Basketball is one of the most physically demanding sports where injuries are commonplace. Not that anyone likes it though. Injuries can have a significant impact on a player?s performance and their position along with the team?s in the season. They also take a deep toll on the player?s mental health, with the frustrations and anxiety that comes with poor play.?
The LA Clippers are no strangers to injuries and its impact, especially with the previous season. Two of its star players, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George suffered some major injuries. This left them missing most of the games last season. Leonard missed 20 games, while George missed 45 games. As a result, the team could not find a consistent rhythm. They had to settle for less than what they were expecting, a fifth place in the Western Conference.?
As the regular NBA season fast approaches, everyone is curious to know what the team?s mindset is like. And it seems to be positive, at least according to Paul George.?
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George hopes to ?just dive right in?
The eight-time NBA All-Star recently sat down for a chat with Taylor Rooks for Bleacher Report. He touched on a lot of topics, some of them including entering this season healthy and load management.?
When asked what his thoughts are on entering camp completely healthy, George replied, ?It?s great. Anytime, you know, myself especially, I could get off this season without having to rehab something, and I could dive right into getting a great start, the better.??
He also shared an update on his teammate, Leonard, adding, ?Very fortunate, Kawhi is the same way, you know, he?s healthy.? From what he has shared, it looks like the players are all ready to jump right in and give their best to the fans. Injuries are the only thing causing worry. The latest policy change by the NBA on load management is a bit of concern for many, including George.
Read More: Is the NBA?s New Resting Policy Going to Have an Effect on Preseason Games??
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NBA?s new rules on load management
Last month the NBA?s board of governors green-lighted new rules that will inhibit the exploitation of load management for the upcoming 2023-24 season. This move restricts teams from resting ?star players?, especially during multiple games. George shared his thoughts on questions surrounding him and Leonard being the face of this talk. He stated, ?We don?t want to intentionally miss games. It?s just something that we are trying to be mindful of and ahead of.??
He adds that it’s not just players that are involved in those decisions. The medical staff also do have a say in these matters. ?If we?re not suiting up then there is something going on that is keeping us out of the game?, replied George.?
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The Clippers will play their first game against the Portland Trail Blazers on 25th October and fans are eagerly expecting to see the stars slay their way to the title. Only time will dream if their dreams will come true.??
Watch this story: Hell Bent on Leaving the 76ers, James Harden Still Hopeful of Creating Dream Team With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George
