Image Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Jordan Feels ‘Load Management’ isn’t Needed in NBA, Reveals Reason for him Wanting to Play Each Game

Jordan appeared in 80 games in 11 seasons of his career.

Image Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Jordan, regarded as the greatest player to play in the NBA by many, blasted the concept of ‘load management’ in the league. It seems that the six-time champion isn’t a fan of this concept and players who take days off to rest. Jordan made an appearance on “MJ: Insights to Excellence”, where he was asked to share his thoughts on load management. The Chicago Bulls legend didn’t hold back and blasted the concept, suggesting that it isn’t needed in the NBA.

“Well, it shouldn’t be needed, first and foremost,” Jordan told interviewer Mike Tirico. He went on to say that he wanted to prove himself to the fans who spent their money just to watch him. “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.”

Michael Jordan shares his thoughts on load management on the second installment of MJ: Insights to Excellence.

“I never wanted to miss a game because it was an opportunity to prove…the fans are there to watch me play." pic.twitter.com/h7g6krplDQ
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 29, 2025

The 62-year-old also went on to say that the rule also applied to those who came to cheer against him. “Yeah, cause I know he’s probably yelling at me and I wanted to shut him up,” the 14-time All-Star stated. “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?”

“If guys are coming to watch me play, I don’t want to miss that opportunity. Now, physically, if I can’t do it, then I can’t do it. But physically, if I can do it, and I just don’t feel like doing it, that’s a whole different lens.”

Michael Jordan Recalls Playing Through Ankle Injury Early in Career

Apart from being one of the most decorated and successful players in the NBA, Jordan was also known for his consistency during his playing days. In his 15-year-long career, he played in all 82 regular season games nine times, and appeared in at least 80 games two times. Earlier in his career, he suffered a sprained ankle but went on to play despite a teammate suggesting him to rest up on the bench.

“I said, ‘No, man, I need to make a name for myself, there’s no way I can sit,” Jordan recalled. “I need to show what I’m capable of, I want to play, I want to win, I want to make an impact, I twisted my ankle, I taped it up and I went back out and played. Always felt that necessary need that I could never leave my comrades out if could perform.”

Not only this, but he also talked about the 1997 NBA Finals, where he was dealing with a case of food poisoning during Game 5. Commonly called ‘The Flu Game’, Jordan scored 38 points in the game and led his team a win closer to the NBA title. Before that game, Jordan was bedridden and didn’t even participate in a traditional warmup.

While Jordan’s views might sound a bit outdated to some, the league also went strict with the player participation policies ahead of the 2023-24 season. As per the new rules, teams cannot rest players during nationally televised games. Moreover, a new 65-game participation criteria was also set for players to be eligible for the post-season awards.

Michael Jordan

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.