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Michael Jordan appalled by 'load management'

Wed Oct 29 12:26am ET
Field Level Media

Michael Jordan offered his unflinching thoughts on NBA players taking games off for "load management" in his latest appearance on NBC's coverage of the league Tuesday night.

Jordan, appearing for the second time on the "Insights to Excellence" segment, aired after the Bucks-Knicks broadcast, said he's not buying the need for players to rest for the sake of rest.

"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, 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."

Jordan played 70-plus games in nearly every season of his career. The only exceptions were his second pro season, when he suffered a broken foot and was held out longer than he wanted as a precaution, and in 1995, when he tried his hand at retirement.


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."

Jordan was visibly perturbed discussing other players sitting out during the recording of the documentary "The Last Dance," a Netflix production that captured the final seasons of the Bulls' dynasty.

Kobe Bryant, the late Lakers star, shared a similar position on "load management." He played through injuries and told teammates to rest on days when the team isn't scheduled to play because "it's your job to perform."

Player Notes
Obi Toppin Tue Oct 28 10:10pm

Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (hamstring) is expected to be sidelined for at least one month. He suffered a right hamstring strain during Sunday's 114-110 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Early in the season, Toppin has averaged over 27 minutes per game and was in good form before his injury, posting 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. Jarace Walker will now likely receive a boost in playing time and deserves fantasy consideration. Other frontcourt players, such as Tony Bradley and Isaiah Jackson, may also see more minutes on the floor.

Andrew Nembhard Tue Oct 28 10:00pm

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (shoulder) will remain out for Wednesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. He continues to deal with a shoulder injury that Nembhard suffered in last week's season opener. Wednesday will mark his third consecutive absence. The Pacers have a depleted backcourt, so players like Ben Sheppard and RayJ Dennis carry additional fantasy value. In the previous game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sheppard rolled with the starting unit, but Dennis made a bigger impact. He registered 12 points, five assists, two steals, and three blocks in 27 minutes off the bench.

Jusuf Nurkic Tue Oct 28 9:50pm

Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (hip) has been listed as questionable for a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. Nurkic may have to miss a meeting with his former team due to a right hip contusion. Despite being limited to a bench role in Utah, Nurkic has had a solid start to the season, averaging 6.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 17.7 minutes. If he's unable to play Wednesday night, Kevin Love may log his first minutes in a Jazz uniform, and Taylor Hendricks could also see extra playing time in the frontcourt.

Bennedict Mathurin Tue Oct 28 9:50pm

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin (toe) will be sidelined week-to-week, head coach Rick Carlisle announced on Tuesday. Mathurin injured his right toe in just the second game of the season, and it may take a while before he's ready to return. The Pacers backcourt has also lost Andrew Nembhard (shoulder) early in the year, not to mention the absence of Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles). As a result, Ben Sheppard has moved into the first unit, while RayJ Dennis was also heavily involved in Sunday's 114-110 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Zaccharie Risacher Tue Oct 28 9:40pm

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (ankle) is listed as probable on the injury report for Wednesday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets. Risacher missed two games with an ankle issue before returning to action on Monday against the Chicago Bulls. It looks like he will remain in the lineup on Wednesday, although the ankle injury may still be bothering Risacher, as he posted only two points on Monday night, shooting 1-for-5 from the field. Risacher's return sent Nickeil Alexander-Walker back to the bench, but he still had a big role to play in the rotation and should remain on fantasy radars. Alexander-Walker has adjusted well to his new surroundings, averaging 15.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals.

Jalen Johnson Tue Oct 28 9:30pm

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (ankle) remains on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's clash against the Brooklyn Nets, but he is expected to play, as the team has listed him as probable. Due to an ankle sprain, Johnson was forced to miss one game during the opening week. However, he returned to the lineup on Monday versus the Chicago Bulls and should remain available on Wednesday night. In his first three appearances of the season, Johnson has averaged 19.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 steals. With the Nets appearing to have one of the weakest squads in the league, Johnson will have a good opportunity to boost his numbers if he plays on Wednesday.

Dillon Brooks Tue Oct 28 9:20pm

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (groin) will miss Wednesday's meeting with his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies. Following a very productive start to the season, Brooks injured his groin and will be sidelined for a second consecutive game. In his absence, Royce O'Neale made his first start of the season on Monday night against the Utah Jazz, delivering an impressive performance. He led the Suns with 13 rebounds, adding 17 points, seven assists, and five steals during a 138-134 overtime loss. O'Neale will continue to have extra fantasy value on Wednesday night, although the possible return of Jalen Green (hamstring) could lead to changes in the rotation.

Anthony Davis Tue Oct 28 9:10pm

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (Achilles) is listed as probable on the injury report for Wednesday's encounter with the Indiana Pacers. Davis is dealing with bilateral Achilles tendinopathy, but there is a high likelihood that he will be cleared to play. At the start of his first full season in Dallas, Davis has averaged 25.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks. He could have a field day against an Indiana team that's now without Myles Turner. With both Daniel Gafford (ankle) and Dereck Lively II (knee) doubtful for Wednesday's game, Davis may also be asked to shoulder a heavier workload.

Jalen Green Tue Oct 28 9:10pm

Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (hamstring) has been upgraded to questionable ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. This may be a sign that he's ready to make his Suns debut. Green has missed the first few games of the season due to a right hamstring strain. Grayson Allen has been starting in Green's place, and he may still hold significant fantasy value if Green has a minutes restriction during his first few games back. Once Green is back at 100 percent, he is expected to play a massive role in the Suns offense.

