Adam Silver’s Softening of Game Schedule
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley hasn’t been shy about sharing his thoughts on the modern game, and when it comes to back-to-back games, he’s livid.
Back in 2017-18, the NBA, under Commissioner Adam Silver, reduced the number of back-to-back games from 16.3 to 14.4 per team to help players manage fatigue. Barkley, however, wasn’t impressed.
“You know, these poor babies can’t play back-to-back games. They’re making 20, 30, 40 million dollars a year…We want to make it convenient for them…The private jets and four-star hotels are not enough,” he said sarcastically.
“It’s a Joke and Travesty”– Charles Barkley
The former 76ers and Suns legend compared today’s treatment to his playing days in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
“We flew commercial and played back-to-back. Older guys took trains and played three nights in a row. It’s a joke and a travesty that these guys won’t play back-to-backs.”
Barkley also believes it’s unfair to fans who pay to see star players, only for them to be rested due to “load management.”
NBA Responds with Stricter Rules
Load management has been heavily criticized in recent years, especially when stars sit out high-profile games. Barkley didn’t mince words:
“You’ve got the best shoes, medical staff, ice baths, sleeping chambers…If you can play, shut the hell up and play.”
The constant backlash led the NBA to implement a Player Resting Policy (PRP). Players must now play at least 65 games to qualify for major individual awards and All-NBA honors. While player availability has improved, Barkley argues there’s still work to be done.
His stance is simple: play the game, respect the fans, and stop pampering today’s stars.
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