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Why Are NBA Stars Skipping Games? The Load Management Crisis Explained
Star players in the NBA often miss games, raising concerns among fans about the value of their tickets. James Brown discusses the notable case of Joel Embiid, a former MVP who has yet to play this season, highlighting the confusion surrounding player absences and the recent fine imposed on the Philadelphia 76ers for lack of transparency. Brown points out that while teams justify load management as a health measure, fans are left frustrated, paying full price to see star players sitting on the bench. He questions when regular season games became optional and contrasts this situation with other sports leagues, such as the NFL and baseball, which do not face the same issue. The episode invites listeners to share their thoughts on whether star players should be required to play more frequently, emphasizing the disconnect between player management strategies and fan expectations.
James Brown dives deep into the current trend of star players missing games in the NBA, a phenomenon that has become increasingly common and frustrating for fans. He highlights the case of Joel Embiid, a former MVP who has yet to play this season, raising questions about the transparency of teams regarding player health. Brown points out that the Philadelphia 76ers were fined $100,000 for not being clear about Embiid's absence, illuminating a broader issue of communication and accountability in the league. This situation exemplifies the growing practice of load management, where teams prioritize player health over availability, often at the expense of the paying fan base who expects to see their favorite players on the court.
The discussion also touches on the financial aspect of the NBA, as Brown emphasizes the irony of players like Embiid earning superstar contracts while not being consistently present for games. He reflects on the disparity between the investment fans make—through ticket purchases, merchandise, and concessions—and the reality of star players sitting out. Brown questions when regular season games became optional and contrasts this with the culture in other sports, like the NFL and MLB, where players are generally expected to play more frequently. He provocatively asks whether NBA tickets should come with a warning label about the possibility of star players not appearing, inviting listeners to consider the implications of this trend for the sport's future.
Takeaways:
- James Brown discusses the growing trend of star players missing games in the NBA.
- Joel Embiid, a former MVP, hasn't played this season, raising concerns among fans.
- The Philadelphia 76ers were fined for not being transparent about Embiid's absence.
- Fans are paying full price to watch games, yet many star players are sidelined.
- Brown questions why regular season games are treated as optional in the NBA today.
- The NFL and baseball seem to avoid the same player absence issues seen in basketball.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Philadelphia 76ers
Transcript
Star players may not appear this is commentary from James Brown.
James Brown:Remember when NBA stars played almost every game?
James Brown:Well, that doesn't happen anymore.
James Brown:There are many examples of this, but none more glaring these days than Joel Embiid, one of the league's biggest stars.
James Brown:His nickname is the Process.
James Brown:He's a former league MVP who hasn't played a single game this season, and no one seems to know when he will.
James Brown:The Philadelphia 76 years just got slapped with a hundred thousand dollar fine.
James Brown:Not because Embiid isn't playing, but because they weren't clear about why.
James Brown:Because in the NBA doesn't really matter.
James Brown:It's part of a bigger problem in today's basketball league load management.
James Brown:Here's what gets Me Embiid signed $193 million contract in September.
James Brown:That's superstar money for part time work, and I don't begrudge him for taking the money.
James Brown:If someone offered me nearly $200 million, I would take it and so would you.
James Brown:So the team say they're being smart about his health.
James Brown:But us fans, we're paying full price for streaming, for tickets, for jerseys, for food, for parking just to see star players sit on the bench.
James Brown:I get it.
James Brown:Players need rest, bodies break down.
James Brown:But when did we start treating regular season games like they're optional events?
James Brown:The NFL doesn't have this problem, and surprisingly enough, neither does baseball for the most part.
James Brown:So here's today's question.
James Brown:At what point do NBA tickets need a warning label?
James Brown:Star players may not appear.
James Brown:What do you think?
James Brown:And do you watch basketball?
James Brown:And do you think that star players should have to play more?
James Brown:Let me know in the comments and support my work@jamesbrowntv.substack.com on that note, I'm James Brown and as always, be well.
