NBA must fix load management problem by working with players to protect the popularity of the league
Hit 'em where it hurts. That seems to be the idea behind an idea first reported by The Athletic that would go after the overabundance of load management by tying NBA awards to games played for the players striving to win them. Though short on details, the notion centers on making a number of appearances a key factor for the big honors handed out each season. Load management has, clearly, gone too far. Fans missing out on seeing stars, over and over, for rest disguised as injuries. There are too many instances to list. The NBA has a real problem here. This idea, floated in the media, nebulous in its details though it may be, has a ring of potential to it. Yet in conversations with decision makers around the league, the idea of using awards to force players to play more games had two common responses: It's a great idea. And fat chance it works -- or even happens. ...