Load management has once again become a controversial topic among NBA fans. Stars continue to miss games, even early in the season, allegedly to preserve their bodies for the playoffs. However, this strategy has yet to yield a championship-winning team, and many argue it only harms the showmanship and the fan experience.
That’s why New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony has distanced himself from the practice. In the latest edition of his “7 PM in Brooklyn” show, the Hall of Famer admitted that he would never let anyone keep him off the court—even when injured.
“Man, f*ck that, nobody’s telling me I’m not playing,” Anthony said (Timestamp: 2:42). “I’m playing through this because I’m built from a different cloth, I want to play. Nobody’s telling me I can’t play.”
### Michael Jordan Rips Load Management
Clearly, Michael Jordan signed Anthony to his brand for more than just his offensive talents. In an interview with Mike Tirico aired on NBC, the Chicago Bulls legend expressed a similar sentiment about load management. In fact, he believes players don’t even need it.
“Well, it shouldn’t be needed, first and foremost,” Jordan said. “You know, I never wanted to miss a game because it was an opportunity to prove. It was something that I felt like the fans are there that watch me play. I want to impress that guy way up on top who probably worked his [butt] off to get a ticket or to get money to buy the ticket.”
When asked if he also wanted to play for the home fans when on the road, the legendary shooting guard smiled and doubled down on his stance.
“Yeah, because I know he’s probably yelling at me and I want to shut him up,” Jordan added. “You know, he’s calling me all kinds of names. I definitely want to shut him up. You have a duty that if they’re wanting to see you, and as an entertainer, I want to show. Right?”
Jordan also pointed out that players train or play for two to three hours a day, leaving 21 hours to rest, recover, or do whatever else they need. As much as some may argue with that perspective, players in his era often played 15+ years despite enduring more back-to-back games and without the luxury of private jets like today’s athletes.
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The debate on load management continues, but voices like Carmelo Anthony and Michael Jordan remind us of an era where playing through pain and showing up for the fans was non-negotiable. Whether this mindset will regain prominence remains to be seen.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-nobody-is-telling-me-i-m-not-playing-carmelo-anthony-rips-current-generation-echoing-michael-jordan-s-load-management-takedown