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Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki Wants Number Of NBA Games Reduced

By Sam Richmond

May 2, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) reacts during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Dallas won 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) reacts during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Dallas won 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dirk Nowitzki believes that the number of NBA games played is the problem, not the length on them.

The NBA is currently exploring the idea of shortening games, as evidenced by the 44-minute preseason game the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets will play Sunday.

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The motives behind the idea are obvious. One would think shortened games will reduce the amount of wear and tear that players endure.

However, Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki believes the NBA is going about solving the wear-and-tear issue the wrong way.

The star told ESPN that the length of games should remain, but the number of regular season games should decrease.

"“I think you don’t need 82 games to determine the best eight in each conference,” Nowitzki said Wednesday. “That could be done a lot quicker, but I always understand that it’s about money, and every missed game means missed money for both parties, for the league, for the owners, for the players. I understand all that, and that’s why I don’t think it’s going to change any time soon.”"

Nowitzki added that he would prefer a regular season where the numbers of games played is in the “mid-60s” and that back-to-backs should be eliminated.

"“Honestly, I never was a big fan of back-to-backs even when I was 20 years old,” said Nowitzki, a 36-year-old entering his 17th NBA season. “I think that you should never have to play at the highest level there is two consecutive nights and flying in between. You obviously make it work. We have the best athletes in the world, we feel, but I think it hurts the product some. Last year, some teams get here for the fourth game in five nights and we’ve been sitting here on rest and just blow them out."

Dirk is right here. 82 games aren’t needed to determine a playoff field and the quality of play would be improved by fewer games, as players would be fresher throughout the year.

But, as Dirk mentions, there are financial ramifications here that would probably prevent the NBA from considering his plan.

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