Michael Jordan commented on the current widespread practice of load management by NBA teams and players during his second installment of “MJ: Insights to Excellence” on NBC. The NBA has responded to its load management issues by requiring players appear in at least 65 games per season to be eligible for regular season awards.
“Well, it shouldn’t be needed, first and foremost,” Jordan said. “You know, I never wanted to miss a game because it was an opportunity to prove. It was something that I felt like the fans are there that watch me play. I want to impress that guy way up on top who probably worked his [butt] off to get a ticket or to get money to buy the ticket.”
Jordan said that even applied to fans from the opposing team.
“Yeah, because I know he’s probably yelling at me and I want to shut him up,” Jordan said. “You know, he’s calling me all kinds of names. I definitely want to shut him up. … You have a duty that if they’re wanting to see you, and as an entertainer, I want to show. Right?”
Jordan played in at least 78 games in 12 of his 15 seasons.