Despite an illustrious 75-year run, the NBA has witnessed a notorious practice evolve more significantly over time. In the modern NBA, the looked-down-upon practice of load management has become increasingly prevalent despite advancements in medical science and technology. Recently, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley issued a major warning to the NBPA regarding the issue of load management becoming a point of contention in the upcoming CBA. But interestingly, amid all the outrage in the NBA world, Stephen Curry recently provided a fresh perspective on the matter.?
However, the 4x NBA champion’s attempt to clear the ‘misconception’ about load management may not have sat well with players who have campaigned against load management for a while now.?
Stephen Curry on load management
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In early January, Stephen Curry suffered from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for most of the month. However, he returned to the team a few weeks ago and has helped the Golden State Warriors improve their record to 26-24. Likewise, after an impressive win in his latest outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning Finals MVP broke silence on the recent outrage surrounding load management.?
After scoring 38 points in the 128-120 victory, Curry candidly harped on the load management issue in the post-game press conference. According to an NBC Sports article, he said, “I usually campaign to play every game, “That’s the misconception about load management and how it goes. It’s never the player that is usually saying, ‘Hey, I want to sit.'”
Moreover, he also tried to clear the air on how load management actually works behind the scenes among teams, “So, for all those people that are worried about that part of our league, it’s usually not the player that is going to the training staff and saying, ‘Hey, I don’t have it tonight.’ It’s usually the other way around. There’s a lot of science involved.”
However, the 2x MVP’s attempt to calm the storm regarding load management may have been confusing for many. Curry’s argument that players aren’t the ones who want load management goes against the essence of the fight that many players and coaches have been fighting for a long time. Interestingly, Curry’s statements majorly contradict his own coach’s campaigns as well.?
Steve Kerr’s fight for a shortened season
Steve Kerr, who has previously campaigned for a shortened season, recently doubled down on his stance. The Warriors came under fire after resting all four of their stars in their only road trip to Cleveland, facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers.?
Steve Kerr on the Warriors sitting their big names in Cleveland tonight
“I feel terrible for fans who bought a ticket expecting to see someone play. It’s a brutal part of the business. It’s why I’m going to continue to advocate for 72-game seasons.”
Full soundbite pic.twitter.com/P0ZGbv1DNE
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 20, 2023
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That night, in a passionate monologue, Kerr explained how load management has become unavoidable in the packed 82-game schedule. Moreover, he campaigned for a shortened season with only 72 games, as he believes the solution lies in the reduced number of back-to-back games.?The 4x champion backed his arguments with sound points, “We have a lot more information about how to prevent injuries. Every team has got a team of medical people advising us to sit our stars out for 10 games a year.“
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What are your thoughts on load management in the league? Let us know in the comments below.?
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