Kawhi Leonard Load Management....

[pingbling23]

So I guess the clipps are going to rest kawhi every 4 or 5 games. Don’t like it. Gonna miss out on a good match up against the bucks.

[imbluestreak23]

So I guess the clipps are going to rest kawhi every 4 or 5 games. Don’t like it. Gonna miss out on a good match up against the bucks.

Yeah, this is quite lame

Fans robbed of Giannis vs. Kawhi

[vincecarder]

Seemed to work out fine for the Raptors.

[padsfan10]

I’m going to tomorrow night’s game and pretty upset. My two favorite teams and I won’t see my favorite player on the court.

[Ross]

Can’t blame em.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pingbling23]

Seemed to work out fine for the Raptors.

The warriors losing their starting lineup worked well for the raptors. I could at least understand last year as kawhi was coming off sitting out a season and didn’t know how his body would respond.

[pingbling23]

I’m going to tomorrow night’s game and pretty upset. My two favorite teams and I won’t see my favorite player on the court.

That’s what I hate. Especially when mid level tickets run $300. You should get some money back if any star is out for rest.

[vincecarder]

The warriors losing their starting lineup worked well for the raptors. I could at least understand last year as kawhi was coming off sitting out a season and didn’t know how his body would respond.

Injuries happen to every team, the Warriors playing in all those games over the years not going to eventually catch up to them?

Dont worry, seems like the Warriors will be blessed with a lotto pick and prolly get #1.

[RogerGodahell]

I would not be happy if i bought tickets. The fans are the ones who lose in this situation. It's probably a smart decision physically to keep him fresh though. I just don't like it.

[RogerGodahell]

I’m going to tomorrow night’s game and pretty upset. My two favorite teams and I won’t see my favorite player on the court.

That sucks

[SDcardguy24]

will probably cost him an MVP. sucks for the fans too.

after seeing how it worked out for Toronto last season I was wondering if it would become more common.

[pingbling23]

Injuries happen to every team, the Warriors playing in all those games over the years not going to eventually catch up to them?

Dont worry, seems like the Warriors will be blessed with a lotto pick and prolly get #1.

Besides the Cavs losing love and kyrie, what other finals team has faced such injuries?

[smalltown]

No surprise. Kawhi needs the rest. It'll become more obvious as the season wears on. His injuries are chronic. They're never going away completely. You just have to manage them. He can't do more than 65 regular season games and then compete in the post season.

[pingbling23]

No surprise. Kawhi needs the rest. It'll become more obvious as the season wears on. His injuries are chronic. They're never going away completely. You just have to manage them. He can't do more than 65 regular season games and then compete in the post season.

Did anyone ever figure out what his injury was? What says 65 games before the post season is the remedy?

[6celtics33]

Strategy is strategy but they definitely should be offering partial refunds to fans.

[padsfan10]

That sucks

I share season tickets so it’s not like the only game I go to but still it was one of my premier games I picked.

[smalltown]

Did anyone ever figure out what his injury was? What says 65 games before the post season is the remedy?

The Raptors got permission from the league to use "Load Management" to deal with Kawhi's "underlying chronic injury that is incurable" because it clashed with the leagues Player Resting Policy.

They were always vague with what the specific chronic injury was. But you could see it there were night Kawhi looked like he could barely bend his leg by mid season.

[brettmik59]

If you go to a Clipper game part of a back to back, there's a 50/50 shot Kawhi ain't playing. People should know that by now. I don't like the load management BS either but it is what it is.

[pingbling23]

The Raptors got permission from the league to use "Load Management" to deal with Kawhi's "underlying chronic injury that is incurable" because it clashed with the leagues Player Resting Policy.

They were always vague with what the specific chronic injury was. But you could see it there were night Kawhi looked like he could barely bend his leg by mid season.

Yeah no doubt, you could see through the playoffs kawhi wasn’t 100%.

[clipperboy24]

So I guess the clipps are going to rest kawhi every 4 or 5 games. Don’t like it. Gonna miss out on a good match up against the bucks.

It really sucks. They made it sound like he was fully healthy with no restrictions going into the season. Bummer they won’t have him as much and that I lose a bet to TJ Force! ;)

[armoursave]

Sucks. But the board man is only interested in Finals MVPs. FWIW I’m buying RC Prizms like it’s going out of style....which I hope it’s not....er wait a minute...

[spurs50fan]

Those buying tickets and TV access are more affected by it than those buying cards. That’s why it sucks for fans. And Kawhi hasn’t played more than 74 regular season games so it’s always been a gamble.

[cardfund]

Sucks for fans but once PG is back they will get their money worth when Kawhi is rested I guess.

[Wiseysez]

Just don’t tell me a guy that needs to rest every third or fourth game is the best player in basketball. I won’t believe it.

[KhalDrogo]

Very bad for the league. I don’t care what exemption they gave him.

His “chronic” injury is bogus. He played 24 playoff games in two months last year. Wasn’t able to do that in the regular season after the November to January stretch. And he averaged 39 minutes per, which is far and away the most minutes per game he’s ever averaged in the regular season or postseason. His 939 postseason minutes last year were 21.2% greater than his highest previous total.

He is cheating the league and the fans. He should be restricted in the playoffs to the same rest schedule he needs in the regular season. Resting up in the regular season to be more fresh in the postseason isn’t fair to everyone else.

[KhalDrogo]

I would not be surprised if outside of last year’s playoffs, there was not a stretch of 24 games where Kawhi logged more than 939 minutes. His injury is fake.

[spurs50fan]

Since everyone is so hush about what the injury actually is (we always knew it was chronic), maybe it is the Spurs fault for pushing him 72 & 74 games plus playoffs? Those were career highs when he went down. Before that, he was between 58-64 games a year. Maybe the injury has always been there and the exit of Duncan, Parker, Ginobili only promised more load?

[KhalDrogo]

Since everyone is so hush about what the injury actually is (we always knew it was chronic), maybe it is the Spurs fault for pushing him 72 & 74 games plus playoffs? Those were career highs when he went down. Before that, he was between 58-64 games a year. Maybe the injury has always been there and the exit of Duncan, Parker, Ginobili only promised more load?
The numbers show Toronto saved him for the playoffs.

[smalltown]

The numbers show Toronto saved him for the playoffs.

