Concerns Over Player Injuries in the NBA
Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, has expressed deep worries that the NBA’s fast-paced style of play, alongside a packed 82-game format, is contributing to a rise in soft tissue injuries among players. Recent reports highlighted that Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has sustained a groin injury, while the San Antonio Spurs revealed that Victor Wembanyama is dealing with a calf strain and teammate Stephon Castle has a hip flexor injury. In addition, multiple NBA players including Anthony Davis, Ty Jerome, Dylan Harper, Ja Morant, and Jrue Holiday are sidelined due to similar calf issues.
Impact of Game Pace on Injuries
Kerr pointed out that the frequent games combined with the increasing speed of the game are integral to understanding the injury problem.
“Our medical team believes that the wear and tear from the current pace and mileage is contributing to these injuries,”
he stated. Analyses conducted by ESPN indicate that the league is currently enjoying its highest average pace since the 1988-89 season, as teams aim to enhance scoring through fast breaks and transition plays. Kerr noted the current challenge, saying,
“Each team must push defensively, especially with the long-range shooting ability prevalent today. Players are literally running harder and farther than before.”
The Need for Recovery Time
Despite recognizing the need for a holistic approach to player health, which includes recovery and practice time, Kerr lamented the lack of practice opportunities during this demanding schedule.
“We haven’t had a single practice during this road trip which has lasted over eight days. It’s just constant games with no recovery or practice time. In contrast, teams in the past enjoyed longer stretches between games, allowing them to rest and prepare effectively.”
Challenges of the Current Schedule
In their first month of the season alone, the Warriors have already completed five back-to-back game sets, with a notable stretch that includes games in Orlando and Miami. This exhausting schedule totals a league-high 17 games in 29 days across 12 different cities.
Advocacy for Change
While Kerr has been a strong advocate for reducing the number of regular season games to 72 or even fewer, he remains skeptical about the likelihood of this change occurring due to financial resistance.
“The problem is that everyone involved would need to be willing to accept lower revenue, which is a tough sell in the current market,”
Kerr cautioned.
“Companies today, in 2025, are focused on profit, not on creating a better product or ensuring job stability.”
