Paul Pierce says only stars like LeBron and Embiid should be allowed to use load management

The issue of load management continues to spark debate across the National Basketball Association (NBA), particularly in an era where teams and players have become increasingly cautious about injuries and workload.

Naismith Hall of Famer Paul Pierce, known for his toughness and competitive fire during his playing days with the Boston Celtics, recently shared his thoughts on the matter in an appearance on the “No Fouls Given and Playmaker” podcast. The 48-year-old made it clear that, while he understands the need for rest in certain cases, he believes load management should only apply to players who truly need it.

“Load management should be saved for certain guys, I believe,” Pierce said. “It shouldn’t be for somebody who says, ‘Oh, we got three games in four nights, so I’m going to play these two and miss this one.’”

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Pierce explained that players who are older or injury-prone, such as Joel Embiid and LeBron James, are understandable cases. However, he criticized the growing number of healthy players sitting out games simply for rest.

Danny Green & Paul Pierce share their top players in the league… who do you think got it right? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/0sUxWwBQYx

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“Like Joel Embiid — several injuries. I’m not mad at that. LeBron James? 43 years old. I mean, come on. I get it,” he said. “But not a guy who’s healthy and just looks at the schedule and says, ‘I’ll be too tired for this last game on the road trip.’ Come on, man, take some pride. You put on this jersey — wear it with pride.”

Pierce’s stance reflects the mentality of his generation, when NBA stars often played through fatigue and minor injuries to stay on the court. Legends such as Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson were well known for their commitment to competing every night, no matter the circumstances.

Given Pierce’s illustrious two-decade career, his opinion carries weight. The 2008 NBA champion, 2010 Three-Point Contest winner, and 10-time All-Star spent the majority of his career with the Celtics, who ultimately retired his No. 34 jersey in recognition of his contributions to the franchise.

As the debate over load management continues, Pierce’s message to today’s stars is simple: play with pride and respect for the game.

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