Few superstars go well with up for all 82 video games in a season nowadays. Michael Jordan did it 9 occasions in his all-time nice, 15-year NBA profession and performed lower than 70 in solely three campaigns. The six-time NBA Finals MVP’s obsession with competitors and his willingness to carry out for the paying followers has helped type his robust opinion on load administration.
“It should not be wanted,” Jordan informed Mike Tirico as a part of his ongoing segments for NBC’s NBA protection. “I by no means needed to overlook a recreation as a result of it was a possibility to show. The followers are there to observe me play — I wish to impress that man manner up on prime who in all probability labored his a** off to get a ticket.
“You have got an obligation that in the event that they’re desirous to see you, and as an entertainer I need a present. If bodily I am unable to do it, then I am unable to do it. However bodily if I can do it, and I simply do not feel like doing it, that is a complete completely different lens.”
Michael Jordan shares his ideas on load administration on the second installment of MJ: Insights to Excellence.
“I by no means needed to overlook a recreation as a result of it was a possibility to show…the followers are there to observe me play.” pic.twitter.com/h7g6krplDQ
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 29, 2025
Jordan recounted a few of the occasions when he pushed by the ache and led the Chicago Bulls into battle, with probably the most well-known one being what the general public calls the “Flu Sport” throughout the 1997 NBA Finals. The ten-time scoring champion and nine-time All-Defensive First-Staff choice clearly believes some toughness is lacking from the trendy recreation.
Many will argue that load administration has turn out to be a obligatory evil because the tempo of play is quicker and accidents are extra prevalent. Outdated-school minds will refute that time and contend that athletes can restrict wear-and-tear by enjoying completely different sports activities of their youth, with the thought being that diversification can strengthen muscle groups that may in any other case be left weak.
No matter the place individuals land on this debate, it’s one thing the NBA is monitoring. The league requires gamers to log at the very least 65 video games in a marketing campaign so as to qualify for end-of-season awards or All-NBA alternatives, hoping that incentives in contracts will trigger extra stars to trudge ahead.
Michael Jordan expressed his stance with out venturing into “get off my garden territory.” If nothing else, his tackle load administration is unquestionably price pondering.