When Steve Kerr wrote to NBA commissioner about possibility of having fewer games: “It's on us to adapt”

The NBA season is entering a crucial stage, and many star players are struggling with recurring injuries more than ever. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr had emailed NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at the start of this season to share his concerns about the massive number of games played during an NBA season. Each team plays 82 games per season, which results in a heavy workload for key players and often leads to injuries. While some players return to the court the next day, many are sidelined for longer periods—or even for the entire season—causing them to miss crucial games.

What Steve Kerr wrote in his email to Adam Silver
The current NBA season began on October 22 of last year and had its final regular-season game on Sunday, April 13. Now, eight teams are set to compete in the play-in tournament from April 15 to 18. The other 12 remaining teams are preparing for the playoffs, which begin on April 19 and will continue for several weeks. The NBA season will ultimately conclude with the final game on June 5.

According to The Athletic, Steve Kerr wrote in an email to Adam Silver before the season began: “We should be playing fewer games. Everyone knows that. But it’s a money issue. How many of the constituents are willing to take less money?” He added, “A lot of things have evolved, including the rules. It’s on us to adapt to that as coaches and as caretakers of the league. I just have so much faith in Adam Silver and respect for the league’s management.”

THE BRACKET IS SET 🍿 pic.twitter.com/xZBRkF7LT7

— NBA (@NBA) April 13, 2025

Is reducing the number of games in the NBA a viable option?However, there is a lot at stake that could hinder any effort to reduce the number of NBA games if such a change was ever implemented. The NBA recently signed a $76 billion TV deal, which depends heavily on the coverage of all 82 games.

Injuries are an inevitable part of an athlete’s career, but their frequency seems to be steadily rising. From routine ankle sprains to more serious elbow and knee issues, players are increasingly struggling to maintain peak fitness under the intense demands of the season.

Also Read: 10 NBA legends whose careers were cut short by injury: Larry Bird, Chris Webber, and more

Take Stephen Curry of Golden State Warriors, for instance—his thumb injury raised doubts about his availability for a crucial game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He managed to suit up and delivered an impressive 36-point performance, but the team still came up short. Not every player is able to return in time, adding yet another layer of unpredictability to the game.