This is obviously not “load management”, but the situation around James Harden is a first test for the NBA and its new policy to fight against the rest of stars during major matches, broadcast on the national network.
The trip from Philadelphia to Milwaukee was broadcast on TNT and the absence of the 2018 MVP, who we know wants to leave Philadelphia with a transfer that is not moving forward, will be verified by the NBA, indicates ESPN.
“We are examining the facts regarding the availability of James Harden, in order to determine if there is a justified reason for his absence »explained a league spokesperson.
The former Houston player returned to the group after ten days of absence, but did not travel with his teammates to Milwaukee or Toronto for Saturday night’s match. To justify itself, the Philadelphia franchise will undoubtedly argue to the NBA that its star is not physically fit to play and that she still has to work in her corner.
Is it sufficient ? It’s not impossible since James Harden has the privilege of age and experience (more than 1,000 matches or 34,000 minutes on the clock), which is one of the few exemptions to miss matches.
If the NBA considers, however, that his absence was unjustified, the first sanction will be $100,000. And then, it goes up very quickly since it will be 250,000 dollars for the second offense then 1.25 million for the third!
