubt that many have complained about load management in recent years, as there were times when fans would want to watch their favorite stars hoop, but the player would be sitting out due to scheduled rest. It seems as though the NBA is now trying to move away from that practice.
Players Have To Play A Minimum Of 65 Games To Get Individual Awards
Due to the NBA wanting star players to be more available, there have been a number of new rules put in place. Starting with the 2023-24 NBA season, players have to play a 65-game minimum to be eligible for awards.
“In an attempt to curb load management and lost games among star players, the NBA is tying eligibility for postseason awards, such as All-NBA teams and MVP, to a mandatory 65 games played,” Adrian Wojnarowski reported for ESPN. “The 65-game minimum does come with some conditions.”
Availability is one of the most important attributes that a player can have. A player being consistently available means that they can help the team get better regular season positioning with their play, and coaches likely value that trait since they know that they will get a certain amount of production from that player every night. It is clear that the NBA is now placing an emphasis on that in awards as well, and many have applauded the change.
Kawhi Leonard Has Slammed The NBA For New Rules
There is no doubt that many associate superstar Kawhi Leonard with load management. After all, the approach worked for him in 2019, when he won the championship with the Toronto Raptors. It seems as though Leonard isn’t happy with the new rules. Previously, we saw Leonard blast the NBA for their new load management rules.
“If the league is trying to mock what I did with the Raptors, it should stop, because I was injured during that whole year… I work out every day in the summertime to play the game, not to sit out and watch others play. No league policy is helping me to play more games.”
It is true that Leonard has consistently been injured during his time with the Clippers, and a lot of those injuries are not necessarily preventable. It is clear that Leonard feels singled out by the NBA, as all he was doing was taking an approach he felt worked for his body.
To be fair though, Leonard’s availability has hampered the Clippers’ championship aspirations. Hopefully, we see the superstar play a full season this year and help them make a deep playoff run.
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