After back-and-forth dialogue between NBA franchises, coaches, players, and the league, the argument of periodic rest being a scientific proven factor that can lengthen the longevity of players' careers has become a staple in every discussion.
So much so that Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr would be willing to take a pay cut if the NBA season was shortened, potentially solving the issue of resting players as a part of scheduled maintenance.
“I wouldn't be opposed to it, even at the expense to my own salary, but it's something that everyone would have to agree to,” Kerr told ESPN's Tim MacMahon prior to Tuesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. “I think even just going down to 75 games, I think that would make a dramatic difference in schedule. Now I don't see that happening because there is money at stake for everybody.”
“I do think this can be remedied though — maybe not remedied — but I think it can be dramatically helped with what the league is already working on for next year and the consideration of geographics when it comes to the schedule.”
Commissioner Adam Silver‘s memo to league owners, urging them to be more involved with the participation or lack thereof of their players prior to nationally televised games, has been reason for banter, with the likes of LeBron James and Gregg Popovich making their voices heard on the matter.
Kerr agrees with the idea, citing the fact that the NBA has taken some steps in moving toward a player-friendly schedule that has their best interests at heart.
“I thought [the memo] was smart,” said Kerr, whose team wrapped up a grueling stretch with a back-to-back in Minnesota and San Antonio that forced his hand to rest his starters against the Spurs. “I think this is something that every organization needs to partner together with the league and our broadcasting partners and figure out what's best for everybody. We all have the same interests at heart, which is we need to do what's best for the league. But there are great arguments on every side.”
“I do feel bad for the fans. I also know resting those guys last week was something that was beneficial and I think it's shown to be so this past week. You can see our guys are fresher, their legs. So what can we all do, together? And I think that's where Adam is really good in terms of taking a lot of opinions and finding solutions. This is not a right or wrong issue. It's what can we do to best serve the league, best serve the player's health. Is there a compromise?
“We're already working on that by extending the season next year by 7-10 days. I think that's going to be very helpful and I think the broadcast partners and the league can pay closer attention to the schedule when it comes out next year as they put that together. These are all things that we all have to work on.”
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