Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles has established himself as one of the more deceiving players in the NBA. However, he has also become something of an “Ironman” as well.
Ingles currently leads the league in consecutive games played with 281. According to Eric Woodyard of Deseret News, the 31-year-old credits his lifestyle and exercise routine for his longevity.
“We do a lot so we spend probably like an hour before every practice and game on the table getting treatment,” Ingles described. “We spend probably about the same, 30 minutes to an hour after the game, to be reasonably healthy when we can. But yeah, especially for me, doing the treatment before and after the game is why I’m able to be out there every night.”
Ingles has not missed a game since December of 2015. There is no question that he has suffered his fair share of minor injuries during that time, however, his commitment to playing through the pain has become somewhat rare in today's NBA where players usually look for any reason to sit out.
On the other hand, Jazz head coach Quin Snyder has a rather interesting theory on why Joe Ingles is not injury prone. According to him, per Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, his streak can be credited to his lack of explosiveness.
There is certainly plenty of truth to Snyder's comments as well. Ingles himself has admitted that while he does not look or move like your average NBA athlete, he sure does play like one. It appears his lack of athleticism has finally started to work to his advantage.
The Jazz are hoping Ingles' durability will pay huge dividends for them down the line. Utah currently owns the sixth seed in the Western Conference. the onus will be on them to maintain a favorable position going into the playoffs.
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