100% they did. I'm i'm glad they did. The dude can't play everyday. The Raptors knew it last preseason. The Clippers know it now. Clippers fans should be happy he's getting his rest. If he plays 75+ games he won't be able to walk during the playoffs.

There was talk during the offseason in Toronto that Kawhi had 2 maybe 3 seasons left being able to play at a high level before things start to fall off the rails. Things are really that bad with him.

[nickha2]

This was actually discussed in Milwaukee this morning. The hosts were saying if its a road game ala Clippers @ Milwaukee that the clippers "fine" would be to refund 50% of the ticket value to the fans.

When you are spending $300-$500 a ticket for lower level to see Lebron, Davis, Kawahi etc its complete bs when they pull this. And don't say dont buy tickets on the 2nd of back to back. You buy the tickets literally months in advance you have no idea when someone is going to pull this. Also this wasn't an issue until about 2 years ago.

[KhalDrogo]

100% they did. I'm i'm glad they did. The dude can't play everyday. The Raptors knew it last preseason. The Clippers know it now. Clippers fans should be happy he's getting his rest. If he plays 75+ games he won't be able to walk during the playoffs.

There was talk during the offseason in Toronto that Kawhi had 2 maybe 3 seasons left being able to play at a high level before things start to fall off the rails. Things are really that bad with him.
He can play “everyday”. He showed it in the postseason where he averaged more minutes than ever in his career, and was able to play 24 games in the span of two months, a feat he somehow wasn’t otherwise able to accomplish after the start of the new year.

[RogerGodahell]

That's weak load management.

Get on the 3 mins every 4 game plan like MP Jr.

The "Ultimate load management plan"

:cry:

[prospectorgems]

I can't remember if it was last year or a year or two before but the Spurs were resting their starters what seemed to be like every other game. I thought to myself, if I was a season ticket holder I would be irate that the stars have off so much.

[KhalDrogo]

I can't remember if it was last year or a year or two before but the Spurs were resting their starters what seemed to be like every other game. I thought to myself, if I was a season ticket holder I would be irate that the stars have off so much.
Which is why the NBA banned that policy. Leonard has an exemption for his “chronic” injury.

[minnesotachill]

I think it's time for the NBA to eliminate back to back games.

Drop 5-6 games from the schedule or start the season a week or two early.


Have a vote.

If the NBA were really about the fans, they would have done this years ago.

[smalltown]

He can play “everyday”. He showed it in the postseason where he averaged more minutes than ever in his career, and was able to play 24 games in the span of two months, a feat he somehow wasn’t otherwise able to accomplish after the start of the new year.

You quoted the wrong word. He could "play" everyday. But he wouldn't be as effective and he'd probably end up on the IR and missing time anyways by aggravating his injuries further.

You had to see during the post season there were games where he was hobbling around and barely useful at points. If it wasn't for load management he probably would've missed some of those playoff games out right.

[KhalDrogo]

You quoted the wrong word. He could "play" everyday. But he wouldn't be as effective and he'd probably end up on the IR and missing time anyways by aggravating his injuries further.

You had to see during the post season there were games where he was hobbling around and barely useful at points. If it wasn't for load management he probably would've missed some of those playoff games out right.
Again, 39 minutes per playoff game. More minutes than he’s averaged in any regular season or postseason. But somehow he needed to miss 20% of his regular season games last year.

The rest of the league isn’t allowed to do what Kawhi is doing. He and his team have an unfair advantage because of it. You think other teams wouldn’t benefit from their star cutting their games by 25% so that they can play longer and harder in the playoffs? The regular season is worthless for the teams that are obviously the cream of the crop. Lakers, Bucks, Sixers, Nuggets, Celtics. None of those teams will have a hard time making the playoffs and being a top 2-3 seed even if their stars rest. They would benefit tremendously from what the Clippers are allowed to do, and should be allowed to do it.

[starvela]

The talk of him being the best player in the NBA is ridiculous..He is an amazing great player, clutch, consistent and great in the playoffs...But not enough to be the best player in the world...He has yet to have that 1 big season, load management crap, no MVP's, etc.

2 NBA Finals MVP's is not enough to be the best on the world, far from it...

I love and hate this new NBA generation...I love it because there is great generational talent but hate it because they are just weak, period...Ask Jordan and Kobe if they took the regular season serious...I remember Barkley always playing hurt in the regular season...It took a lot for players not to play in the regular season back then!!

[Bobbyplaza133]

Kawhi's injury...

https://media.tenor.com/images/7b26fa4e4ed0f152c81fe8c2f3345abe/tenor.gif

[Southpas2013]

Yeah, this is quite lame

Fans robbed of Giannis vs. Kawhi



Very lame, and here we have 35 year old Lebron James playing every night going hard !

Kawhi is younger than Lebron and he’s sitting ? Lol come on now.

[Ross]

I mean the clippers pay him and can frankly do whatever they want. If this is how they want to deploy him, you can’t fault them. Frankly clippers don’t really care what seed they have, get in the playoffs and let Leonard be Leonard... that’s when games matter anyways.


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[Bobbyplaza133]

Could you imagine the outrage by the righteous Twitter crowd if Lebron was sitting out every 4th game?

[nickha2]

Load management sounds like a Jason Stathum film.

[mark D]

Very bad for the league. I don’t care what exemption they gave him.

His “chronic” injury is bogus. He played 24 playoff games in two months last year. Wasn’t able to do that in the regular season after the November to January stretch. And he averaged 39 minutes per, which is far and away the most minutes per game he’s ever averaged in the regular season or postseason. His 939 postseason minutes last year were 21.2% greater than his highest previous total.

He is cheating the league and the fans. He should be restricted in the playoffs to the same rest schedule he needs in the regular season. Resting up in the regular season to be more fresh in the postseason isn’t fair to everyone else.
Interesting ....... id like to see that. sits 15/82 must sit 3 playoff games

[Luni]

Load management sounds like a Jason Stathum film.

More like a Jason Stuffum film.

[TBarn291]

Sucks for fans but probably not a bad idea for the Clips. Kawhi's injuries aside, the Clips have terrible luck with injuries when things are looking promising for them. Particularly in the post season.

[dasiegel]

On NBA radio Antonio Daniels made some great points today.

