NBA News: NBA Players Resting Instead Of Playing A New Trend
When the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are the defending NBA champions, decided to rest Kevin Love, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving this past Wednesday night, many fans were in uproar over the Cavs decision to sit out their big three. The Cavs played the Memphis Grizzlies on December 14, losing 93-85, in which none of aforementioned players were even in attendance. The loss prompted many to chastise Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue because he opted for health over entertainment.
If the Cavs rest their big three and don't get the same fine the Spurs got for resting theirs, the @NBA is a big joke.
— Dan Hayden (@WTPCoachDan) December 14, 2016
According to ESPN, Lue had his own reasons for each player (Love, James and Irving) to rest.
“Lue said there was different reasoning to rest each player: Irving, who did not play Tuesday because of rest, revealed he had “tired legs” in Cleveland’s win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Love recently missed part of a shootaround because of back spasms after having his back “lock up” during the Cavs’ win against the Knicks in New York last week. James is 31 and coming off six straight NBA Finals appearances. He logged 80 minutes in back-to-back home wins over the Miami Heat and the Hornets over the weekend.”
James also spoke on Lue’s decision, citing he wouldn’t go against what his coach wants.
“I do whatever my coach asks me to do,” James said, perturbed by the question. “My coach wants me to rest, I don’t buck my coach. That’s what he wants and that’s what we’re going to do. I’ve been in this league 14 years. I shouldn’t have to explain me sitting out a game or not playing games. I’ve played in every arena, including Seattle, that’s no longer here. It’s not like it’s my first year. I’ve got 14 years. I’ve paid my dues — and more than a lot of guys in this league. But I’ll ride with my coach.”
Even Allen Iverson chimed in, stating that the NBA is just in a different space now.
“It’s different,” Iverson told ESPN ahead of Friday night’s Lakers-76ers broadcast. “I never thought anything like that would happen. A guy like myself loved to compete night in and night out. Tired, hurt, it doesn’t matter. To each his own. If it helps those guys and it helps their team, then so be it.”
While many cry foul over NBA teams attempting to prolong the careers and seasons of their star players, it must be noted that players such as James are no longer in their twenties. James, who turns 32 years old December 3o, is still an excellent athlete, but not one that can consistently make YouTube-instant highlights as he did in the 2000’s. Rest for athletes such as James, Dwyane Wade and former NBA player Tim Duncan pays huge dividends for a team that’s attempting to make a NBA playoff run.
The NBA season is a grueling, 82 game journey with an additional maximum of 28 games to be played in the NBA playoffs come spring time. Wear and tear decreases athleticism in an instant; teams that have been favorites to win the NBA Finals such as the 2013 Oklahoma City Thunder, 2015 Cleveland Cavaliers and the 2016 Golden State Warriors have watched those chances take a turn for the worst when injuries to players such as Russell Westbrook, Love, Irving, Andrew Bogut and Steph Curry all missed time in the playoffs due to injury.
So to conclude, while Lue has made a unpopular decision in terms of NBA entertainment purposes, his decision to rest his players will make an impact on the scope of the NBA season in the long-haul. Besides, if the Cavaliers have another NBA title run, the NBA will graciously thank Lue for his foresight.
[Featured Image by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]
