MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 25: Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors talks to the media during a press conference after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Popular head coach Steve Kerr pitched a bold idea to drastically change the NBA season by removing 10 games from the schedule. The Golden State Warriors coach has deeper insight into the problem of too many injuries taking place to harm the league. Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry both suffering injuries of varying levels ruined the Warriors’ season after a promising star created some high expectations.
Kerr said the following to the media, while admitting the idea would be unpopular around the league:
“I know this will not be a popular opinion in the league office, but I will continue to say it because it’s obvious. We need to play fewer games. We need to take 10 games off the schedule. I think it would be great for the league. And I get it, it’s revenue, and you’d have to get everybody to agree to take a little less money, and that’s a really hard thing to do.
But I know about the league, about coaching, about how hard it is to play the modern game with the pace and the space. I think it would be a more competitive and healthier league if we played fewer games.”
Kerr backed up his claims by stating the modern game is harder with the pace and space. Faster competition and high-level competition today increase the risk of injuries compared to past eras.
Kerr’s Solution Could Fix Other Issues
The NBA is dealing with multiple problems harming the latter stages of the regular season. Many fans feel the season is relatively pointless due to tanking, injuries, and the standings holding little relevance beyond a few teams in certain secondary tiers.
Kerr’s idea to remove 10 games would help a few of these other issues. Tanking feels significant now since the end of the season feels long. Winning only hurts the bottom tier teams to see more than five teams drastically tanking.
Franchises like the Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, and Sacramento Kings have all ruled out more than a few players out with questionable injuries. The season would also feel more important with fewer games meaning each game holds more importance. Kerr’s point would get support from other coaches and media members.
Why NBA Will NEVER Approve Kerr’s Idea
Multiple reasons exist for why the NBA has not considered lowering the schedule in recent years. Complaints about too many back-to-back games have created this conversation over the past couple of seasons with nothing coming out of it.
The NBA loves the historic records being part of the game with the greatest teams compared via the same total amount of games played. Statistical records for averages and other individual accomplishments will be harmed. Mikal Bridges’ “iron man” streak or Victor Wembanyama setting a blocks record are things that can be harmed.
Kerr also acknowledged that the financial benefits of playing 82 games will likely stop the league from considering his plan. The NBA has new television rights’ deals with national television games almost every night. Adam Silver is not risking losing money and likely prefers the risks of injury hurting the game.
Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford
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