The CzarFather: NBA Survival Tips

When you hit the road leave your club gear in the closet.

From preseason to post, the NBA season is relentless. Not only do the pros have to contend with the physicality of the sport itself, but they must also endure the rigors of life on the road.

The NBA travel schedule takes both a physical and emotional toll on players. Most teams average 20-25 back-to-backs during the 82-game regular season. You wind up playing 2 games in 3 nights, 3 games in 4 nights, and it’s easy to run out of gas. That’s what happens in this league.

Depending on whose call it is, a coach or organization can take steps to minimize wear and tear on players when making decisions such as when to fly out after a game. For example, if you are playing in a city like Atlanta, New York, Miami or Los Angeles where guys are going to want to hit the town, you may want to think about getting them out of there straight away.

But ultimately it is up to each individual player to proceed with caution and common sense. As a player looking to enjoy a long, successful career you must respect the demands of the marathon schedule and your own physical limitations, or the fatigue factor will eventually catch up with you and compromise your performance, and ultimately your longevity in the league. You must learn how to take care of yourself, get adequate rest and preserve your strength so you can return to the court night after night with the focus and energy required to compete at this level.