As far back as I can remember, load management was primarily used on key players, or more specifically, superstars. This was used maybe a month or maybe a few weeks outside of the NBA Playoffs, so they can nurse any preexisting injuries just before the brutal championship run. The only team that comes to mind to me is the San Antonio Spurs. Coach Gregg Popovich was/is very stern on giving his stars the day off on non-important games. He definitely isn’t the only coach who used this method.
Today, load management is important as how many three-pointers a team is willing to jack-up a night. With the fear of being injured early, players are doubling down on their playing career by sitting out any meaningless game. They feel the team could win without them. From a consumer’s perspective, it’s hard to understand why athletes should be able to sit out certain games when they get paid to play. But also as a brand, the NBA recognizes that the game of basketball has gained major popularity over the years. They’ve been trying their best to protect their best players.
Superstars including LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and James Harden have been against the idea of load management. Then there is Kawhi Leonard. Who isn’t all for against load management? But it is definitely all for nursing his wounds and wanting to be in the best shape. Leonard sat out 22 games last season when he played with the Raptors and the rest paid off when Kawhi and the Raptors went on a historic run en route to winning the NBA Finals.
The Clippers, Kawhi’s current team, have been super supportive of Kawhi’s health. They also were fined by the $50,000 for not justifying Leonard’s injuries when he sat games.
Do you think load management has gone too far or do you think it’s good for today’s NBA?
