Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Lakers GM Robert Pelinka Wants The NBA To Eliminate Back-To-Back Games Because Of Basketball Fans
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Lakers GM Robert Pelinka Wants The NBA To Eliminate Back-To-Back Games Because Of Basketball Fans

Lakers GM Robert Pelinka Wants The NBA To Eliminate Back-To-Back Games Because Of Basketball Fans

Lakers GM Robert Pelinka suggests a radical change to NBA scheduling to tackle the load management controversy.

Vishwesha Kumar
Sep 29, 2023
7 Min Read
Share

Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

  • Robert Pelinka proposes eliminating back-to-back games for NBA schedules
  • NBA aims to address load management and enhance the fan experience
  • Recent NBA policies fine teams for resting stars during major games

In the midst of rising concerns and controversies surrounding the NBA’s player load management, Lakers General Manager Robert Pelinka has voiced a proposal to the NBA’s competition committee: the complete elimination of back-to-back games in future NBA schedules. His rationale? The preservation of fan interest in the league’s overall product.

Contents
  • Does Rob Pelinka Have A Point?
  • The New NBA Resting Rule: A Balance Of Player Welfare And Fan Engagement

“Rob Pelinka says he has advocated to the NBA’s competition committee for the complete elimination of back-to-backs in future NBA scheduling in order to solve the player rest quandary that has damaged fan interest in the overall product.”

Rob Pelinka says he has advocated to the NBA's competition committee for the complete elimination of back-to-backs in future NBA scheduling in order to solve the player rest quandary that has damaged fan interest in the overall product

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 28, 2023

Load management has been a polarizing issue within the NBA, with both the league and its stakeholders grappling for solutions. Recently, the NBA Board of Governors approved a stringent player participation policy set to commence in the 2023-24 season. This policy places hefty fines on teams that rest star players during nationally televised or in-season tournament games. It’s a move indicative of the league’s commitment to ensuring that the brightest talents are showcased, especially in marquee matchups.

However, Pelinka’s suggestion takes a broader view, prioritizing both player health and the fan experience. Eliminating back-to-back games could indeed be a game-changer. Not only would it curtail the need for teams to rest their star players due to the grueling schedule, but it would also elevate the quality of gameplay and maintain fan engagement throughout the season.

The NBA has previously taken steps to address the load management issue, such as reducing the number of back-to-back games, particularly before high-profile matchups. Yet, the problem persists. Pelinka’s proposition seems to aim at tackling the root cause of the issue rather than just mitigating its effects.


Does Rob Pelinka Have A Point?

Rob Pelinka’s recent advocacy to the NBA’s competition committee for the complete elimination of back-to-back games speaks to a broader concern in professional basketball: player health and longevity versus the demands of an 82-game regular season. Pelinka’s standpoint is grounded in the concept of load management, a modern approach that prioritizes player wellness, thereby reducing injury risks and enhancing performance during pivotal playoff games.

Back-to-back games not only heighten the physical toll on players but also reduce the quality of the game, as fatigued athletes are more prone to errors and less likely to deliver peak performances. Fans, paying high ticket prices or tuning into televised games, expect to see the best from their favorite stars. When teams opt to rest key players during these games to manage their load, it can be a letdown for fans and a potential loss for broadcasters.

On the flip side, eliminating back-to-back games might necessitate extending the length of the NBA season or reducing the number of games, which could have significant financial implications.

While critics might argue that players of past eras managed the same rigorous schedules without complaint, the increasing pace, athleticism, and physicality of today’s game necessitate a reevaluation. In this context, Pelinka’s perspective isn’t just about player welfare; it’s about preserving the quality and integrity of the NBA product for fans worldwide.


The New NBA Resting Rule: A Balance Of Player Welfare And Fan Engagement

The NBA’s ongoing tussle with the issue of load management has reached a critical point with the league’s introduction of fortified guidelines regarding player rest, especially during national TV broadcasts. This development comes in the wake of a growing concern over star players, frequently sitting out during key games, often to the chagrin of fans and sponsors.

Load management is rooted in contemporary sports science. By analyzing a myriad of factors, teams can predict when their athletes are most vulnerable to injuries and plan strategic rest days. Especially in a sport like basketball, where certain stars carry a disproportionate load in isolation-based offenses, ensuring their well-being during regular season games can be pivotal for a team’s success in the playoffs.

The concern, however, is twofold. First, there’s the optics of it. Star players sitting out marquee matchups can disappoint fans and hurt the league’s viewership ratings. This becomes even more pronounced when these games are nationally televised. Secondly, the cultural narrative posits today’s athletes as “softer” compared to their predecessors. Regular days off are sometimes pointed out as evidence supporting this notion, despite the fact that rest decisions often emerge from collaborative discussions between players, front-office executives, and medical staff.

For the 2023-24 season, the NBA made it clear: teams cannot rest healthy players during nationally televised games, barring “unusual circumstances.” Violations come with a hefty price, starting at $100,000 for breaching national TV protocols. However, defining and proving these breaches remain a challenge for the NBA, as teams can often cite minor past injuries or other factors as reasons for rest.

While the new rules aim to strike a balance between player health and fan engagement, only time will tell if this approach will appease both the teams’ strategic interests and fans’ expectations.

We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.

Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Los Angeles Lakers ArchiveRob Pelinka
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByVishwesha Kumar
Follow:
Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
Previous Article Ranking The NBA’s Best Duos For The 2023-24 Season
Next Article 4 Blockbuster Trade Ideas For The Miami Heat After Missing Out On Damian Lillard
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to media before a Game 2 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

JJ Redick Explains Why Lakers Got Blown Out By Suns In Preseason Opener

October 4, 2025
Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts against the Golden State Warriors at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix Suns News & Analysis

Devin Booker Trolls Deandre Ayton During Lakers-Suns Game

October 4, 2025
Lonzo Ball
Cleveland Cavaliers News & Analysis

Lonzo Ball On Track For Major Redemption Season, Turning Heads At Training Camp

October 4, 2025
Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27), center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Christian Braun (0) in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 6 of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets News & Analysis

Denver Nuggets Guard Declares They Have The Best Starting Five In The NBA

October 4, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?