Derek Fisher breaks down why he doesn't have anything against load management: "If we get a chance to watch Steph Curry play for three more years, I am on board with that"

The practice of load management has been a contentious subject in the NBA for some time now. Players from previous eras often scoff at the idea, saying it marks a lack of toughness from today's generation of players. However, one OG who has openly supported load management is former NBA point guard Derek Fisher.

In a conversation with former NBA player and coach Byron Scott, he explained his stance on the practice and why he believes it benefits the players, the league, and its fans.

It can add more years to players' careers

Fish, a five-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, understands fans and broadcast partners' frustrations when they see superstars sitting out games. However, he also recognizes the long-term benefits of load management. Although the league has implemented guidelines regarding resting players during nationally televised games, Derek believes that load management can ultimately extend players' careers. Giving them the necessary rest and recovery time can help prevent injuries and prolong their playing days.

"Ultimately, my hope, at least—and I don't know every team's decisions—but my hope is that, like, at the end of the day, if we get a chance to watch Steph Curry play for another three or four years because he had a few more nights off, I'm in. I'm on board with that," Derek shared on "Byron Scott's Fast Break."

The native of Little Rock, Arkansas, also noted that load management benefits teams and players. Teams can contend for a more extended period if their top players are well-rested and healthy, while players can maximize their earning potential by staying on the court longer.

"I'm going to invest millions of dollars in Byron, it would be nice if he could play for 15 years, not 12 years. For Byron, it would be nice to earn three more years of NBA money," D-Fish surmised. "So instead of playing 12 years, I can play 15. Now, that doesn't mean we're just taking nights off or giving guys nights off without actual factual information."

Teams have access to better information now

Fisher furthered that advancements in medical technology have allowed teams to access more accurate and detailed information about their players' health and condition. This information is crucial in making decisions regarding player rest and management. D-Fish likened NBA players to high-end sports cars to make his point easier to understand.

"I kind of liken it to the way we used to maintain our cars in the '80s and '90s, which was different than the way we maintain our cars now. We know a little bit more now, like if you keep putting 87 in a Ferrari, the engine may not last as long, right? If we just go to, you know, whatever oil shop—it's not even really an oil shop, the sign just says oil shop—and you let anybody rotate your tires and do the oil change, in six months, your car is breaking down because they didn't really do the oil change right," Fisher expressed.

The practice of load management has supporters and detractors in the NBA community. Regardless of how people feel about it, teams employ it every season to ensure their players are in prime condition, especially in the NBA playoffs, when the games matter the most.