In September 2017, the National Basketball Association approved rules designed to prevent healthy players from skipping nationally televised matches. That the Board of Governors would thumb up the changes underscored the alarming rate with which otherwise-fit marquee names chose to sit out high-profile set-tos. Ratings were down, and with reason; casual observers stayed away because of a lack of incentive to tune in. And so the body, composed of franchise owners traditionally loath to disrupt the status quo, acted accordingly; in their desire to protect their principal product, they even granted the commissioner the power to impose fines of at least $100,000 to those found violating the spirit of the provisions.
If there鈥檚 anything the intervening years have shown, however, it鈥檚 that complications in implementation can override intention. The Raptors, aggressive in their enforcement of a load management program that kept Kawhi Leonard — their best talent and biggest draw — in the sidelines for a whopping 22 regular-season games, have become champions. In view of the successful bid for the hardware, the Clippers are now determined to follow the same formula when it comes to dealing with the Finals Most Valuable Player throughout their 2019鈥20 campaign. And, it seems, the league is unable to stop it.
Last week, Leonard was purposely not in the lineup when the Clippers lost to the Jazz at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. In fact, he wasn鈥檛 even anywhere near Utah. The cause of his absence: load management. Which could be excused given the schedule; it was the first encounter of a back-to-back set and the second of three outings in four nights. Today, he will again be inactive for the same, albeit tweaked, reason; as explained by league spokesman Mike Bass in a statement, he 鈥渋s listed as managing a knee injury.鈥 There鈥檚 just one problem, however; he鈥檚 apparently not injured enough to burn rubber today.
Why Leonard would opt to miss a potential humdinger against the Bucks, starring reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, and then suit up against the Blazers the very next day is anybody鈥檚 guess. Under the circumstances, it鈥檚 fair to say there鈥檚 something the Clippers — and, perhaps, the league — know that everybody and his mother do not. Meanwhile, ESPN will be hard-pressed to trumpet a contest whose value has been eroded by the absence of a big draw, and whose viewership will undoubtedly take a nosedive as a result.
Needless to say, the Clippers have defended their position to take care of Leonard as they see fit. Yesterday, head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the frustrations of fans who looked forward to being treated to a potential Finals preview. At the same time, he insisted that 鈥渨e obviously have to do what鈥檚 right by our players. We have to. It鈥檚 our duty.鈥 Interestingly, his charges have not trekked to the court in three days, and, after their twin homestands, will have four more days off. So, yes, they could have chosen to get their leader to take a breather tomorrow instead of today.
Nonetheless, the NBA has taken the high road and accepted the explanation that 鈥淜awhi Leonard is not a healthy player under the league鈥檚 resting policy.鈥 It doesn鈥檛 seem to align with the argument put forth by Rivers that Leonard 鈥渇eels great … But he feels great because of what we鈥檝e been doing. And we are just going to continue to do it. There鈥檚 no concern here. But we want to make sure.鈥 In any case, the effect can not be argued: For the second straight week, the resting policy is being followed in the breach. And it will continue to be unless and until the league decides otherwise.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since 大象传媒 introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
