Erik Spolestra Says There Are Too Many Games In The NBA Season
Much is being discussed about the traditional schedule and regulatory rules of the NBA lately. The league is experimenting with a shortened 44-minute game in the Nets/Celtics preseason game on Sunday, which means 11-minute quarters instead of twelve.
When Miami Heat coach Erik Spolestra was asked about his thoughts on the NBA’s latest experiment, here was his response, via Zach Harper of CBSSports.com:
I don’t think it’s a matter of how long the game is. I think there’s too many games, to be frank. I think if there’s some way to find a way to cut out some of the back-to-backs so there aren’t 20-plus of them. I think that’s the bigger issue, not shaving off four minutes in a particular game. But I’m open to seeing what happens with that.
Spoelstra has a point. The back-to-backs and grueling 82-game schedule were gaining more feedback after last season. San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has become infamous for countering the league’s scheduling by resting his veteran players in certain scenarios, no matter how important the game is for television or the league.
It seems like the NBA is looking for some ways to address the issue, but per usual, money will be a deciding factor.