Magic Johnson spills details of Michael Jordan’s disgust during Europe visit

Legends Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan come from an era when players wanted to compete in every single game.

Magic Johnson spills details of Michael Jordan’s disgust during Europe visit

Load management in today's NBA disgusts Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan

Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan became good friends over time after they both understood and respected how good they were as basketball players. They competed in the NBA at a time when every player wanted to give their best to defeat the other and be known as one of the best.

That competition helped the league immensely as players battled against each other through the odds, resulting in some epic basketball games. That competition saw the players pushing each other to the limits, even playing through injuries.

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As long as they gave it their all, they did not mind what they had to face. That is in stark contrast to how the league is today. Nowadays, load management is the keyword. Players casually take time off to rest their bodies, helping them recover ahead of crucial battles.

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For instance, it has been noted off late that players are intentionally citing injuries to get additional rest. This is something Michael Jordan and Johnson would never even think off. Which is why, when the two met while on vacation, the state of the league was a topic that came up.

I was with Michael Jordan the summer before last. We ran into each other in Europe. He said, ‘I don’t know why these guys….’. If you look at his record, he almost played every game five or six times throughout his career.

Magic Johnson said

Johnson understood Jordan was disgusted with the current generation. In eight out of the thirteen seasons Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls, he played all 82 games. That is a far cry from what happens in the league now.

Magic Johnson details difference between the two eras

After detailing how Jordan was during his days, Magic Johnson started speaking with Byron Scott on how they used to conduct themselves during their playing days. The billionaire goes on to reveal how Los Angeles Lakers staff used to stop them from entering games.

We wanted to play in every game. Pat Riley or our trainer, Gary Vitti had to make sure they said, ‘No no don’t put on your uniform’ or ‘don’t come sit on that bench, because you want to play for your friends’. It’s a difference now. And fans are reacting to load management, they don’t get to see their stars.

Magic Johnson said

The five-time NBA champion made it clear that fans and media are showing their true feelings about load management. The falling viewership ratings show how fans look at it. They do not appreciate it when they make time for a game, only to learn that their superstars will not play.

The 65-year-old wants the NBA to fix this problem. Else, it will become uncontrollable. He understands players do not radiate the same passion his era had. But the league has to force them to play games considering the money those players are earning.

NBA investigating instances of load management

From the start of this season, Joel Embiid made waves when he revealed that he will not play back-to-back games. It caused a furor, and many felt it was a disservice to the fans. Since then, the league has been keeping a keen eye on players as well as teams.

As of now, they have open investigations into the Philadelphia 76ers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Those two teams collectively rested some of their starters in a couple of games. If at least some were available, it might not have mattered.

But when almost all the starters do not suit up, it is not a good look for the league. The Denver Nuggets almost tried the same trick against the Golden State Warriors tonight. Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun were out.