There is no rest for the weary.
This is, of course, assuming LeBron James is weary. Let’s just be safe, and stay blunt: There will be no rest for LeBron James.
At this point of the NBA’s regular season, coaches of playoff teams are more inclined to rest their stars. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is notorious for his maintenance programs. LeBron was even a part of said programs last year. Dwyane Wade is part of those programs now, though most of the time, it’s likely not by choice.
Things are going to be different this year, or so it seems. Before the Heat took down the Milwaukee Bucks, LeBron indicated that he had no plan to sit out any of Miami’s remaining games, per the Sun Sentinenl‘s Shandel Richardson:
There’s always a chance coaches will rest their superstars, causing disappointment in the stands. The one exception, however, is Miami Heat forward LeBron James.
At least that what he claims.
James says he plans on playing the remaining eight games as long as he stays healthy. After making that statement, he promptly “knocked on wood” at his locker with hopes of avoiding injury.
“I have no choice,” James said. “I don’t plan on sitting out any of these (eight) games unless something happens. I’m going to be in the lineup.”
Well, then. That’s tough talk for someone playing 37.5 minutes per game. It’s also necessary talk.
Resting LeBron would be a more realistic option if the Heat weren’t battling scores of injuries, most notably those—knee and ankle—Wade is lumbering through. Ray Allen also only just returned, and Greg Oden has issues of his own. With personnel thin, the Heat need bodies. LeBron is a body—one of the healthiest bodies they have, back issues includes.
Even if the Heat were healthy, though, LeBron wouldn’t be one to sit out. Not now. Missing time would make sense if the Heat’s playoff seeding was figured out, but with eight games remaining, they’re still jostling for position with the Indiana Pacers.
As of now, the Heat are perched atop the Eastern Conference. They have one game remaining with the Pacers on April 11, a matchup that could determine who finishes ahead of who.
Until that’s decided, you better believe LeBron is going to play if he’s able to play. Though the Heat have been very nonchalant about nabbing the No. 1 spot, it’s something they want, if only because it’s something the Pacers want and there is no better joy than bilking the Pacers of something they want. Also, home-court advantage through the Eastern Conference playoffs is pretty sweet.
Potential injuries cannot come into play here. LeBron runs the risk of getting injured, but that’s true every night. Preserving his energy and general well-being makes sense if the Heat already have nothing save the playoffs to play for, but they have something to play for.
A big something.
First place.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com.
