Steve Kerr Ignites Debate Over NBA Schedule: Is It Time to Shorten the Season to 72 Games?
Steve Kerr Ignites Debate Over NBA Schedule: Is It Time to Shorten the Season to 72 Games?
In the wake of mounting injuries and a grueling travel schedule, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has once again thrust the debate over the NBA's 82-game regular season into the spotlight. Kerr, a long-time advocate for player wellness and game quality, made a passionate case this week for the league to reduce the schedule by at least 10 games. Arguing that the modern "pace-and-space" era has increased the physical toll on athletes, Kerr believes a 72-game season would lead to a more competitive product and ensure that the league's biggest stars remain healthy for the postseason.
Kerr's comments come at a time when the Warriors themselves are struggling with depth and health. On the front end of their recent back-to-back, the team was forced to sit veterans like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford for "illness and load management," a move that arguably contributed to their subsequent losses. "The modern game with the pace and the space—I think it would be a more competitive and healthier league if we played fewer games," Kerr stated. He acknowledged that while revenue is the primary hurdle, the long-term sustainability of the league depends on the physical integrity of its players.
The Pace and Space Dilemma
Statistics back up Kerr's assertion that the game has changed fundamentally since the 82-game schedule was adopted in 1967. The average NBA team now plays at a significantly higher tempo, with more possessions, more distance covered per game, and a massive increase in three-point attempts. This shift has led to an uptick in soft-tissue injuries, as players are required to move at high speeds across more floor space than ever before. For veteran teams like the Warriors, who rely on a core of players in their 30s, the current schedule is particularly punishing.
The league office, led by Commissioner Adam Silver, has historically resisted a permanent reduction in games due to the massive financial implications for television partners and arena owners. However, the NBA has experimented with the In-Season Tournament (now the NBA Cup) and the Play-In Tournament to add stakes to the regular season without cutting volume. Kerr remains skeptical of these additions, suggesting they only add more "weight" to an already heavy calendar. He argues that the financial loss of 10 games could be offset by a higher-quality product that commands greater television rights fees in the future.
Mixed Reactions Across the League
Kerr’s stance has met with a divided response from fans and analysts alike. Critics point out that players in previous generations played 82 games without the benefit of private jets and world-class medical staffs. However, supporters of Kerr’s proposal note that the intensity of modern defense and the constant movement required on offense make the comparisons to the 1980s or 90s irrelevant. Within the Warriors locker room, players like Stephen Curry have expressed similar sentiments in the past, emphasizing that the goal is always to be at 100% when the playoffs arrive.
As the 2025-26 season winds down, the debate over the schedule is unlikely to go away. With the next Collective Bargaining Agreement discussions on the horizon, player health and game volume will likely be central topics. For now, Kerr continues to voice his unpopular opinion in the hopes of sparking a change that he believes is "obvious" and necessary for the future of professional basketball. Until then, teams will continue the delicate dance of "load management," trying to survive the marathon of 82 games while keeping their eyes on the June finish line.
