Kawhi Leonard Is Notorious For Load Management. Here's What He Has To Say About The 65-Game Rule

When NBA fans think of load management, they think of Kawhi Leonard. Going all the way back to his championship run with the Toronto Raptors, Leonard has been an active proponent of this strategy, constantly playing just 50% of back-to-backs with the intention of preserving his body.

Load management, of course, was the prime target of the 65-game rule, which was first implemented in the 2023-24 season. Now that fans, pundits, and players alike are weighing in on the necessity of this rule (as it threatens the awards eligibility of players like Cade Cunningham, who is dealing with a major injury), it’s ironic to hear Leonard give his two cents on an anti-load management directive.

“It’s great for the league trying to stop people from just sitting,” Leonard told reporters after leading the Clippers to a 119-94 victory on Wednesday. (Guess who their opponent was? The Raptors.) “But, like I said before, I don’t think that rule is changing anybody to play if they’re really hurt. I don’t think it makes sense to just try to go for a game if you’re in nagging pain.”

Is Leonard aware that he’s one of the foremost figures that the NBA has tried to keep from “just sitting?” That’s highly likely. For the longest time, the argument against load management has been anchored on fan experience. After all, fans spend a hefty amount to watch NBA games in arenas precisely to see the league’s top stars live and in living color.

It’s one thing for players to be in “nagging pain,” as Leonard puts it, and to therefore be in no condition to see minutes on the floor. It’s another thing if an athlete who is in good enough shape to play, decides to forgo a game anyways.

Because of the frequency of athletes forgoing games (and the fan backlash that comes along with it), the NBA instituted a rule that incentivizes players to compete as often as they can. The problem is, the 65-game rule does not make exemptions for players who suffer injuries that put them on the shelf for weeks or even months.

In the end, the race for awards like MVP and All-NBA Team selections (as well as the ultimate hunt for the NBA title) comes down to a battle of attrition. Leonard, who can claim to be a pioneer of load management, is all too aware of that.

“The healthiest guys play,” he said. “That’s just how the ball rolls.”