Steve Kerr Urges NBA to Shorten Season Amid Rising Injuries

In light of the increasing number of soft tissue injuries in the NBA, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has voiced significant concerns regarding player safety and the league’s structure. Prior to a game against the Orlando Magic, Kerr highlighted the alarming trend of rising injuries among players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama.

Concerns Over Rising Injuries in the NBA

Kerr stated that players are running faster and covering more distance than ever, contributing to these injuries. He emphasized the need for protective measures as the league has adopted a faster-paced style of play. With teams increasingly focusing on outrunning opponents, the demand on players is intense. According to Kerr:

• Players feel more pressure to score quickly.
• There’s a shift in strategic play with an emphasis on three-point shooting.

Calls for a Shortened Season

In response to these challenges, Kerr has repeatedly advocated for a reduction in the number of games in the NBA season. He believes this could alleviate some of the physical toll on players. While he acknowledges that revenue concerns may hinder this change, he stated:

• A shorter season could improve player health and performance.
• Historic schedules featured more recovery time between games.

Kerr pointed out that the current season has been demanding for the Warriors, noting their exhausting schedule:

• 17 games in 29 days, spanning 13 cities.
• Limited time for practices, with possibly only three or four held since the season started.

In Kerr’s view, reducing the season to around 72 to 75 games could be beneficial. While he recognizes that there would be financial implications from fewer home game ticket sales and local TV revenue, he posits that national broadcasting revenues would remain stable.

The Financial Dilemma

However, Kerr acknowledges the complexities involved in initiating such changes. He noted the challenge of convincing all stakeholders to accept revenue losses. As he reflected:

• Balancing player safety with financial stability is a key issue.
• The current economic landscape makes drastic changes difficult.

While Kerr remains hopeful, he is realistic about the challenges ahead. His ongoing efforts to initiate dialogue on this matter illustrate a growing concern for player well-being amid a demanding schedule in the NBA.