Charles Barkley slams NBA players over load management: “Cannot wait for these owners to put their foot in their a**es"

Charles Barkley believes that NBA players could face some problems in the upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations. With load management becoming a popular and controversial issue, Barkley believes that team owners could look to send a message.

The NBA has had an ongoing issue over the years with star players being rested for load management. Often times, players don't want to risk a serious injury if they don't feel close to 100%.

It's drawn plenty of criticism when it comes to fans who pay to see opposing teams' stars. Fans buy tickets and show up to games only to find out at the last second that a player has chosen to rest for the day.

Appearing recently on "SiriusXM NBA radio," Charles Barkley said he believes the next CBA negotiation is going to be "very interesting." Barkley stressed that owners have paid their players throughout the years, including during the pandemic, and as such will look to send a statement during the negotiations:

"I think it's going to be very interesting in the next CBA because billionaires always win against millionaires...

"It's embarassing for the NBA. I cannot wait for these owners to put their foot in their a**es in this next CBA."

"These dudes gonna do something to these players. They gonna be like wait a minute you can't make $50 million and not play half the season, okay? Because now you're really just slapping me in my face and taking my check twice a month."

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Charles Barkley makes a fair point when it comes to load management around the NBA

Charles Barkley thinks the new CBA could present some challenges for the NBA players

There are plenty of ways in which fans and analysts can see the concept of load management in the NBA. Charles Barkley has a point when it comes to players deciding to stress caution when it comes to playing injured.

Barkley pointed out that a number of players during his day would play injured throughout the season. It's always easy for former athletes to point out that it was tougher in their era, but the facts present Barkley with plenty of ammunition.

Superstars that have a recurring history with health issues will most likely look to lean toward load management whenever possible. It could be as simple as not playing in a back-to-back. Or maybe not playing every other game.

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The upcoming CBA negotiations will most likely give owners the ability to stress their opinion about a number of different issues. One of those will no doubt be the concept of load management and how it's impacting the game. For now, Barkley may have a point as the players could struggle to negotiate a new deal if team owners want to take a stance.