Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed significant concern that the NBA's accelerating pace of play, combined with a compressed 82-game schedule, is contributing to an increase in soft tissue injuries among players. He pointed to recent injuries sustained by multiple players, including groin strains, calf strains, and hip flexor strains, as evidence of this trend.
Kerr's medical staff believes the increased wear and tear from the speed and mileage of games is a direct factor in these injuries. League data supports this, indicating the NBA is currently playing at its fastest average pace since the 1988-89 season, with players covering more distance at higher speeds than ever recorded since player tracking began in 2013-14.
The coach elaborated that while faster play and transition opportunities are effective for scoring, the league-wide adoption of this strategy leads to higher-paced games where players must defend further out due to the prevalence of three-point shooting. This constant high-intensity play, coupled with a schedule featuring games almost every other night without adequate recovery or practice time, is straining players.
Kerr has previously advocated for reducing the NBA schedule to 72 games or fewer, arguing that more rest and practice would benefit player health and performance. He highlighted his team's current road trip as an example, noting they've had no practices during a week-long stretch, only games.
He contrasted this with past eras where longer breaks between games allowed for more recovery and practice. Despite his concerns, Kerr acknowledged that a reduction in the NBA schedule is unlikely due to the financial implications.
He stated that persuading all stakeholders to agree to potentially lower revenue is a difficult proposition in today's business climate.
