Recently, Luka Doncic suffered a knee injury during a EuroBasket practice game, raising immediate concerns about the extent of the damage. The Slovenian star’s injury, which initially sparked fears of a ligament tear, was later identified as a contusion, but the incident highlighted ongoing worries about the physical toll international competition takes on <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA players. Robert Horry, a seven-time NBA champion, spoke out shortly after the injury, emphasizing the risks that come with playing overseas during the NBA off-season.
Robert Horry’s Perspective on the Strain of National Team Commitments
Horry shared his views candidly on the Big Shot Bob podcast, pointing out how international tournaments can drain NBA players before the regular season even begins. He recalled noticing how players like Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, who played significant roles in the San Antonio Spurs, appeared worn out after returning from their national teams. Addressing them directly, Horry said,
I said, ‘Listen, man, you all are f****** with my money. You all look tired at the end of the season. I do not play for your country. I know you love your countries, but they got other players they can play’,
—Robert Horry.
According to Horry, NBA teams pay these players to perform at their best, and international duty can compromise their fitness, resulting in diminished performance during the NBA season. He noted that those who opted out of international competitions often appeared in better physical shape toward the end of the NBA schedule.
The Impact of International Play on NBA Veterans: The Case of Yao Ming
Horry also reflected on Yao Ming’s career, suggesting that the demands of playing for China contributed to the early end of his time in the NBA. Despite a successful career with the Houston Rockets, Ming’s frequent international commitments took a toll on his body. Horry explained,
That’s kind of what ended Yao’s career early,
and added,
Playing for China, doing all that stuff at that size and then running up and down that court, took a toll on his feet, those legs, and that was a wrap.
—Robert Horry.
Ming retired in 2011 after enduring various injuries, emphasizing the physical consequences of competing at both NBA and international levels. An NBA season consists of 82 regular games and potentially multiple playoff series, demanding extensive physical endurance. During the off-season, most players choose recovery over additional competition, but loyalty to their home countries often draws them back to international tournaments.
Balancing National Pride and Career Longevity in the NBA
Despite the risks highlighted by Horry, many star players, including Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, regularly participate in international contests such as the World Cup and the Olympics. Their commitment stems from a strong sense of patriotism, making it challenging to discourage players from national team involvement. While Horry advocates for prioritizing NBA careers, the allure of representing one’s country in prestigious tournaments means that international play will likely remain a part of many players’ lives.
Luka Doncic’s recent injury serves as a reminder of the delicate balance players must maintain to avoid long-term damage. As international competitions intensify, the NBA community may continue debating how best to protect athletes’ health without diminishing their connection to their homelands.