Michael Jordan Calls Out Modern Day Players For Their Load Management

After remaining away from the spotlight for quite some time, NBC was promoting major sit-down interviews with Michael Jordan for the 2025–26 season. Mike Tirico conducted the interview with the Chicago Bulls legend, and thus far, we've got some very intriguing comments from the player that many still believe is the greatest basketball player of all time.

Unsurprisingly, during his latest comments, Jordan took aim at the modern-day player, calling them out for the load management that has taken over the NBA in recent years, despite modern medicine continuing to improve year after year.

“You play basketball for 2.5–3 hours a day. That's your job. That's what you get paid to do. What are you doing the other 21 hours?”

This is a complaint that many fans have had about the modern NBA, with some traveling long distances to see their team, only to see their favorite players sit out to manage their workload. Obviously, for recovery from injury, there is an excuse to be made, but when 100% healthy, Jordan makes it clear that there's simply no reason for load management, as players get paid to play, and that's what they need to do.

Ultimately, though, with the money being handed out in today's NBA, it makes sense that owners and coaches want to protect their investments, but given that players once played 82 games without complaint, it's easy to see why that generation is frustrated with today's players.