He said there are so many ways to rest or load manage. You can rest during practices. He said the Lakers had something like 2 game sin the last 7 days. If he sat out 1/2 practices he wouldn't have to deprive fans of seeing him play.

NBA execs definitely have to do something about this but it also comes down to pride. Players have to want to play.

[pingbling23]

100% they did. I'm i'm glad they did. The dude can't play everyday. The Raptors knew it last preseason. The Clippers know it now. Clippers fans should be happy he's getting his rest. If he plays 75+ games he won't be able to walk during the playoffs.

There was talk during the offseason in Toronto that Kawhi had 2 maybe 3 seasons left being able to play at a high level before things start to fall off the rails. Things are really that bad with him.

Top secret talk in Toronto? If that was true I feel like that would be shared on all media outlets. That would be huge news if kawhi only has a 2-3 seasons left.

[smalltown]

Top secret talk in Toronto? If that was true I feel like that would be shared on all media outlets. That would be huge news if kawhi only has a 2-3 seasons left.

Really wasn't top secret. It was talked about quite often and openly. I'm sure if you googled Alex McKechnie(Vice President, Player Health and Performance) you'd find some of the stuff he said about the load management and some of the stuff he alluded to. There was all kinds of talk about the Raptors willing to sign Kawhi to a full max even though he's likely going to have a severe drop off in a few years.

No one every said he had only 2-3 seasons left. It's the quality of the seasons he has left. The load management is attempt to extend the quality of those season.

[padsfan10]

Very lame, and here we have 35 year old Lebron James playing every night going hard !

Kawhi is younger than Lebron and he’s sitting ? Lol come on now.

Little early isn't it to start crowing about LBJ and his durability. He definitely looks rejuvenated but some nights he's playing 35+ minutes and they had to push the gas against the lowly Bulls last night.

It's early and the Lakers have had a pretty easy schedule. Let's see come post-All Star Break if he's getting some rest too.

[drobfan8]

On NBA radio Antonio Daniels made some great points today.

He said there are so many ways to rest or load manage. You can rest during practices. He said the Lakers had something like 2 game sin the last 7 days. If he sat out 1/2 practices he wouldn't have to deprive fans of seeing him play.

NBA execs definitely have to do something about this but it also comes down to pride. Players have to want to play.

And that's it. A lot of fans go to see that player. I went to 6 games a few years back, Kawhi was out injured for SA, legitimately I believe. But he's one guy, along with AD and KD that I want to see live. If you can get out there, you should do it.

I get the reasons Kawhi is sitting, I do, but surely he's ok to go most of those nights?

I guess a road game they could lose anyway isn't worth the risk.

Edit. They're at home!! Damn. Straight savage

[Justin7]

A Sixers equipment manager once reportedly had to hide an injured Allen Iverson’s jersey to prevent him from playing against the Knicks. Iverson seriously suggested that he’d go to the NBA Store a few blocks away and buy one of himself in order to play. Oh how times have changed.

[dasiegel]

And that's it. A lot of fans go to see that player. I went to 6 games a few years back, Kawhi was out injured for SA, legitimately I believe. But he's one guy, along with AD and KD that I want to see live. If you can get out there, you should do it.

I get the reasons Kawhi is sitting, I do, but surely he's ok to go most of those nights?

I guess a road game they could lose anyway isn't worth the risk.

Edit. They're at home!! Damn. Straight savage

Yea that is wild. I think there has just been something lost in the player because they see it is a business too. So they are protecting their product, their body. But the problem is interest goes down if players don't play. It's bad for both sides.

[KhalDrogo]

I hope other teams and players complain to the league about the unfair advantage the Clippers have. Lebron, AD, Giannis, Luka, Embiid and others should get to rest a quarter of the season so they are more fresh during the playoffs. That would be great for the league!

[IronMonkey415]

The meg was fun movie. You guys started to talk about him first.

[shnn]

Seems every forum dwelling nerd is also a part-time doctor, America must be a very healthy place.

[pejc300]

Seems every forum dwelling nerd is also a part-time doctor, America must be a very healthy place.

Welcome back!

[KhalDrogo]

Seems every forum dwelling nerd is also a part-time doctor, America must be a very healthy place.
I’m actually a full-time doctor.

[tjforce]

This may have already been discussed....

but is there any worry that this load management might end up putting the Clippers in a tough spot later in the year in regards to playoff positioning?

They are 5-2 at the moment, likely to drop to 5-3 tonight. The West is competitive, and lets say that the Clippers do hit some adversity over the course of the season where either Leonard is forced to miss some time or guys like Lou Williams get banged up.

If the Clippers find themselves in a position where they need to go all out down the stretch to secure wins, it could end up backfiring on them and not allowing them to rest towards the end of the year.

Or they do just fine, there's no adversity, and it's not an issue.


Just a thought.

[theleica]

This may have already been discussed....

but is there any worry that this load management might end up putting the Clippers in a tough spot later in the year in regards to playoff positioning?

They are 5-2 at the moment, likely to drop to 5-3 tonight. The West is competitive, and lets say that the Clippers do hit some adversity over the course of the season where either Leonard is forced to miss some time or guys like Lou Williams get banged up.

If the Clippers find themselves in a position where they need to go all out down the stretch to secure wins, it could end up backfiring on them and not allowing them to rest towards the end of the year.

Or they do just fine, there's no adversity, and it's not an issue.


Just a thought.

Paul George begins 5 on 5 practice this weekend so he should be back soon. That will help out a lot.

I am sure they will make adjustments if they fall too much a third or half way through the season.

[clipperboy24]

Very bad for the league. I don’t care what exemption they gave him.

His “chronic” injury is bogus. He played 24 playoff games in two months last year. Wasn’t able to do that in the regular season after the November to January stretch. And he averaged 39 minutes per, which is far and away the most minutes per game he’s ever averaged in the regular season or postseason. His 939 postseason minutes last year were 21.2% greater than his highest previous total.

He is cheating the league and the fans. He should be restricted in the playoffs to the same rest schedule he needs in the regular season. Resting up in the regular season to be more fresh in the postseason isn’t fair to everyone else.

