Michael Jordan’s old-school mindset just took over the modern NBA conversation again. In the second episode of MJ: Insights to Excellence with Mike Tirico, the six-time champion didn’t just talk about his career; he reignited one of basketball’s biggest debates: load management. The topic that’s divided fans, frustrated broadcasters, and occasionally embarrassed the league got the kind of answer only Jordan could give.
Jordan’s response wasn’t long or rehearsed. It was blunt, old-school, and very him. Within hours, social media crowned him “the load management killer.”
What Michael Jordan Said About Load Management
When Tirico brought up the term, Jordan smirked but didn’t flinch. “Well, it shouldn’t be needed, first and foremost,” he said. “I never wanted to miss a game because it was an opportunity to prove something. The fans are there to watch me play, and I want to impress that guy way up top who worked his ass off to buy a ticket.”
He wasn’t talking about VIP courtside seats either. Jordan explained that he cared most about the fans in the cheap seats, the ones who saved up just to see him play once. “Yeah, because I know he’s probably yelling at me,” Jordan laughed. “But I definitely wanted to shut him up.”
Then came the line that instantly went viral: “Physically, if I can’t do it, then I can’t do it. But physically, if I can do it… and I just don’t feel like doing it? That’s a whole different lens.”
He shared stories from his early career, like when he twisted his ankle and refused to sit. “No, man! I’m trying to make a name for myself,” he told his trainer. “There’s no way I can sit.” He also brought up his legendary “Flu Game,” saying that sometimes pushing yourself can lead to something special. “Once I got out there, you never know how pushing yourself… you never know what happens.”
Fans Say Jordan’s Comments Rekindled The Debate On NBA Toughness
Fans reacted fast. Social media was flooded with clips, memes, and debates comparing Jordan’s words to today’s NBA stars, mixing praise and pushback in one thread.
Some fans argued,
“Load management has become overstated, players like Embiid and Kawhi aren’t load managing, they’re legitimately injured, and, if you believe players are load managing, isn’t it working? Players like LeBron, Steph, and KD are playing like superstars 17+ years into their careers”
While others added, “It’s for injury prevention. The game is much more physically demanding now compared to 30 years ago.”
Others fired back with the opposite view. “The game is faster and more physically demanding? Stop it. Medicine, technology, and sneakers have all improved over time. The margin between eras is not far.”
A longtime Jordan supporter also chimed in with a personal story:
“I was that guy, in the nosebleeds, but I was a huge Jordan fan at the only game he played in Vancouver. When Derrick Martin opened his mouth and MJ turned a loss into a win scoring 19 of the final 24 points of the game. It was glorious.”
Of course, not everyone took it seriously. One fan joked, “He doesn’t do load management. He just takes years of vacation every 3 years.”
No matter which side you’re on, Jordan’s words reignited an old debate. Some see him as the last of the tough era, others think today’s stars are just smarter and more efficient. Either way, his mindset still echoes across generations and keeps the toughness debate alive.
Published: Oct 29, 2025 12:20 pm