Resting healthy players is ‘disrespecting the game,’ says Rockets’ Beverly
Patrick Beverly. Elsa/Getty Images/AFP
Another NBA player sounded off on the issue of resting healthy players, as Houston Rockets’ point guard Patrick Beverly aired his disdain over the league’s latest trend.
After his team’s 137-125 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday (Monday in Manila), the 28-year-old called the fad a “disgrace to this league.”
“I think that’s bulls**t,” the former second round pick told ESPN. “I think that’s a disgrace to this league. I think that fans deserve better.”
The voluntary resting scheme has been around the league for quite some time, but has been on the spotlight this season, as more and more and coaches have adapted the unusual method.
“I could care less about coaches asking players to rest or not. It’s up to you to play or not, and if you don’t, you’re disrespecting the game,” the relentless defender said.
He added: “And I don’t believe in disrespecting the game, because there was a time where I wasn’t playing in the NBA and I was trying to get here. So me resting, I feel like, is disrespecting me, disrespecting the name on the front of the jersey and disrespecting the name on the back of the jersey.”
This season, powerhouse squads like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs have all rested their superstars over the course of the season.
Despite holding the third seed in the ultra competitive Western Conference, the Rockets have yet to give their superstar James Harden the same treatment.
“If you’re feeling OK—a lot of people have been banged up, but if you’re feeling OK, then you should play,” Beverly added. “That’s what you get paid for. That’s what fans deserve. The fans definitely deserve that. That’s what the city deserves.” Khristian Ibarrola/JB
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