Few superstars suit up for all 82 games in a season these days. Michael Jordan did it nine times in his all-time great, 15-year NBA career and played less than 70 in only three campaigns. The six-time NBA Finals MVP's obsession with competition and his willingness to perform for the paying fans has helped form his strong opinion on load management.

“It shouldn't be needed,” Jordan told Mike Tirico as part of his ongoing segments for NBC's NBA coverage. “I never wanted to miss a game because it was an opportunity to prove. The fans are there to watch me play — I want to impress that guy way up on top who probably worked his a** off to get a ticket.

“You have a duty that if they're wanting to see you, and as an entertainer I want a show. If physically I can't do it, then I can't do i

See Full Page