“Softer than funeral home music,” Kendrick Perkins lambasts NBA players resting often in the pretext of load management
Analyst and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins did not hold himself back from criticising the increasing absence of players to manage load.
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In recent years, NBA players have increasingly been taking rest days in the middle of the regular season under the guise of “load management.” The idea behind load management is to give players a break from the physical demands of the sport in order to prevent injury and optimize their performance during crucial games. However, this practice has been met with criticism from fans who argue that players are paid to play and should not sit out games.
Former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins was unimpressed by the above practice and did not hesitate to slam it. The former Celtic found it extremely disrespectful to the fanbase and the players who paved way for a player to be at a particular position in their careers. The big man, in an appearance on ESPN’s first take, said, “First of all, this is what you sign up for. You signed up to get paid top dollar and to play the game of basketball, and to be available. To be available. That’s not asking too much. It’s very disrespectful to the fan base, but it’s also disrespectful to all the players that paved the way for guys today to be in the position that they‘re in, for us getting paid top dollar to go out there and hoop every single night.
Perkins also reflected on the poor mental toughness levels of the players and clearly, wasn’t having it. He stated, “I hear all the old school guys, all the guys that played for us, they call our league soft. And not just from a physicality standpoint, but from a mental standpoint. And, guys today, when it comes down to their mental toughness, are softer than funeral home musical.”
Coaches and players also face criticism for selectively resting star players during high-profile games, which can impact the competitiveness of the league. Despite the controversy, load management has become a common strategy for NBA teams looking to preserve the health and longevity of their players.
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Kendrick Perkins addressed the issue after Damian Lillard’s decision to rest
Damian Lillard, the star point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, has announced that he will be taking some time off to rest and manage his load following the 2023 All-Star break. Lillard was seen in action for team Giannis where he hit the game-clinching three-pointer. Apart from that, Lillard also took home the 3-point contest trophy.
Lillard has been playing at an incredibly high level this season, averaging over 29 points and 7 assists per game, but has also been logging heavy minutes for his team. The decision to rest is likely a precautionary measure to prevent injury and ensure that he is in peak condition for the remainder of the season.
While Blazers fans may be disappointed to see their star player sit out a few games, they will undoubtedly understand the importance of Lillard’s health and the team’s long-term success.
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Gerard Crispin
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