I am guessing you have never had a chronic knee or joint problem before? It can be pushed but if you go too far it often requires surgery, that’s the predicament I think Kawhi is in. Bad joints, so he shouldn’t be playing as much but clearly it’s his job so you minimize the wear and tear

[KhalDrogo]

I am guessing you have never had a chronic knee or joint problem before? It can be pushed but if you go too far it often requires surgery, that’s the predicament I think Kawhi is in. Bad joints, so he shouldn’t be playing as much but clearly it’s his job so you minimize the wear and tear
I understand all of that. Which is why every other player in the league should be allowed to do the same thing. You don’t think a guy like Lebron has a couple of chronic pains that he would benefit from more rest during the near worthless regular season?

[clipperboy24]

I understand all of that. Which is why every other player in the league should be allowed to do the same thing. You don’t think a guy like Lebron has a couple of chronic pains that he would benefit from more rest during the near worthless regular season?

It’s not chronic pain, it’s legitimately bad joints. Once the tissue and padding starts to go it gets ugly. I am in no way and have never been a professional athlete but even on my small level with chronic knee problems I had to give up sports. It was making it to where my knee would double up in size and I could barely walk. Most people will thankfully never have to go thru that, unfortunately players like Brandon Roy, Greg Oden even Penny Hardaway can attest that once knees start to break down it gets straight up debilitating to function in regular life, let alone play competitive sports.

[mc1]

I can't remember if it was last year or a year or two before but the Spurs were resting their starters what seemed to be like every other game. I thought to myself, if I was a season ticket holder I would be irate that the stars have off so much.

They were doing that years ago. Way longer than just a couple years ago. Back when Lebron was still with the Heat I recall they rested Duncan, Parker and Ginobilli.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8692304/san-antonio-spurs-sit-4-top-5-scorers-vs-miami-heat

[vamz]

Its obviously the smart thing to do with KL. He cant handle the full load and as such they're better off preserving him for the playoffs.

But, the MVP voters better take this into account. Many players would perform much much better if they had the benefit of not playing in B2B games. His load management should be used against him when the MVP discussion happens.

[Panthersfans]

Ultimately the NBA is a business, and when people get tired of forking over 400 to 1000 a game , depending on the size of the family, to watch their favorite players sit on the sidelines, these guys will magically feel much better and play.

[Disco187]

I heard he missed 22 games last season.

[ninjacookies]

You don't put Civic miles on a Lambo, r-r-right gaize?

[Dnic]

I heard he missed 22 games last season.

He missed more games then Lebron did lol and he didnt even have a serious injury

[SK40]

A Sixers equipment manager once reportedly had to hide an injured Allen Iverson’s jersey to prevent him from playing against the Knicks. Iverson seriously suggested that he’d go to the NBA Store a few blocks away and buy one of himself in order to play. Oh how times have changed.

I hope this is a true story.

[tommyboiazn23]

A Sixers equipment manager once reportedly had to hide an injured Allen Iverson’s jersey to prevent him from playing against the Knicks. Iverson seriously suggested that he’d go to the NBA Store a few blocks away and buy one of himself in order to play. Oh how times have changed.

I hope this is a true story.

I wouldn't doubt it. Iverson loved to play. I read his book, and he would come in drunk multiple occasions and everyone knew he was drunk - but he would still drop 40 points on people's heads lmao

[ilikenicecards]

Besides the Cavs losing love and kyrie, what other finals team has faced such injuries?

The Lakers Magic Johnson and Byron Scott missed the Finals and that's how the Pistons won.

[valmak]

It’s the NBA’s fault for having so many games. These guys shouldn’t be put through that level of intensity so frequently. NBA should cut the season to 60 games and limit it to 2 games a week. Not Kawhis fault. Just another example of putting profit over people.

[spurs50fan]

It’s the NBA’s fault for having so many games. These guys shouldn’t be put through that level of intensity so frequently. NBA should cut the season to 60 games and limit it to 2 games a week. Not Kawhis fault. Just another example of putting profit over people.

They haven't increased the games since the 60s. Before all the money. Players had no issues playing those b-2-b, or 82 games and playoffs. It's just a different time now.

The NBA reduced the stress on bodies by adjusting the rules and limiting contact. These guys have been coddled since probably middle school and are obsessed with their branding. They are the ones calling the shots, not the NBA. These players have found a way to extend their ability to get the next big contract. That's all this is.

[vamz]

It’s the NBA’s fault for having so many games. These guys shouldn’t be put through that level of intensity so frequently. NBA should cut the season to 60 games and limit it to 2 games a week. Not Kawhis fault. Just another example of putting profit over people.

I dont disagree, but players salaries tied to T.V revenue which is tied to how many slots they can fill in how many markets etc, ie, how many games.

Im sure the players would love to reduce the season by 25%, i'm not so sure they'd also be willing to have the salary cap and max contracts reduced by the same amount.

[vamz]

They haven't increased the games since the 60s. Before all the money. Players had no issues playing those b-2-b, or 82 games and playoffs. It's just a different time now.

The NBA reduced the stress on bodies by adjusting the rules and limiting contact. These guys have been coddled since probably middle school and are obsessed with their branding. They are the ones calling the shots, not the NBA. These players have found a way to extend their ability to get the next big contract. That's all this is.

Hmmm, i dont think this is 100% driven by the players. I think teams are also being smarter in how they handle their players. Its in the teams best interest to potentially tank a game during a marathon reg season to potentially improve a players performance when it matters, ie the playoffs

[pingbling23]

The Lakers Magic Johnson and Byron Scott missed the Finals and that's how the Pistons won.

Exactly, gotta go back 30 years. It doesn’t happen often, especially that extreme.

[byronscott4ever]

I will continue to have this stance—I don’t care as long as tickets cost the same regardless of opponent. But if the team jacks up prices for a star, then there better be a resolution if the player isn’t playing

[byronscott4ever]

Exactly, gotta go back 30 years. It doesn’t happen often, especially that extreme.

Preach it....... (and that Lakers team came into the Finals undefeated)

[codered]

I just think it’s funny that people are making a big deal about this now. No one cared about load management when he was in TO last year but now he’s in LA it’s an issue lol. I didn’t care when he missed games for us last year because as a fan I knew what the ultimate goal was. Just seems funny to me it’s a bigger deal now that he’s in LA.

