The NBA is cracking down on teams resting their star players during games. The league has introduced strict regulations, with teams now allowed to rest only one star player per game. This comes as a response to concerns about “load management,” especially during the grueling 82-game regular season.
According to the league’s Player Participation Policy, a star player is defined as anyone selected for an All-NBA team or NBA All-Star team within the past three seasons. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized, “If you’re a healthy player in this league, you’re expected to play.”
To enforce this rule, fines will be imposed on teams for violations. The first violation will cost teams $100,000, with the penalty increasing to $250,000 for the second breach. Subsequent violations will result in fines progressively higher, with each breach exceeding the previous one by $1 million.
The NBA aims to strike a balance within team rosters, especially for nationally televised games. Star players are expected to be available for such games. Additionally, if a player is fit to play but is rested for a game, they must still attend the game and be visible to fans.
Exceptions to the rule include cases of injuries, personal reasons, and pre-approved restrictions on back-to-back games, with consideration given to a player’s age, injury history, and career workload.
Commissioner Silver emphasized that this move is to benefit the fans, ensuring that they get to see their favorite players in action. He cited that there is no statistical data suggesting an increased injury risk for players as the season progresses, or even in back-to-back games, contrary to popular belief.
These changes have sparked discussions and debates among basketball enthusiasts, with many eager to see how teams will adapt to this new rule in the upcoming NBA season.
