To paraphrase from U2’s hit song, “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” There has been a lot of talk about this next topic. Maybe too much talk.
Over the past few weeks, there has been a collective outrage by the mainstream media about NBA players resting or sitting out games. One of the biggest voices of this collective outcry has been ESPN’s Mike Greenberg from Mike and Mike in the Morning. Cal Ripken Jr. set the major-league baseball record, surpassing Lou Gehrig, for most consecutive games played (2,632). Over the past year, I can count about 15 times where Greenberg called out of work for vacation, personal or sick days. No one would ever call “Greeny” the Cal Ripken of sports radio. I find it hard to comprehend that a man, who makes his living sitting down in a chair talking, is questioning players like LeBron James when they don’t play. The NBA season is a grind, traveling from city to city playing 30-35 minutes per game three to four times a week.
I have no problem with coaches sitting players. MLB players sit during the season. The NFL has 4 pre-season games and only in the 3rd game do players play more than 1 quarter. If a team clinches, they rest their starters as well. Fans may not like it but all that matters is your team being healthy in the post-season. The Cleveland Cavaliers were well rested going into last season’s post-season and it paid dividends for them. The Golden State Warriors barely rested during the regular season. They won 73 games, setting an NBA record but it took a toll. Their players seemed to wear down in the finals.
I understand the argument that fans play money to see the stars play but buyer beware. I would much rather James play 65-70 games and be rested for the playoffs than play all 82 games. The days of the iron man are over. It doesn’t mean players are soft, it’s just a different time. Today’s athlete is bigger faster and stronger. To give you an example, Hall of Famer, Boston Celtics power forward, Kevin McHale was 6-10 215lbs. LeBron James is basically a point/forward he is 6’9 255lbs. So, when I hear the media or fans say players are soft, I couldn't disagree more. They are in better physical condition than the players of yesteryear. The Knicks 21-year-old Phenom Kristaps Prozigis is 7’3 and is shooting close to 40% from 3-point land. I don’t think Kareem Abdul-Jabbar attempted more than 10 three point shots in his career.
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has been resting players for years and it has worked out fine. Under his leadership, SA has won 50 games or more per year for 17 straight seasons and they have won five championships. Every Spurs fan would take Kawhi Leonard missing a game in February for a championship.
Follow the Sports Whisperer on Twitter:Montetjwitter11
