The NBA recently surprised many by acknowledging that load management has no correlation with injury reduction.
For the Knicks head coach Tom ThibodeauFor someone who has never fully embraced load management, this may feel like a vindication. But instead of celebrating the victory, Thibodeau reiterated his feelings on the matter and pointed to past experiences and conversations with basketball greats.
“My job is to be around good teams and watch their preparation,” Thibodeau said. “One time I and Michael Jordan Tell us more about his preparation for a season. He and the entire organization believe in how you should work.
“Boston had the same thing. In ’08, when we won the championship, those guys were phenomenal. They didn’t miss practice. Great practice team. The Knicks were a great practice team in the ’90s. That was It helps them. If you play professional sports, there’s always the possibility of injury. I think you look at everything. But you have to be ready to play a long season.”
Thibodeau, who has received his own criticism for not supporting load management, also said the new data doesn’t necessarily change his approach to players who may be injured or going through something.
“Every team is different, every player is different,” Thibodeau said. “So you have to choose what you think is best for your team and sometimes no one wants to see injured players playing.
“So if a guy is injured, he’s not going to play. But if he’s a young guy and he’s growing and learning, it’s different. I think if you consider everyone’s situation and do what you think is right for you The best thing for the team. … It’s a long season and you have to be ready for that season.”