Each week of the 2024-25 NBA season, we will delve into key league storylines to determine if trends are fact or fiction. This week, we explore the debate on whether the NBA season is too long, discussing the impacts of injuries, load management, and tanking.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in NBA players being sidelined due to injuries. Studies show that the percentage of games missed per season has risen, indicating a higher risk of injuries. Factors such as increased demand at the youth level, player athleticism, and the fast-paced style of play have contributed to this trend. Shortening the season from 82 games to 72 could potentially reduce injuries and fatigue, benefitting players in the long run.
Moreover, a shorter season could also address issues like load management and tanking. By reducing the number of games and eliminating back-to-back matchups, teams would be more competitive throughout the season, discouraging tanking strategies. While there are concerns about the financial impact of cutting games, a higher quality product with healthier players could lead to increased revenue in the long term.
Although the NBA has hesitated to shorten the season due to financial reasons, prioritizing player health and competitiveness could ultimately benefit both fans and the league as a whole. By reevaluating the current season structure, the NBA could potentially enhance the overall basketball experience for everyone involved.
Injuries, resting players, load management, and tanking have resulted in a weakened NBA league during the excitement of March Madness. A notable 21 players who have been All-Stars or made All-NBA teams in the past four seasons did not play in the 11-game schedule on Wednesday. This absence of star players can be disappointing for fans who pay to watch matchups like the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, only to find key players missing from the game.
This trend is common throughout the NBA’s mid-March games, sending a clear message to fans not to invest heavily during this time of year when star players may be resting. It feels like teams are just going through the motions until the playoffs, with little at stake beyond improving seeding. The season’s top contenders and the playoff teams are usually already established by this point.
Shortening the season could lead to more players being available to compete immediately and potentially extend their careers. This change could benefit the league in the long run by preserving player health and enhancing the overall quality of play. While there are many logical reasons to support a shorter season, the financial interests of the league, which recently sold a franchise for $6.1 billion, may prevent this from happening.
In conclusion, the NBA season is considered too long due to various factors such as player injuries and fatigue. While shortening the season could have numerous benefits, it may not align with the financial priorities of the league.
