The NBA and an unexpected rift between players and coaches: should we change the schedule?

The busy and busy schedule of the NBA -in which each team must play 82 games in 170 days- splits the waters in the most competitive basketball in the world. Some like Steve Kerrcoach of Golden State WarriorsThey feel the season should be shortened. Another group, which includes the star of Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis AntetokounmpoThey do not share this idea. and the commissioner Adam Silver You don’t know which is the best option.

This is the dilemma in the constant battle in which the American league is immersed: to dose the players or the breaks to find the best way to optimize the health of the athletes, their performance and availability.

During the last week, the agency Associated press asked 48 players, coaches, franchise owners and executives whether the NBA should abandon its current regular season schedule and implement ones with fewer games or perhaps more game days to allow for more rest between games.

The result was equally confusing: 40% of respondents said they would accept whatever the league decides is best; 35 percent said they didn’t want changes, and the remaining 25 percent said they needed some changes.

Another concern is how the fans will react. And also the impact that a change in the economy of the league could have.

“I think if you want to have the best players available, shortening the season would be in everyone’s interest,” he acknowledged. Michael Mallonecoach of Denver Nuggets. “But that would mean a lot of lost money. And don’t forget: This is a deal.”

After last weekend’s celebration of All stars game, the regular season will resume this Thursday and there are 19 players with a chance to play the entire schedule. Only five played in 82 games last season; while they had been 11 in the 2020/21 championship shortened to 72 games and 14 in the 2019/20 season, which was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Even though it’s a rarity today, it was strange that players played almost all of the calendar. A decade ago, in 2012/13, 28 saw action in all matches. And a decade earlier, there were 46.

The Greek Antetokounmpo does not want to change. “I think 82 is perfect,” said the big Bucks star.

Kerr had already proposed in the past to play “only” 72 games and this year he has maintained his position, having rested his stars –Stephen Curry, klay thompson AND Draymond Greenfor example, after winning the title last season, with a 4-2 win against Boston.

The Warriors coach knows cutting 10 games from the schedule would come at a price. Literally a great price. Going from 82 to 72 games (12% fewer) would theoretically reduce 12% of potential earnings.

THE nfl (American football league) and the NHL (ice hockey) hello weeks. Chris gaspscoach of Minnesota Timberwolveswonders if the National Basketball Association it should do the same.

The NBA and the Players Association are in talks on a new collective bargaining agreement. Both sides expect to close the deal within the next month, which is not a guarantee, but a reason to be optimistic. Is a historic change coming?