Load management is a topic that often elicits strong reactions among NBA followers. While advancements in science and medical technology have given teams access to information that allows them to monitor a player's workload and keep them out of a game or two when needed, this strategy has come with a price.
Unfortunately, it's the fans who often bear the brunt of load management decisions, as they are left disappointed and frustrated when their favorite star players sit out games. This has sparked debates on whether load management is necessary or if it's just an excuse for players to take breaks and conserve energy.
Recently, the sport's most distinguished legend, Michael Jordan , weighed in on the topic during the latest episode of "MJ: Insights to Excellence."
Jordan played a complete roster of regular-season games (82) eight times in his illustrious 15-year NBA career. In addition, he played at least 80 games three more times, so it's safe to say that if he could stand, run and jump, he wanted to be on the court.
When asked about load management, Jordan made it clear where he stood, saying , "It shouldn't be needed, first and foremost."
His Airness explained that he looked forward to playing in every game as he considered it an opportunity to showcase his God-given talent. More importantly, he didn't want to shortchange anyone in the arena who worked hard and spent their hard-earned money to watch him play.
"I never wanted to miss a game because it was an opportunity to prove. It was something that I felt like, you know, the fans are there to watch me play. I want to impress that guy way up on top who probably worked his ass off to get a ticket or to get money to buy the ticket," MJ explained.
Jordan said that even if some fans were there to jeer him and cheer against the Bulls, he still wanted to play for those people as well.
"He's probably yelling at me. I want to shut him up. You know, he's calling me all kinds of names. I definitely want to shut him up," Jordan said, smiling. "You have a duty that if they're wanting to see you and as an entertainer, I want to show, right? So, if the guys are coming to watch me play, I don't want to miss that opportunity."
He pointed out that it's a different story if a player is nursing an injury that could potentially worsen by playing, but if the player is physically capable, then it's important to put on a show for the fans.
"Now, physically, if I can't do it, then I can't do it," he stated. "But physically, if I can do it and I just don't feel like doing it, that's a whole different lens."
In Jordan's mind, load management doesn't mean a player has to miss games to recover; he contended that's something they can do when they aren't playing or practicing.
"You play basketball two and a half hours a day, three hours a day, right? That's your job. That's what you get paid to do as an NBA player. What are you doing the other 21 hours?" Jordan quipped. "I mean, to me, that's when you should be preparing for your next day of work or your next challenge."
MJ, though, acknowledged that he wasn't exactly a model of proper rest and recovery, given his penchant for extracurricular activities like playing golf or cards when he wasn't dominating on the hardwood floor.
"I'm the worst," he said, laughing. "Maybe I'm not one of the guys that you would probably model that… But you should think about that in retrospect of what load management really is."
Nevertheless, he underscored how crucial it was for him to play as much as possible.
"I always felt like one, it's a sense of pride for the fans that are paying, right? Two, it's a sense of, you know, making sure that I stay sharp. You know, I'm not going to lose it," he expressed. "And three, I want our rhythm as a team to always be there. It can disrupt that synergy that's happening."
The GOAT has already spoken on this divisive topic. In reality, though, he didn't have to. As Jordan showed throughout his career, he was more than capable of playing in every game, shouldering heavy minutes and still dominating on the court.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
