NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, has stirred the pot with a bold statement, emphasizing the NBA’s quest for 82 games per season. He argued that recent data suggests player rest doesn’t necessarily equate to improved player health, adding a new dimension to the ongoing debate around player rest and the quality of the regular season.
Dumars made these comments during a conference call with national media, shedding light on the league’s efforts to boost participation among its top players in the upcoming season. This also coincides with the NBA’s negotiation of a new national broadcast rights deal, with the current contract set to expire after the 2024-25 campaign.
NBA’s Quest for 82 Games
The NBA’s newly introduced “player participation policy” requires players to compete in at least 65 games to be eligible for top individual honors, such as the league MVP award. This policy also introduces fines for teams intentionally resting players without injury concerns, addressing the recent trend of teams prioritizing player rest, particularly on back-to-back game nights.
Notably, last season saw teams like the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets sitting out their starting lineups during one-half of a road back-to-back, leaving fans deprived of seeing star players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic in action.
Dumars and Evan Wasch, the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball strategy and analytics, acknowledged that part of their motivation stems from ongoing television rights negotiations, highlighting the influence of fans, players, and broadcast partners. Wasch underlined that the league’s priority is to provide high-quality competition and entertainment to fans.
Throughout the call, Dumars emphasized the need for a cultural shift where players, coaches, executives, and franchises prioritize the intensity and effort in the regular season. He stated that “every player should want to play 82 games,” despite acknowledging the practicality of this expectation. Nevertheless, he maintained that addressing these issues is crucial to the long-term health of the league.
The NBA’s stance on player rest and the emphasis on an 82-game season has sparked a heated debate within the league and among fans. While player health is undoubtedly a priority, the league’s approach to addressing this issue has stirred strong opinions. Some argue that shorter seasons or less playing time may indeed be better for player longevity, while others advocate for the traditional 82-game format.
I think the NBA’s determination to uphold the sanctity of the 82-game season is commendable, given its role in shaping the league’s identity. However, it is essential to balance tradition with the evolving needs of the players. A more flexible approach that takes into account player health and performance might be a more practical solution. Ultimately, the fans’ experience and the quality of the game should remain at the forefront of any changes made to the NBA’s schedule and policies.
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