Video: Richard Jefferson Goes Off On Possibility Of NBA Shortening Season

Former NBA star and current ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson went on a no-holds-barred rant about the NBA potentially shortening its 82-game campaign. The ex-New Jersey Nets forward vented on his issue about how the players of today have a lot of advantages with the current schedule compared to what Jefferson and his peers had back in the day.

Via ESPN:

In case you missed it, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hinted at the possibility of the league cutting down the regular season. But he did say they will only consider it if it has any direct impact on lessening injuries. He did add that last season's 72-game campaign "essentially had no impact."

Jefferson's spiel may appear like one of those old heads talking down on the younger generation rants. But the former NBA forward may have nailed it in the head with this one.

Jefferson talked about how there are fewer back-to-backs, an extended All-Star break, more technology and staff to help players with their bodies, and much more in today's NBA. 

"Professional sports is not good on your body," Jefferson added. "It's supposed to separate people that can do it from the people that can't do it. And while we do want our best product on the floor, part of greatness is longevity."

Jefferson continued to argue that regardless of the length of the regular season, even if it's cut down to 60 or 70 games, players will still find ways to get days off.

The NBA is trying to find the right balance of keeping the players as healthy as possible and at the same time, getting them to play as much as possible for the fans who pay to see them perform. 

This has long been a dilemma the league has been working on. It will be interesting if talks will progress this offseason.