Key Highlights
- Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson disagrees with the NBA’s $100K fine for resting key players.
- The NBA instituted a Player Participation Policy in 2023-24 to ensure stars play in at least 65 games.
- Coaches across the league, including Steve Kerr of Golden State Warriors, question the policy’s effectiveness due to increased player injuries.
- Cleveland Cavaliers won their game despite missing Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley for “rest,” leading Atkinson to argue against the fine.
The Fine: Cleveland Cavaliers’ Stand Against NBA Policy
On November 19, 2025, Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson expressed his disagreement with the NBA’s decision to fine teams for resting key players. This came after the Cavaliers were fined $100,000 for holding out Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley against Miami on November 18, 2025.
The incident occurred as part of the NBA’s Player Participation Policy implemented in the 2023-24 season. This policy mandates that teams cannot rest more than one All-NBA or All-Star player during a game unless the player has a listable injury. The Cavaliers, who finished a stretch playing 15 games in 27 days, found themselves on the receiving end of this rule.
Atkinson’s Perspective: Prioritizing Player Health
“Can I be frank? No,” Atkinson said when asked if he agreed with or accepted the NBA’s ruling. “I gotta look at the Cavs’ best interest.” Atkinson emphasized his commitment to player health, stating that protecting his stars’ well-being is a significant part of his job.
“I think my No. 1 job is to protect the health of our players,” Atkinson continued. “Obviously, we’ll have a discussion with the organization (about) what that looks like going forward, but that’s a big part of my job and how we manage that.”
Broader Context: NBA Coaches Weigh In
The issue extends beyond individual teams as NBA coaches across the league are questioning the policy’s effectiveness. Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, highlighted the increased wear and tear on players due to changes in game style, leading to a shorter 82-game regular season.
“The whole league,” Kerr said, “rest was one of the things, and I think a lot of people believe that hurt us too. Guys are missing games, and then playoffs come, and no one’s ready.”
Health Concerns: An Industry Worry
The concern over player health is not limited to coaches but has reached the league level. Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks pointed out that rest was a contributing factor in teams’ struggles during games this season.
“Everyone talks about pace, but it’s the intensity of a lot of things,” Atkinson explained. “It’s not just running up and down the court. Teams are pressing farther up the court, which means what? Cover more ground.” He further elaborated on how increased physical demands affect player health.
According to an ESPN report, NBA teams are playing at the fastest average collective pace since 1988-89 season, with players traveling 34.3 miles per game this year—the longest distance and highest speed recorded since tracking began in 2013-14.
Conclusion
A Complex Issue
The fine levied on the Cleveland Cavaliers highlights a complex issue within professional basketball. While the league aims to ensure fair competition by mandating player participation, coaches like Atkinson argue that prioritizing player health over short-term financial penalties is critical for long-term success and sustainability.