Also to those who say players should just miss practices, I remember a superstar in Philly that talked about missing practices and he got lit up lol. Sure it gave us one of the best press conferences of all time but fans just want players to play/practice all the time. I don’t think people give players enough credit to how banged up they are and how much pain they actually play thorough. It’s easy to sit back as say players should play through the pain when you’re not the one actually doing it. It’s also unfair to compare players and say player “x” always plays why can’t player “y”, it’s impossible to fairly compare the health of two different players. It’s something that is completely subjective

[Devi8or]

I just think it’s funny that people are making a big deal about this now. No one cared about load management when he was in TO last year but now he’s in LA it’s an issue lol. I didn’t care when he missed games for us last year because as a fan I knew what the ultimate goal was. Just seems funny to me it’s a bigger deal now that he’s in LA.

Also to those who say players should just miss practices, I remember a superstar in Philly that talked about missing practices and he got lit up lol. Sure it gave us one of the best press conferences of all time but fans just want players to play/practice all the time. I don’t think people give players enough credit to how banged up they are and how much pain they actually play thorough. It’s easy to sit back as say players should play through the pain when you’re not the one actually doing it. It’s also unfair to compare players and say player “x” always plays why can’t player “y”, it’s impossible to fairly compare the health of two different players. It’s something that is completely subjective

I think the difference is, last year was his first full season back from injury that he had in San Antonio.....this season is now 2 years away from that. I can see a team keeping him out during his first season back, like the Spurs are doing for Dejounte for instance, low minutes, no back to backs. I find it off to do it 2 years later. I get why they are doing it if it's really that degenerative of a condition, but I don't agree with them getting an exception for it at this point

[brettmik59]

Does he have rheumatoid arthritis or what? Give him some Humira and let's play ball.

[pingbling23]

I just think it’s funny that people are making a big deal about this now. No one cared about load management when he was in TO last year but now he’s in LA it’s an issue lol. I didn’t care when he missed games for us last year because as a fan I knew what the ultimate goal was. Just seems funny to me it’s a bigger deal now that he’s in LA.

Also to those who say players should just miss practices, I remember a superstar in Philly that talked about missing practices and he got lit up lol. Sure it gave us one of the best press conferences of all time but fans just want players to play/practice all the time. I don’t think people give players enough credit to how banged up they are and how much pain they actually play thorough. It’s easy to sit back as say players should play through the pain when you’re not the one actually doing it. It’s also unfair to compare players and say player “x” always plays why can’t player “y”, it’s impossible to fairly compare the health of two different players. It’s something that is completely subjective

Again, the difference is in Toronto he was coming off taking a year off. Toronto fans would have felt different if you all didn’t make it to the finals. Finals win wasn’t as much about kawhis good health but more about the warriors lack of health. The iverson comparison isn’t a good one imo. I’m all for players taking practice off before taking games off. Paying fans are the ones that get burned.

[pingbling23]

It’s just odd that he has to take regular season games off but, as it’s been pointed out, he can play huge minutes and games in the playoffs.

[smalltown]

Again, the difference is in Toronto he was coming off taking a year off. Toronto fans would have felt different if you all didn’t make it to the finals.

Not true. We knew going into the season that he was going to be taking time off to manage his injuries. There was no surprise. No shock.

Finals win wasn’t as much about kawhis good health but more about the warriors lack of health.

Keep that narrative going. :doh: Injuries happen to every team.

Kawhi was injured. Danny Green was injured. Kyle was injured. VanVleet was injured. OG was out with a burst appendix.

The Warriors were favoured going into the series without Durant and Boogie. Klay played in 4 of the first 5 games for an average of 38 minutes.


It’s just odd that he has to take regular season games off but, as it’s been pointed out, he can play huge minutes and games in the playoffs.

Playoffs are much more important to players and organizations than the regular season. You have two months off to recover. I'm not sure what's odd about leaving it all out there for the last few games of the year?

[KhalDrogo]

To even the playing field, there should be no load management rule. The Raptors had an unfair advantage last year. The Clippers have an unfair advantage this year. Let all the superstars rest for a quarter of the season and see how that helps the growth of the league.

[smalltown]

To even the playing field, there should be no load management rule. The Raptors had an unfair advantage last year. The Clippers have an unfair advantage this year. Let all the superstars rest for a quarter of the season and see how that helps the growth of the league.

Any team who has a player with chronic injuries may apply to the league to be exempt from the Player Resting Policy. There is no unfair advantage - any player and any team is able to apply for this.

I find it ridiculous that people are getting all twisted that a player/team is managing a long-term, chronic injury. Would you really rather him play 25 in a row seriously aggravate things and need to sit out 2 months? Is that good for the league?

[pingbling23]

Not true. We knew going into the season that he was going to be taking time off to manage his injuries. There was no surprise. No shock.
Yes we knew that and accepted it due to him being off a year before. If raptors didn’t win the title it would have been pointless for him to sit, and fans would have been more displeased with paying to see him and him not playing


Keep that narrative going. :doh: Injuries happen to every team.
Not my narrative, it’s what happened.
Kawhi was injured. Danny Green was injured. Kyle was injured. VanVleet was injured. OG was out with a burst appendix.
Different in playing through injuries and a season/next season ending injury.
The Warriors were favoured going into the series without Durant and Boogie. Klay played in 4 of the first 5 games for an average of 38 minutes.
Exactly, warriors would have won if not for injuries.



Playoffs are much more important to players and organizations than the regular season. You have two months off to recover. I'm not sure what's odd about leaving it all out there for the last few games of the year?
I agree with this.

Point blank, I’ve got no issue with this load management as long as the teams set their load management schedule prior to the seasons so we don’t waste money on tickets and don’t get what we paid for.

[rifleman69]

This is the same reason why he wanted a second opinion after the Spurs training staff gave him this diagnosis. It's not going to get better.

[rifleman69]

Point blank, I’ve got no issue with this load management as long as the teams set their load management schedule prior to the seasons so we don’t waste money on tickets and don’t get what we paid for.

What if LBJ or Kawhi or Zion or whomever got injured a day or two before the game you paid $$$ for? It's the same issue.

[ninjacookies]

Peter North was excercising load management dating back to the early 80's.

It's not a big deal.

[smalltown]

Point blank, I’ve got no issue with this load management as long as the teams set their load management schedule prior to the seasons so we don’t waste money on tickets and don’t get what we paid for.

What if the trade the player halfway through the season? Or they get the flu? Or their wife is giving birth? You buy a ticket to watch team x play team y. Everything else is variable. Their are no guarantees.

