Just because the designation “load management” has become firmly entrenched in the modern NBA lexicon does not mean that it is an exclusively beneficial strategy for all parties.
When fans pay to watch the Los Angeles Clippers, for example, they are likely hoping to see Kawhi Leonard on the floor. Alternatively, the Clippers want to preserve Leonard whenever possible so that he can be fresh for another astonishing playoff run.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr thinks that the strategy to avoiding load management is simple: shorten the season.
Kerr spoke on Leonard's situation while also suggesting that every team in the league could benefit from a 75-game schedule, even if the league would lose some revenue:
Steve Kerr was asked about load management in the wake of Kawhi Leonard’s mini controversy. Says “Every coach knows his own team… you have to make the best decision within the rules.” pic.twitter.com/MBYVsGTX7R
— Logan Murdock (@loganmmurdock) November 7, 2019
Steve Kerr also said he’d be a proponent of a shorter season, preferably 75 or so games. But acknowledged it would affect the NBA’s revenue stream. pic.twitter.com/sbs5Anmp7X
— Logan Murdock (@loganmmurdock) November 7, 2019
This is hardly the first time that league personnel have expressed that it might be time for a shortened season. In June, the league toyed with some bold ideas in honor of the 75th anniversary of the NBA during the 2021-22 season (via Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN):
On a June 17 conference call, a committee that consists of approximately a dozen top team executives from both basketball and business operations discussed with the league office ideas for alternatives to the traditional NBA schedule for the 2021-22 season. In what sources characterize as a wide-ranging brainstorming session with accompanying documents, participants contemplated how the NBA could introduce the aforementioned tournaments, as well as an abbreviated slate of regular-season games to accommodate the additional events.
A shortened schedule would hypothetically allow the playoffs to begin sooner and give postseason competitors the chance to rest and recuperate during the summer.
In addition, a lesser number of regular season games would drastically cut down on the number of back-to-backs, which is inherently tied to load management and the use of players like Joel Embiid.
Follow Us
Subscribe