“It shouldn’t be needed”: Michael Jordan criticizes load management in the NBA

National Basketball Association (NBA) and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan — widely regarded as the greatest player in league history — recently shared his thoughts on one of the most debated topics in today’s game: load management.

The six-time NBA champion, now 62, is featured in NBC’s new series “MJ: Insights to Excellence,” where he discussed the evolution of the sport and criticized the modern practice of resting healthy players. Jordan, who led the Bulls to two separate three-peats during his storied career, emphasized that he never wanted to miss a game, viewing every appearance as an opportunity to prove himself and entertain fans.

“Well, it shouldn’t be needed, first and foremost,” Jordan said. “I never wanted to miss a game because it was an opportunity to prove. The fans are there to watch me play — I want to impress that guy way up on top who probably worked his butt off to get a ticket.”

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Jordan added that his competitive drive extended even to opposing fans.

Michael Jordan shares his thoughts on load management on the second installment of MJ: Insights to Excellence.

“I never wanted to miss a game because it was an opportunity to prove…the fans are there to watch me play.” pic.twitter.com/h7g6krplDQ

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 29, 2025

“Yeah, because I know he’s probably yelling at me, and I want to shut him up. He’s calling me all kinds of names, and I definitely want to shut him up. You have a duty — if people are coming to see you, as an entertainer, you show up,” he said.

The issue of load management has drawn increasing scrutiny in recent years, with stars like Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, and Luka Dončić among those who have sat out games for rest. In response, the NBA has implemented stricter rules on player availability, including a minimum number of games required to qualify for end-of-season awards.

Jordan also recalled his legendary performance in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz — the iconic “Flu Game.” Despite battling food poisoning and being bedridden until 90 minutes before tipoff, he played 44 minutes and scored 38 points in a pivotal Chicago victory.

“I was going to find a way to get out there, even if I was a decoy,” he said. “Once you’re out there, you never know — the emotions, the situation, the need of the team — all those things push you. I just decided to gut it out.”

Jordan’s comments carry weight given his own durability. In his final five NBA seasons — including two with the Washington Wizards following his second retirement — he played all 82 regular-season games in four of them. Over his career, he appeared in 1,072 games, ranking 113th all-time, a number that would have been even higher if not for multiple retirements.

True to form, Jordan’s stance reinforces the old-school mentality that defined his career — one built on toughness, competitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to the fans who came to see him play.

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