Michael Jordan Slams NBA’s 'Unnecessary' Load Management Culture; Calls Out Modern Day Players

Last Updated:October 29, 2025, 12:59 IST

Michael Jordan criticized NBA's culture of load management, stressing his commitment to fans and playing every game unless physically unable, highlighting his legendary work ethic.

(Credit: X)

Michael Jordan always understood the assignment, especially when it came to understanding that there is no rest in this world for the greats.

And once again, His Airness reminded everyone exactly why he belongs in a different stratosphere.

Appearing on NBC’s Insights to Excellence after the Bucks-Knicks game, the six-time NBA champion took dead aim at the league’s “load management" trend, calling it unnecessary.

“It shouldn’t be needed, first and foremost," Jordan said bluntly.

“You know, I never wanted to miss a game because it was an opportunity to prove — it was something that I felt like, you know, the fans are there that watch me play. I want to impress that guy way up on top who probably worked his ass off to get a ticket or to get money to buy the ticket."

Classic MJ: no excuses, no skipped nights, just competitive fire and 48 minutes of pure dominance.

Jordan suited up for 70-plus games in nearly every season of his legendary career. The only times he didn’t? When a broken foot forced him to sit, or when he briefly traded the hardwood for home plate. The man even came back from baseball just to remind everyone who ran the league.

In today’s NBA — where “back-to-backs" sound like four-letter words — Jordan’s words hit harder than one of his baseline fadeaways.

At the height of his popularity, Jordan and the Bulls were a traveling circus and a virtually impossible ticket at home and on the road.

“You have a duty that if they’re wanting to see you and as an entertainer, I want to show, right?" Jordan said.

“So if the guys are coming to watch me play, I don’t want to miss that opportunity. 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."

From the man who once dropped 38 with the flu, this message feels more like a mic drop.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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News sports Michael Jordan Slams NBA’s 'Unnecessary' Load Management Culture; Calls Out Modern Day Players

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