Load management has become a huge issue for the NBA.
The fans, the sports gambling and fantasy industry, and even television ratings can be down because of players deciding to sit out despite being healthy.
Notably, the Los Angeles Clippers were heavily criticized because of that, as Kawhi Leonard had been at the forefront of this movement for quite a while now, and Paul George recently started following his steps as well.
That’s why Clippers beat writer Farbod Esnaashari defended George and Leonard, pointing out the fact that they’re the only star duo in the league who has yet to miss a single game this season.
There was a lot of disrespectful convo of Kawhi and PG being the poster children for the load management rule. They’re one of the only duos that haven’t missed a game this season.
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) November 23, 2023
Leonard and George were even on the court for back-to-backs earlier in the year.
Even so, that just doesn’t seem sustainable.
The Clippers traded for James Harden, and they now have another insurance policy for if (when) either Leonard or George have to miss some time.
Of course, no one wants players to play banged up or through injury; that has never been the point.
But if a player is healthy enough to play, then, by all means, he should play.
NBA players get paid millions of dollars to play basketball, and fans want to see the best players on the court every single night.
NEXT:
Kawhi Leonard Reacts To James Harden’s Game-Winning Play