[smalltown]

It's not a big deal.

Wasn't he the original big deal?

[ninjacookies]

Wasn't he the original big deal?

He certainly had no issues driving to the hole in crunch time.

[smalltown]

He certainly had no issues driving to the hole in crunch time.

H=ll of a finisher.

[ninjacookies]

H=ll of a finisher.

The original Splash Borother.

[smalltown]

The original Splash Borother.

https://i.imgur.com/oq2qkUN.gif

[tlm7995]

H=ll of a finisher.

The original Splash Borother.

You guys see this Reddit analysis that correlates James Harden's road performances with the quality of strip clubs in the city. The comments are the best.

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/dt0ucg/i_analyzed_james_hardens_performance_in_every_nba/

[ninjacookies]

You guys see this Reddit analysis that correlates James Harden's road performances with the quality of strip clubs in the city. The comments are the best.

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/dt0ucg/i_analyzed_james_hardens_performance_in_every_nba/

The only reason I reddit.

[tlm7995]

The only reason I reddit.

:)!

anyways, Kawhi better ball out tonight. He's had like 4 days off

[hrad_23]

You guys see this Reddit analysis that correlates James Harden's road performances with the quality of strip clubs in the city. The comments are the best.

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/dt0ucg/i_analyzed_james_hardens_performance_in_every_nba/

This is the highlight of this thread

[spurs50fan]

What if the trade the player halfway through the season? Or they get the flu? Or their wife is giving birth? You buy a ticket to watch team x play team y. Everything else is variable. Their are no guarantees.

Fans know and accept those scenarios already. I doubt you see any pushback on those fronts. The trick is to now expand fan allowances for a player to simply rest. Can play...just don’t want to... I understand the reasoning in this case but this is actually guaranteed. He will sit for ~20 games a year. Now we can zoom in on the actual dates. That’s not your typical what-if.

And there’s no way we buy tickets just to watch the team play :) Maybe just us b-ball nerds but we are a minority. Everything that holds up the NBA right now is based on star power. watching it now as ATL is loving Trae

[vamz]

I just think it’s funny that people are making a big deal about this now. No one cared about load management when he was in TO last year but now he’s in LA it’s an issue lol. I didn’t care when he missed games for us last year because as a fan I knew what the ultimate goal was. Just seems funny to me it’s a bigger deal now that he’s in LA.



Being part of a bigger market matters. More T.V games. More media attention. Higher ticket prices etc etc.

Many benefits of being in a big market. But, there can be drawbacks too. Way more attention on the negative. Comes with the territory. He signed up for it.

[asujbl]

As Tim Legler said this morning on Golic and Wingo

Kawhi will play 60ish games... because of load management... they will justify it because “advanced stats say Kawhi will be better in the playoffs if we rest him”

Patrick Beverly will play 82... and he averages 32 minutes a game... but apparently doesn’t matter

Just be honest about it. Kawhi doesn’t want to play, you don’t want him to get hurt, so you (as a team) don’t care

You’re 3rd and 4th best player, who also matter in the playoffs (if that’s what you are saving Kawhi for) can still power through

What’s good for the goose is not good for the gander

So don’t hide behind fake “this helps our team” if it doesn’t apply to other players that play massive minutes

You just let your star do what he wants

That’s the problem

[pingbling23]

What if LBJ or Kawhi or Zion or whomever got injured a day or two before the game you paid $$$ for? It's the same issue.

I don’t see it like that. He’s picking and choosing what games he plays.

[pingbling23]

What if the trade the player halfway through the season? Or they get the flu? Or their wife is giving birth? You buy a ticket to watch team x play team y. Everything else is variable. Their are no guarantees.

Apples and oranges.

[vamz]

Clippers fined

[codered]

As Tim Legler said this morning on Golic and Wingo

Kawhi will play 60ish games... because of load management... they will justify it because “advanced stats say Kawhi will be better in the playoffs if we rest him”

Patrick Beverly will play 82... and he averages 32 minutes a game... but apparently doesn’t matter

Just be honest about it. Kawhi doesn’t want to play, you don’t want him to get hurt, so you (as a team) don’t care

You’re 3rd and 4th best player, who also matter in the playoffs (if that’s what you are saving Kawhi for) can still power through

What’s good for the goose is not good for the gander

So don’t hide behind fake “this helps our team” if it doesn’t apply to other players that play massive minutes

You just let your star do what he wants

That’s the problem

I’m sorry but this is kind of an ignorant point of view and further dehumanizes nba players.

If Kawhi and Beverly were brick layers or iron workers would we view the situation the same? If kawhi was hurt on the job as an iron worker and returned to work on a modified work program would it be an issue? Most of the time workers returning from injuries at work will end up on a modified work program. They may not be on the same schedule as the rest of the healthy workers. Depending on the severity of the injury a work my never be able to work the same after a serious injury. This programs are done to accomplish a few things; 1) to minimize or eliminate the likelihood of re-injury 2) prolong the ability of the worker to participate at work and 3) minimize long term health concerns.

In my opinion load management is attempting to achieve these same goals. I know most fans don’t really care about the health or long term health of these players. It’s silly. Have any of you seen the way Larry bird or Kevin mchale walks today? How about Bill Walton? I assure you with hindsight a large amount of superstars of the past would welcome the idea of load management if it meant they were healthier today.

[KhalDrogo]

Never felt better! But can’t play two games in two days.

[Arianny_Fan]

Let the players use HGH and ban load management...

[spurs50fan]

Clippers fined

Saw that. I think the frequency got them. Twice in 8 games at the beginning of the season. It raised too many eyebrows with no real explanation of what’s going on. I hope it’s not so serious he can’t disclose it

[packman80]

Just wait now they will fake it saw Leonard has back issues and his back is tight can't play tonight but next night back is ok can play.

[ninjacookies]

Does Kawhi genuinely need the maintenance days?

We never got full clarity on the extent of his injury situation in San Antonio. I know I heard some speculation about some possible degenerative condition and that it was, at one point, possibly career threatening.

Like, maybe this is really a preventative measure for a recurring issue? It's been going on for over 2 years now though. I don't know. It's odd, but it's also Kawhi...the two are synonymous.

