Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan Critique NBA Load Management Impact

Magic Johnson has openly criticized the current trend of load management in the NBA, which he believes is contributing to a decline in viewership and fan engagement. During his appearance on Byron Scott's Fast Break Podcast, Johnson expressed frustration over star players frequently sitting out games, which diminishes the quality of matchups and the overall experience for fans. He cited a conversation with Michael Jordan, who also expressed disbelief at the necessity of load management, having played nearly every game during his career. Johnson reminisced about the competitive spirit of his era, where players often had to be prevented from playing even when injured. He highlighted that today's players struggle to meet game requirements for awards consideration due to frequent absences, prompting discussions about potential changes to the season structure. Johnson's reflections underscore a perceived lack of camaraderie and competitive drive in the modern game compared to the past.