Over the last few years, “load management” has become a thing throughout the NBA, and it has become a contentious issue.
Although there are proponents of load management, many feel it is bad for the game, as it can result in teams losing games they should’ve won, not to mention players simply ducking their duties as employees.
The league just instituted a new set of rules that are aimed at curbing this practice, and reporter Howard Beck called it “just the next step,” via SiriusXM NBA Radio.
“This is just the next step”.
Longtime NBA reporter Howard Beck talks about the new Player Participation Policy pic.twitter.com/3ft4jwiB5Q
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) September 17, 2023
There is a perception among some fans that NBA players are people who play the game only for the money and the lifestyle, but as Beck noted, the vast majority of load management happens at the command of management and medical staffs, and not players themselves.
Perhaps the worst aspect of load management is how it cheats fans out of their hard-earned money, whether they’re attending NBA games in person or watching them on television.
There are some provisions in the league’s new rules that will allow stars to occasionally rest, especially those who are 35 years of age or above.
However, there will be zero tolerance for any type of load management for stars during nationally televised games or the league’s new in-season tournament.
Ratings for the NBA have bounced back nicely over the last couple of years, and fans go to games or watch to see stars doing their thing on the court rather than see them wearing expensive suits on the bench.
NEXT: Reporter Sheds Light On Warriors' Interest In Dwight Howard
