Charles Barkley Rants on NBA Load Management Amid Embiid Drama
- Joel Embiid has been absent for the early games of the NBA season due to load management practices.
- Charles Barkley publicly criticized this approach, comparing it to the expectations of regular workers.
- Barkley's comments reflect a broader concern about the fairness of load management in the league, prompting an NBA investigation into the 76ers.
In the United States, Charles Barkley criticized NBA star Joel Embiid for taking advantage of the load management strategy during the ongoing 2024 season. Embiid has missed the first few games of the season due to this method, which allows players to sit out certain games to maintain their health, especially if they are prone to injuries. Barkley highlighted the contrast between the high salaries of professional athletes—Embiid recently signed a $193 million contract—and the expectations placed on everyday workers who often cannot afford to miss work. He cited Baldwin's case to emphasize that players should be ready to perform regularly, especially given the minimal number of games typically played each week. Additionally, the NBA is investigating the Philadelphia 76ers for their approach to Embiid's participation in games and how this relates to the league’s newly implemented rules aimed at preventing excessive load management, which could affect players' MVP eligibility.