NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations of the Joe Dumars has revealed that the common practice of “load management,” where teams rest players to prevent future injuries and extend careers, is no longer backed by scientific data held by the league, per Joe Vardon and Sam Amick of The Athletic.
He emphasized that the collected data does not establish a direct link between resting players and a reduced risk of injuries or fatigue.
Instead, it suggests that players may not perform as efficiently on the second night of back-to-back games.
Dumars outlined the NBA’s objective to reshape the league’s culture, emphasizing that players should aspire to play a full 82-game season.
While not every player will reach that mark, the league is striving to reestablish a culture where this aspiration is prevalent.