Zion Williamson Tue Oct 28 9:00pm

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (foot) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the Denver Nuggets. The Pelicans star was only a limited participant during practice on Tuesday and may have to sit out a second consecutive game due to a bone contusion in his left foot. It's unfortunate that Williamson has again run into health issues after he opened the season with back-to-back 27-point outings. If Williamson can't return on Wednesday, Derik Queen and Saddiq Bey will continue to have additional fantasy value.

Jaylen Brown Tue Oct 28 9:00pm

Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (hamstring) is considered probable for Wednesday's meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brown continues to nurse a hamstring problem that he picked up late in preseason. So far, the issue hasn't really affected Brown, as the Celtics leader has averaged 29.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 35.7 minutes. If Brown suffers a setback and can't play on Wednesday, players like Anfernee Simons and Sam Hauser may be more involved in the rotation. Meanwhile, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard would receive additional offensive usage.

Cole Anthony Tue Oct 28 8:00pm

Milwaukee Bucks guard Cole Anthony (illness) will play against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. Initially, the team gave him a questionable tag on the injury report, but Anthony has now been upgraded to available and is ready to rejoin the lineup after missing one game due to illness. Anthony will help to compensate for the absence of Kevin Porter Jr. (ankle) in the backcourt. Through his first two outings of the season, Anthony has provided 16.0 points and 6.0 assists per game. However, his early-season shooting percentage of 68.4 isn't sustainable.

Gary Trent Jr. Tue Oct 28 8:00pm

Milwaukee Bucks guard/forward Gary Trent Jr. (illness) has been cleared to face the New York Knicks in Tuesday's big Eastern Conference showdown. He was added to the injury report late due to illness. However, the veteran appears to have shaken off the bug ahead of tip-off. Trent Jr. has been Milwaukee's third-highest scorer so far, averaging 14.3 points in 27.3 minutes. Additionally, he has made an impact defensively by snagging 1.3 steals per game.

Alex Caruso Tue Oct 28 8:00pm

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Alex Caruso (concussion) will rejoin the lineup on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings. He has missed three games while dealing with a concussion. With Jalen Williams (wrist) and Isaiah Joe (knee) still out, Caruso should be heavily involved in the action on Tuesday. Chet Holmgren (back) also won't play against the Kings, which opens up even more minutes in the rotation for players like Caruso, Aaron Wiggins, and Ajay Mitchell.

Miles McBride Tue Oct 28 7:50pm

New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (personal) will miss a second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. He was initially listed as questionable for the contest before the team ruled him out. McBride's next opportunity to make a comeback will be on Friday against the Chicago Bulls. In his absence, Jordan Clarkson, Tyler Kolek, and Landry Shamet have a larger workload in the Knicks backcourt. Clarkson has the most fantasy upside of the three, but he's had a tough time in New York so far, posting only 6.0 points per game.

Karl-Anthony Towns Tue Oct 28 7:40pm

New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (quadriceps) has been upgraded to available for Tuesday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Towns is battling a right quadriceps strain but is prepared to play through the injury. Despite the issue, Towns has averaged 33.3 minutes per game this season, and there's no indication his workload will be limited against the Bucks. While Towns has notched three straight double-doubles, averaging 20.0 points and 14.0 rebounds, he's had some shooting difficulties, sinking only 40.5 percent of his attempts from the field.

Guerschon Yabusele Tue Oct 28 7:40pm

New York Knicks forward/center Guerschon Yabusele (knee) will miss Tuesday's contest against the Milwaukee Bucks. Ahead of tip-off, he has been downgraded from questionable to out. Yabusele is dealing with a knee sprain, which may keep him sidelined for more than one game. With him out, Josh Hart, Jordan Clarkson, and Landry Shametget more work off the Knicks bench. Yabusele's first chance to return will be on Friday night against the undefeated Chicago Bulls.

Simone Fontecchio Tue Oct 28 7:30pm

Miami Heat forward Simone Fontecchio (calf) will play on Tuesday against the Charlotte Hornets. The Italian sniper has received several upgrades throughout the day and has now officially been listed as available for the game. Fontecchio has started his Heat career well, averaging 13.7 points in 20.3 minutes off the bench. He has nailed exactly half of his 16 three-point attempts so far. On Tuesday, Fontecchio may have a larger offensive role due to Norman Powell's (groin) absence.

Tre Mann Tue Oct 28 7:30pm

Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (jaw) will be in the lineup on Tuesday against the Miami Heat. The team has upgraded Mann's status from questionable to available. Mann fills a bench role in Charlotte and doesn't offer a lot from a fantasy perspective. So far this season, he has averaged 5.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 18.3 minutes. The Hornets backcourt is dominated by LaMelo Ball, with Collin Sextonalso a new face in the mix this season.

Norman Powell Tue Oct 28 7:20pm

Miami Heat guard/forward Norman Powell (groin) won't suit up for Tuesday's clash against the Charlotte Hornets. After picking up a questionable tag earlier in the day, Powell has been ruled out for the contest due to right groin soreness. Powell has been Miami's leading scorer early in the season, averaging 24.0 points. With him on the shelf, Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wigginsmust do more on the offensive end. Pelle Larsson, who has averaged only 5.3 minutes per game so far, will take over Powell's spot in the starting unit.


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