Load Management, a topic that shouldn't exist

Load management. Alas, it has joined the buzzword ranks alongside “DeflateGate”, “Adjustments”, and “Trap games”. But this one is here to stay and I hate it. The basis of load management lies within resting players during games in order to keep players fresh and healthy for the playoffs or their long term careers. 

To assess the sports “ethics” of load management, we must define the purpose of winning in the NBA. Should basketball teams aim to:

• Win only when necessary (the playoffs, for games that determine seeds)

OR

• Win at all costs for both competitive reasons as well as for fans

If the first statement is true, then by all means, load manage your players to your heart’s content. But the fact is, the former option isn’t true. It’s plain wrong. The NBA is not purely a competition, but an economic and social institution. Fans and entire cities dole out hard earned money and sacrifice precious time to see their sports idols play. Robbing the NBA and its fans of seeing their favorite players is odious and narrow minded. While the argument that load management enables players to compete in meaningful playoff games, cuts wear and tear, and allows for players to be healthy in the playoffs, skipping games is a perversity.

Currently, the NBA is able to fine teams $100,000 for sitting players during nationally broadcasted games (not even locally broadcasted games). Many may think, “that’s not enough”. But in reality, it’s not only insufficient, but completely erroneous. The real issue of load management lies in the NBA’s rigorous schedule, rather than the parameters and rules that surround “managing” players. Instead of disincentivizing billion dollar franchises with menial fines, the NBA must cut down total games played, back to backs, and other rigorous practices during the season. This not only limits injuries, but to incentivizes players to play the game that they love, without ruining their own lives and the experiences of fans everywhere.