[KhalDrogo]

Saw that. I think the frequency got them. Twice in 8 games at the beginning of the season. It raised too many eyebrows with no real explanation of what’s going on. I hope it’s not so serious he can’t disclose it
They got fined because Doc went out there and said in essence that Kawhi is fine. But he’s not. He’s “injured”.

[Round Mound]

How come, among the many players getting heavy minutes in the NBA, KL would be the only one needing this load management thing? Is he really the only one with this "chronic injury/illness"?

I could be wrong, but I feel like, when his career is over, we will learn that he was not really into basketball (relatively speaking of course). That may also explain his total detachment when he's interviewed, or the fact that he only spent 1 year in Toronto, and then moved to LA.

[Supersuper]

We called that load of crap....

[RogerGodahell]

I really hope this doesn't become a normal thing. But i feel like Pandora's box has been opened.

Remember when pitchers threw every game?

I was a little young for that, but you guys who grew up in the 30's surely remember.:cry:

[atoaz12]

Move the season to 60 games

Get rid of the conferences

Top 16 teams get in

Giddy up

[KhalDrogo]

Move the season to 60 games

Get rid of the conferences

Top 16 teams get in

Giddy up
Do you realize how much revenue the league would lose by moving to a 60 game season?

[rats60]

I really hope this doesn't become a normal thing. But i feel like Pandora's box has been opened.

Remember when pitchers threw every game?

I was a little young for that, but you guys who grew up in the 30's surely remember.:cry:

Not that long ago. In the 70s Wilbur Wood would do this. He once started both games of a double hitter. In the 65 WS Sandy Koufax pitched a shutout in game 5 and pitchered another shutout in game 7 on 2 days rest.

[atoaz12]

Do you realize how much revenue the league would lose by moving to a 60 game season?

But then you wouldn't be so aggravated with Kawhi missing those 22 games!
Seems worth it :D

But seriously, the season is too long.
The Clippers and Kawhi are doing what they are allowed to do

Everyone is wired differently so trying to compare him to Iverson or Jordan or whoever else you view as 'doing it the right way' is just noise

Dude is a top 3 player in the game. How much he plays doesn't affect that.

He's won multiple titles. Multiple Finals MVP's.
When it matters, he plays and plays well (usually the best player on the court)

Eventual HOFer. Top 50 player All-Time.

Odd duck? Yup. But you know what you're getting as a team and a fan

And... like it or not... in sports and life - ability has its privileges

[brettmik59]

Here's the problem with Kawhi - nobody seems to know what his "condition" is. WHAT IS IT? If you're going to be out a third of your games due to load management, the medical report should be put out by the NBA and it should be fully transparent.

[Kobefan]

Officially, Kawhi is still injured and can't play back to back games. His absence was already disclosed to the NBA commissioner and was approved, I'm fine with that, but since it was known ahead of time, it should be disclosed to the general public. That way, fans do not have to waste their time and money watching a game they don't enjoy and the games do not have to be televised. The team will lose some money over this, but they assumed the risk when they signed Kawhi and chose a championship over anything else.

[KhalDrogo]

Here's the problem with Kawhi - nobody seems to know what his "condition" is. WHAT IS IT? If you're going to be out a third of your games due to load management, the medical report should be put out by the NBA and it should be fully transparent.
He has a knee injury. He could have one of dozens of different chronic conditions.

[Wiseysez]

Move the season to 60 games

Get rid of the conferences

Top 16 teams get in

Giddy up

So what, then they find a reason for him to play 45 games?

[brettmik59]

He has a knee injury. He could have one of dozens of different chronic conditions.

Well let's hear what it is then!

[dasiegel]

Does Kawhi genuinely need the maintenance days?

We never got full clarity on the extent of his injury situation in San Antonio. I know I heard some speculation about some possible degenerative condition and that it was, at one point, possibly career threatening.

Like, maybe this is really a preventative measure for a recurring issue? It's been going on for over 2 years now though. I don't know. It's odd, but it's also Kawhi...the two are synonymous.

People who have never had injuries will find this statement bogus but MRIs and X-Rays don't always match symptoms. Sometimes a person has a perfectly normal test but still feels pain. In 100 years we may laugh that we used MRIs to determine injuries to a knee but it's the best we have today.

Without any info my best guess is that Kawhi and his people came to the Clippers basically saying, look, I'm not playing 82 games and I don't wanna do anything to make this annoying injury act up again. In return, I'll sign here, be a beast and man up big-time for a playoff run.

[KhalDrogo]

Well let's hear what it is then!
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, any meniscus tear, chondromalacia, post-surgical inflammatory changes from any sort of ligament or meniscus repair, patellofemoral syndrome, gout, fracture of the patella/tibia/fibula/femur, tendinitis, chronic changes from a dislocated knee cap.

[spurs50fan]

So what, then they find a reason for him to play 45 games?

Exactly

It’s not the length of the season. They’ve probably mapped out how many extra contracts he can get by doing this. We gotta stop advocating for players by questioning the game. Especially those who can’t speak for themselves.

[ninjacookies]

People who have never had injuries will find this statement bogus but MRIs and X-Rays don't always match symptoms. Sometimes a person has a perfectly normal test but still feels pain. In 100 years we may laugh that we used MRIs to determine injuries to a knee but it's the best we have today.

Without any info my best guess is that Kawhi and his people came to the Clippers basically saying, look, I'm not playing 82 games and I don't wanna do anything to make this annoying injury act up again. In return, I'll sign here, be a beast and man up big-time for a playoff run.

Oh for sure.

My primary issue though, is what was the formal medical diagnosis? Chronic arthritis? Lupus? Hepatitis b? We never really got clarification.

[brettmik59]

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, any meniscus tear, chondromalacia, post-surgical inflammatory changes from any sort of ligament or meniscus repair, patellofemoral syndrome, gout, fracture of the patella/tibia/fibula/femur, tendinitis, chronic changes from a dislocated knee cap.

I don't want the list of possibilities, I want to know what Kawhi has. They won't even tell us what it is. Why the secret?

[RogerGodahell]

As people get older they get aches and pains (most do). Maybe Kawhi thinks that's not normal an you're supposed to feel great every day. I call it normal aging. Personally i started feeling it at age 28.

[KhalDrogo]

I don't want the list of possibilities, I want to know what Kawhi has. They won't even tell us what it is. Why the secret?
I think Kawhi is entitled to his privacy. But I also think the league has a major problem on its hands right now. The guy hasn’t played a back to back since spring 2017. And the team is saying he’s feeling great.

