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Paul Pierce thinks only certain NBA stars should have the power to use load management, LeBron James is among them
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Paul Pierce thinks only certain NBA stars should have the power to use load management, LeBron James is among them

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary  |  Last updated Nov 2, 2025 3:15 PM ET

In the modern era, load management is common among NBA players.

As a result, load management has become a commonly discussed topic among former NBA players.

Former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce recently shared his two cents on the same and explained why only a handful of NBA stars deserve to use load management.

Photo by FOX via Getty Images

Paul Pierce says LeBron James, Joel Embiid are among the NBA stars who should be allowed to sit games

During an appearance on the ‘No Fouls Given and Playmaker’ podcast, Pierce expressed his anger toward role players sitting out games by using load management as a cover.

“Load management should be saved for certain guys, I believe. It shouldn’t be for somebody who, ‘Oh, we got three games and four nights, so I’m gonna play these two and miss this one.’

“There are certain guys that you can say in the league right now like, ‘Okay, I get it,’” Pierce said.

Speaking of players who should be allowed to sit out games, Pierce gave the examples of Joel Embiid and LeBron James.

“Like Embiid. Several injuries. I’m not mad at that. LeBron? 43 years old. I mean, come on. I get it,” Pierce added.

In simple terms, Pierce wants players to play through tough schedules rather than sitting out, unless there is a good reason behind that decision.

Paul Pierce urges players to ‘take some pride’

When Pierce was an active player in the NBA, stars used to take pride in playing as many games as possible.

Be it Kobe Bryant or Allen Iverson, the top stars set that standard of being available for the majority of games.

Keeping that in mind, Pierce urged current NBA players to do the same and take some pride in playing for their respective organizations.

“But not a guy who plays and is healthy and he looks at the schedule and say, ‘I’m gonna be too tired for this last game on the road trip.’

“Come on, man, take some pride. You put on this jersey, wear it with pride,” Pierce concluded.

This is certainly an interesting take from the 2008 NBA champion, but will players step up and follow his advice? There’s no way to predict that.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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