Rest is a big topic of discussion in the NBA this season, just like it was last year. The league has legislated resting players a bit more this year after teams essentially booted entire games by resting starters and deciding to focus on more important division matchups or get players ready for the postseason.
It was a move that was derided by many fans and especially former players, who Played The Right Way™ when they were in the league and surely would never have given consideration to resting their bodies. But the fact of the matter is the way athletes take care of themselves is different these days, and by different, I mostly mean better.
And the fatigue and grind of the NBA season is very real. Take Kristaps Porzingis, the New York Knicks superstar who admitted despite a fitness program designed to keep him fresh, he’s feeling it this season.
Marc Berman of the New York Post reported on Thursday that Porzingis is feeling it this year. Maybe it’s the weather, but he’s hoping a trip to Miami can help him get some rest as the midpoint of the NBA season nears.
“I’m tired, I’m tired, I’m so tired right now,’’ Porzingis said in the visitors’ locker room at Capital One Arena. “I have one day to rest my legs and get back and play better and have more energy and try to bring the team’s energy up. We’re in a tough stretch. The mental part doesn’t help at all. When it’s mentally tough, you don’t have it in you.’’
That tough stretch includes losing six of their last seven games, and a few injuries here and there certainly haven’t helped Porzingis feel fresh this year. It’s good to see players speak honestly about the physical and mental wear and tear a full season brings, but it might not keep guys like Charles Barkley off his back if he keeps bringing it up.
