Michael Jordan weighs in on load management: ‘It shouldn’t be needed’

Michael Jordan didn’t hold back when asked about the rise of load management in today’s NBA.

Speaking during the second installment of the Insights to Excellence series, which aired after the Bucks’ 121-111 win over the Knicks Tuesday on NBC, the six-time champion said skipping games for rest was never part of his mindset.

“It shouldn’t be needed, first and foremost,” Jordan said. “You know, I never wanted to miss a game because it was an opportunity to prove — it was something that I felt like, you know, the fans are there that watch me play.

“I want to impress that guy way up on top who probably worked his ass off to get a ticket or to get money to buy the ticket.”

Jordan played in at least 70 games in 12 of his 15 seasons, missing significant time only because of injury or retirement.

He said sitting out when healthy was never an option.

“You have a duty that if they’re wanting to see you, and as an entertainer, I want to show, right?” Jordan said. “So if the guys are coming to watch me play, I don’t want to miss that opportunity.

“Physically, if I can’t do it, then I can’t do it. But physically, if I can do it and I just don’t feel like doing it, that’s a whole different lens.”

He referenced his legendary “flu game” from the 1997 NBA Finals, when he fought through illness to score 38 points and lead the Bulls to a pivotal Game 5 win over the Jazz.

“I could never leave my comrades if I could perform,” Jordan said. “Utah, great example. You know, everybody said it’s a Game 5, which is a very pivotal game. I was going to find a way to get out there, even if I was a decoy.

“Well, once I got out there, you never know how you’re pushing yourself. You never know what happens, right?

“Next thing you know, the emotions, the situation, the need of the team, all those things catapulted me to, I’m gonna gut this thing out.”

Load management has become common across the league, with decisions often coming from medical staffs rather than players.

Still, Jordan’s old-school mindset remains clear. If you can play, you play.