The NBA has implemented stricter measures against load management by imposing hefty fines of no less than $100,000 on teams that rest their star players, particularly during nationally televised games and in-season tournaments. When referring to “star players,” the league specifically includes individuals who have been named to the All-NBA or All-Star teams within the past three seasons.
NBA Board of Governors has approved new policy that a team is unable to rest two star players in the same game moving forward, multiple sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. A star is defined as someone who has made All-Star or All-NBA team in the past three seasons.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 13, 2023
However, there are certain exceptions in place, such as obtaining pre-approval for players aged 35 or older by the start of the season or for those with a significant amount of game time. The NBA has also allowed for exceptions in cases of back-to-back games. In these situations, teams can request permission from the league to rest a player for one of the two games, as long as the player meets certain age/experience requirements or has a documented history of injuries that warrant load management.
Nevertheless, this exception requires the star player’s participation in the nationally televised or in-season tournament game, unless both back-to-back games are broadcast nationally. Allowances will be made for absences due to personal reasons or other extraordinary circumstances. The NBA also takes into consideration the end of the season, allowing teams that have secured their playoff seed to rest more than one-star player during the regular-season finale.
ESPN Source: The NBA Board of Governors has voted to approve new rules strengthening resting policy rules and punishments for star players that include national TV games, in-season tournament games and sitting out multiple All-Stars together in regular season games. https://t.co/uEu5tFdeok
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2023
These new regulations aim to achieve several objectives:
- Increasing the involvement of the players throughout the entire 82-game regular season;
- Minimizing such instances where multiple star players have to sit out the same game;
- Prioritizing nationally televised and in-season tournament games;
- Enhancing public perception;
- Ensuring compliance by establishing clear rules and imposing higher penalties.
It should be noted that exceptions are granted for back-to-back games, injury history, and personal reasons. Additionally, the list of “star players” will be updated with new All-Star and All-NBA selections.
For the 2023/24 season, the eligible players include:
- Andre Iguodala
- LeBron James
- P. J. Tucker
- Chris Paul
- Taj Gibson
- Kyle Lowry
- George Hill
- Goran Dragic
- Garrett Temple
- Al Horford
- Rudy Gay
- Jeff Green
- Wesley Matthews
- James Johnson
- Danny Green
- Joe Ingles
- Mike Conley
- JaVale McGee
- Stephen Curry
- Brook Lopez
- Robin Lopez
- Thaddeus Young
- Ish Smith
- Patrick Beverley
- DeAndre Jordan
- Patty Mills
- Boban Marjanovic
- Kevin Love
- Kevin Durant
- Derrick Rose
- Russell Westbrook
- DeMar DeRozan
- James Harden
- Jrue Holiday
The NBA’s ultimate objective is to uphold the integrity of the game while ensuring the well-being of star players and enhancing the overall fan experience.
