Overview
- In the second “MJ: Insights to Excellence” segment aired after Bucks–Knicks on NBC, Jordan said load management “shouldn’t be needed” and framed playing as a duty to paying fans.
- Jordan stressed that players should suit up if physically able, distinguishing injury-based absences from nights off based on preference.
- He cited his own durability and iconic examples, including nine 82-game seasons, a push to return from a broken foot in 1986, and the 1997 Finals “Flu Game.”
- The comments land against existing NBA measures, including tightened participation policies and a 65-game threshold for award eligibility introduced in 2023–24.
- Commentary noted that many rest decisions stem from team medical guidance and that today’s faster game complicates direct comparisons to Jordan’s era, with no new league policy announced.