Is Resting Players Really Hurting the NBA?

By Muk

In recent weeks, one of the NBA's biggest storylines has been whether players should, or should not rest during regular season games, for non-injury related reasons. We have had just about every player questioned, past and present -other than those who do rest (the Cavs, Warriors, and some Spurs) - say that it is absolutely a problem, and even a "disgrace" to the league, and I completely agree.

If you are not battling a serious injury, or haven't been in the league for 10+ seasons grinding away for all 82 games plus playoffs each season, then you don't need to rest. This is your job, and there are 1,000 other players around the world who would kill to play 40 minutes night in the NBA. These NBA players are nothing without the fans, and this season we have seen more fans outspoken and furious over making trips to games to see these star players play, just for them to sit on the bench because they're "tired". The only player who I can give a break to for resting is Lebron James, and that is solely because I have seen what he has done for 13 seasons in the league, and just how hard he goes every night, but I think Lebron needs to get off of his high-horse and stop acting like this isn't a clear-cut issue. 

I love seeing players like Westbrook and Harden coming out and saying that it's just something they would never do, because they love going out and leaving it all on the court each and every single night. And these are not two players who are not going out there and giving it 1000% each night - these are the two MVP Candidates - and their opinion's carry some serious weight. 

It's one thing if the number of players resting, and the number of games being sat out were minuscule, but it is a clear issue throughout the league, for some of the league's top teams. These are games, and players, who fans from not only around the country, but the world, come to watch. The players and league can't afford to have the fans, and even some of it's players and owners - let alone the commissioner - pitted against each other.

Man up, play the game, bring every bit of what makes you a professional athlete and leave it on the floor - injuries and father time are one thing - the rest is just excuses.