Philadelphia 76ers: 5 takeaways from Doc Rivers’ first press conference
5. Load management is an asset
The Sixers have two stars with problematic (recent) injury history in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. When asked about load management, Rivers admitted that he has been on the right side and the wrong side of the load management debate in the past. Now, he’s perfectly willing to admit its importance.
Doc Rivers on load management: "Have you seen me walk? That's because there wasn't load management when I played."
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) October 5, 2020
He also noted that load management should be handled on a case-by-case basis, almost certainly in reference to the Sixers’ star duo. Embiid has campaigned against minute restrictions and rest days in the past, but last season the 7-footer came to terms with the importance of rest and preservation.
The Sixers are virtually a shoo-in for the playoffs next season. Even with a roster built for 1990 instead of 2020, Philadelphia has too much talent to miss the postseason. That is, of course, unless significant injuries occur. Making sure the likelihood of significant injuries is decreased via a carefully regimented load management program is essential.