A couple of seasons ago the NBA started the regular season a couple of weeks earlier than normal to help with teams have too many back-to-back games and with the 'load management' trend that had started. It hasn't worked especially for the Hawks, who have had 10 back-to-back games this season, including a back-to-back where the Hawks played a late game in San Antonio and had to play the next day back at home against Detroit.
This type of schedule has lead to teams sitting out star players against the Hawks this season. On January 22nd, the Clippers sat Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for load management reasons. Leonard hasn't suited up against the Hawks this season at all.
Fans across the NBA don't good money to see a G-League team play against their teams. When a game is billed as a battle between superstars and the superstars sit out, fans get discouraged. The NBA has a more player friendly style of play now more than ever, than when Jordan and even Larry Bird played. Those stars didn't sit out games. They dominated lesser teams on the road to championships.
The NBA may reduce the schedule to 72 games or less in order to get more participation, but it shouldn't have to.
Will Palaszczuk says load management in the NBA needs to stop.....and stop now!!!
