Michael Jordan Blasts Load Management Among Current NBA Players: “That’s Your Job”

Today's players are being compared to Michael Jordan who never took a day off unless he was incapable of playing.

Michael Jordan Blasts Load Management Among Current NBA Players: “That’s Your Job”

Michael Jordan talks about load management (Image via FirstSportz)

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When Michael Jordan dominated the NBA, it was the norm to play through injuries, as it was more about the competition than just being a game. That has changed. In today’s game, players have made it a habit of avoiding some games, with the intention of staying fresh for the playoffs. Sometimes it works, but most of the time, it backfires.

Fans and analysts have been extremely critical of load management, as they believe an athlete earning millions should be on the court every single game. However, an increasing number of injuries and a tight schedule have sometimes made it worthwhile. Moreover, teams are now helping players take games off. Jordan does not agree with these methods.

It shouldn’t be needed… I never wanted to miss a game, because it was an opportunity to prove… You play basketball for 2.5 to 3 hours a day. That’s your job. That’s what you get paid to do. What are you doing the other 21 hours?

Michael Jordan said on NBC Sports

This was the 2nd installment of His Airness’ work as a ‘special contributor’ for NBC’s NBA coverage. The 6-time champion went on to say that, unless one is physically incapable of playing, it is their duty to show up and play.

Otherwise, it is a disservice to the fans who have used their hard-earned money to come to games and watch the player play. Jordan finished off the segment by saying that taking games off also messes with the team’s rhythm.

Michael Jordan gives an example of when he chose to play through injury

During this sit-down, NBC host Mike Tirico asked Michael Jordan if there was a situation during his illustrious NBA career when he suffered an injury, but decided it was not worth it to sit out.

Start of my career, I twist my ankle. I had a teammate, he says, ‘You twist your ankle young fella, come over here and sit with me.’ I said, ‘Nah, man, I’m trying to make a name for myself. There’s no way I can sit. I need to get out there and show what I’m capable of. I want to play, I wanna win.’ I taped it up, I went back and played.

Michael Jordan said

This example dates back to the year 1984 when he was a rookie. Back then, had he focused on his injury, it could have impacted his mindset for the rest of his career. A young Michael Jordan continuing to play through injury made him the superstar that he eventually became. After all, despite that ankle injury, he played all 82 games in his rookie season.

Today’s NBA players make load management look normal

Michael Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA. The last two years with the Washington Wizards, where he was playing at the age of 40, he struggled with some injuries.

Joel Embiid has made it a habit of load managing
Joel Embiid has made it a habit of load managing (Image via Hoop X/X)

When he was with the Bulls, he missed 64 games in year 2 owing to a broken foot. Other than that, he has played the full 82 games eight times as a starter. In the remaining 4 seasons with the franchise, he came back from his 1st retirement late in the season. Otherwise, he missed just 7 games. In today’s NBA, that is unthinkable.

Players such as Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid, and a couple of others have made load management the norm. Now, on every team, there are players taking time off.

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