[RogerGodahell]

Everyone has different levels of tolerance for pain. Maybe his is just really low. Honestly we'll never know. Im not fond of this skipping every other game though.

[kenji003]

I think clippers should release a schedule about which game they plan to have KL and which game they don't. The game without KL should adjust price. If ppl paid way ahead and paid much higher, the should get refund.

If KL plays some games not mark as planned, I believe fans will be surprised and enjoy it.

Probably this can solve some local fans issue. But about national TV broadcast games. It is what it is. Or maybe reschedule some 2nd half season game after clippers release this schedule

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[asujbl]

I’m sorry but this is kind of an ignorant point of view and further dehumanizes nba players.

If Kawhi and Beverly were brick layers or iron workers would we view the situation the same? If kawhi was hurt on the job as an iron worker and returned to work on a modified work program would it be an issue? Most of the time workers returning from injuries at work will end up on a modified work program. They may not be on the same schedule as the rest of the healthy workers. Depending on the severity of the injury a work my never be able to work the same after a serious injury. This programs are done to accomplish a few things; 1) to minimize or eliminate the likelihood of re-injury 2) prolong the ability of the worker to participate at work and 3) minimize long term health concerns.

In my opinion load management is attempting to achieve these same goals. I know most fans don’t really care about the health or long term health of these players. It’s silly. Have any of you seen the way Larry bird or Kevin mchale walks today? How about Bill Walton? I assure you with hindsight a large amount of superstars of the past would welcome the idea of load management if it meant they were healthier today.

Dear god...

About time someone dropped the always stupid “real job” compared to professional athlete post

Maybe I missed the first one

[asujbl]

Harden throwing down the gauntlet...

Calling out load management

[Southpas2013]

Little early isn't it to start crowing about LBJ and his durability. He definitely looks rejuvenated but some nights he's playing 35+ minutes and they had to push the gas against the lowly Bulls last night.



It's early and the Lakers have had a pretty easy schedule. Let's see come post-All Star Break if he's getting some rest too.



They’ve played some of the to tier teams already, Spurs, Heat, Jazz ... minutes are minutes doesn’t matter what team.

They did struggle against the bulls but they’ll get everyone’s best shot each night

[spurs50fan]

They’ve played some of the to tier teams already, Spurs, Heat, Jazz ... minutes are minutes doesn’t matter what team.

They did struggle against the bulls but they’ll get everyone’s best shot each night

I’m sure the Spurs appreciate the upgrade :) but their best win this year was vs OKC. They’ve folded against every decent team they’ve played. Best player can score 39 or 3. But historically, yes they are top tier. Sorry for the mini rant :( #carryon

[gameissued]

Kawhi Leonard now taking off every other letter in his last name to spell LOAD.. lol.

L E O N A R D
L - O - A - D

[clipperboy24]

Well let's hear what it is then!

They said he has chronic patellar tendon issue. I know all the orthopedic surgeons in this thread understand medicine so well, but these type of chronic injuries usually never fully recover. Most likely it will cause him problems his whole life, it leads to swelling lack of range of motion and incredible amounts of pain when aggravated.

But yes the Blowout Surgical Union sounds like they understand that well, so I am sorry if I offended anyone by giving a small explanation.

Also the Clippers were fined because Doc Rivers yapped (classic annoying Rivers) about how Kawhi is fine and feeling fine. Yes, he probably feels fine when it isn’t aggravated, but in a situation with back to back games, the second game is going to take a big toll and render anyone who has that type of injury a lot more ineffective and at risk of a more serious injury. Doc has also said his son never caused problems in the locker room, there weren’t problems with CP and BG, he just says whatever he thinks will make the situation better. There are plenty reports of him making promises to players and telling one set of players a narrative and then another set of players a contradicting narrative. In summary he talks way to much and it led to a fine

[RogerGodahell]

Kawhi Leonard now taking off every other letter in his last name to spell LOAD.. lol.

L E O N A R D
L - O - A - D

Haha that's hilarious :)!:)!:)! :D

[CC71]

this is stupid. just shorten the season to 62 games or even 42. play two or three games per week. problem solved

[RogerGodahell]

this is stupid. just shorten the season to 62 games or even 42. play two or three games per week. problem solved

Or just toughen up and play the game the way it's been played for the last 70 years. :)

[pingbling23]

this is stupid. just shorten the season to 62 games or even 42. play two or three games per week. problem solved

Or schedule it preseason so the fans know what tickets they are buying.

[rhigh2390]

Or just toughen up and play the game the way it's been played for the last 70 years. :)

Lol agreed! Seems to be the easiest fix.

[armoursave]

Or.....

If the Clippers think they can accomplish their goals without one of their guys playing a certain number of games then isn’t that their business? Certainly the NBA shouldn’t mandate who plays and when, that’s up to the organization and coach.

If the fans don’t like who the Clippers trot out there every night then I think there’s another team in that city they could maybe root for. Free country and all that.

[KhalDrogo]

Or.....

If the Clippers think they can accomplish their goals without one of their guys playing a certain number of games then isn’t that their business? Certainly the NBA shouldn’t mandate who plays and when, that’s up to the organization and coach.

If the fans don’t like who the Clippers trot out there every night then I think there’s another team in that city they could maybe root for. Free country and all that.
I agree. Every team should be allowed to rest their superstars so they are fresh for the playoffs.

[smalltown]

I agree. Every team should be allowed to rest their superstars so they are fresh for the playoffs.

And they can. Just apply for the exemption.

[KhalDrogo]

And they can. Just apply for the exemption.
I’m being facetious. The league needs its superstars out there. They can’t have this Kawhi problem proliferate.

[armoursave]

I’m being facetious. The league needs its superstars out there. They can’t have this Kawhi problem proliferate.

Well...some Superstars are more Super than others.

Could the Lakers make the playoffs without Lebron playing 60 games? Doubtful.

Could the Clippers make the playoffs without Kawhi playing 60 games? Sure.

I get the position that the league needs its superstars but that doesn’t mean you should be compelled to play a guy that doesn’t feel good to go. No good can come of that. If a player says he doesn’t feel healthy enough to play or that they need rest then you kind of have to err on the side of the player.