The NBA has a problem- can it be fixed?
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
The NBA has a big problem.
No, I’m not talking about “too many 3-pointers” or “no defense” or the lack of travels called. I’m talking about the massive amount of injuries that continues to grow each and every year.
Many long-time fans will call the players soft in today’s league. While it’s true that players of old probably fought through more of the bumps and bruises in order to play in every game possible, it still doesn’t speak to the issues facing availability today. Here are the facts:
•Players are running 2-3 more miles per game compared to previous decades.
•Almost every player can shoot, which turns transition defense into a track meet. No player can relax.
•Shorter preseason ramp-up could also be contributing.
•More possessions, shorter possession length, leads to a frantic pace.
It’s also very possible that the current training and recovery methods help in some areas, but hurt in others. There have been an abnormal amount of lower body injuries in recent years. There have been some days this season where over 25% of the league was listed on an Injury Report in a given day.
The injury report for the Indiana Pacers has often resembled a CVS receipt. Though they’ve been getting healthier in recent days, they’ve had 7-10 names on those reports at different times. After missing all of last season, Tyrese Haliburton came back to play in only four games before going down with a hamstring strain. He’s still a few weeks away from returning. If the Pacers could do it all over again, I can’t imagine they would have had him play four games in six nights to start the season after missing a year. And on that note, having any team play four games in six nights to begin a season is an issue itself.
So, what can be done? Is this simply the new normal and something that can’t really be fixed? Are there some things the league can at least try? Here are some possible ideas that could make a difference:
•Shortening the games- Adam Silver has said he is open to 40 minute games instead of 48. That could limit the wear-and-tear and massive number of possessions each team has per night. It would, however, impact statistics, and it’s possible teams would still try to play their stars their typical minutes while eliminating some of the minutes from the second unit.
•Shortening the season- If the NBA schedule was a 72 game schedule, they could eliminate back-to-backs. Or, if it was more like 75 or 76 games, they could at least eliminate most back-to-backs. Again, there’s a risk of sounding “soft” here for older generations, but today’s game is not meant to be played two days in a row at that level and speed. Cutting the season down would also impact stats and historical records, and it would be tough for the NBA and their teams to give up the money for multiple games. An argument could be made, however, that getting healthier stars over 72 games would make up for the money lost of an 82-game schedule with lots of guys in street clothes.
I don’t know if either of these solutions would have a huge impact on the game, but we’re reaching a point where it’s worth a shot. These days, it’s super rare to go to a game and see all of the main players from each team you were expecting to see. Championship aspirations are often impacted and the healthiest team is often the one that prevails.
The Pacers are still waiting for the day when their projected starting lineup can play together for more than a few games. I’ve seen a lot of criticism towards their training staff, but the reality is, these issues are running pretty wild all over the NBA. Hopefully something can be done, and hopefully it’s soon.
