The question of “load management” has been stirring conversations for a few seasons now. But another subject, which stems from this one, has appeared in recent weeks: the minimum presence to have on the floors to claim to win an individual trophy.
For titles that concern statistics (top scorer, passer, rebounder, etc.), the problem is solved since you must have played at least 70% of the regular season, or 58 matches.
For the MVP, best defender, best progression and other trophies, there is no minimum to fulfill and that is the whole point. The Athletic had recently questioned certain players so that they put forward a number of meetings to be played obligatorily.
Our colleagues teach us now that discussions took place last Friday between the NBA and the players’ union, within the framework of the exchanges concerning the future collective agreement, and the two camps would agree to define a minimum limit in the future.
It remains to decide the exact number of minimum matches to be played to be eligible for an individual trophy…
This should force superstars, those aiming for the MVP trophy in particular, to play more regular season matches and thus not deprive fans or viewers of their presence on the pitch.
Even if CJ McCollum, president of the players’ union, and Chris Paul recalled during this meeting last week that the “load management” was not only a desire of the players to rest, but also sometimes a will of the franchises , who wish to preserve their best elements for the playoffs. And the quest for the title.
