Steve Kerr has consistently advocated for a shorter NBA schedule, and recent events have underscored his reasoning. This week, Kerr’s Golden State Warriors faced a challenging back-to-back, playing in Dallas on Wednesday and then in Houston on Thursday. Following their loss to the Mavericks, Kerr expressed his frustration with the league’s scheduling practices.
“It’s a tough back-to-back. That’s what makes this loss even more frustrating,” Kerr stated. “We have to arrive in Houston at 3 a.m. because the NBA, in its infinite wisdom, schedules us for an 8:45 game. They clearly prioritize ratings over player rest and health. I understand that everyone has to deal with it; it’s just the way it is.”
It’s not unusual for star players to miss one game in a back-to-back situation. Stephen Curry sat out one of the games, likely influenced by the upcoming All-Star break. However, in January 2023, Kerr rested Curry as part of a long-term strategy and empathized with fans who were disappointed.
“I feel terrible for fans who bought tickets expecting to see a player, only to find out they won’t be playing. It’s a harsh reality of the business,” Kerr remarked. “That’s why I will continue to advocate for a 72-game season. I understand this could mean reduced revenue, but there needs to be a collective awareness from everyone involved in the league.”
Kerr emphasized the importance of considering the fans’ experience, noting, “People spend good money to see a team, and when a player doesn’t play, it’s painful. We’ve had many discussions with fans who have faced this situation.”
This season, NBA ratings have noticeably declined, although the recent trade of Luka Dončić generated significant buzz. His debut with the Lakers attracted over 2 million viewers, marking it as one of the most-watched regular-season games in recent memory.
