Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has renewed his push for a shorter NBA regular season. He advocates for a 'meaningful discussion' among stakeholders, despite potential revenue losses. Kerr argues that fewer games would improve competition, health, and product quality.
The NBA has maintained its 82-game regular season since the 1967-68 season, with interruptions only from labor disputes and the pandemic. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has criticized its length for years, first raising the issue publicly in 2017. Recently, after a loss to the Utah Jazz, he proposed reducing it to 72 games for a 'more competitive and healthier league.' Before Sunday's game against the New York Knicks, Kerr reiterated the need for discussion, acknowledging financial hurdles. 'I'm well aware fewer games would mean less revenue, which means everybody takes a pay cut and I'm willing to stick my neck out and say I'm all for that because I think the quality of the product is the most important thing,' he said. 'So I don't say these things flippantly. I say these things because I mean them.' Kerr points to the modern game's increased pace—from 93.9 possessions per game when he started coaching in 2014-15 to 99.3 this season—and greater player movement, contributing to soft-tissue injuries. For instance, the San Antonio Spurs traveled 17.8 miles per game in 2013-14, a figure that would rank 17th today. He also highlighted limited practice time, noting during a November road trip: 'We literally haven't had a single practice on this road trip. Not one. We've been gone a week or longer. Eight days, not one practice. It's just game, game, game. So not only is there no recovery time, there's no practice time.' Kerr emphasized: 'We have incredible people in this league and great fans. I just want to make sure we give our fans the very, very best product we can and try to satisfy all of our corporate partners. And I just think there's probably a way to do that without just completely — I don't know, ignoring some of the obvious (schedule-related injury) issues we've established.' No public momentum exists for changes, as revenue concerns loom large.
