  The prevailing belief propagated by NBA league observers is that the workload
of the NBA season dramatically influences a player's performance$^{1,2,3,4,5}$.
We offer an analysis of cross game player fatigue that calls into question the
empirical validity of these claims. The analysis is split into three
observational studies on prior NBA seasons. First, to offer an analysis
generalized to the whole league, we conduct an examination of relative
workloads with in-game player tracking data as a proxy for exertion. Second, to
introduce a more granular perspective, we conduct a case study of the
effectiveness of load management for Kawhi Leonard. Third, to extend the
analysis to a broader set of fatigue sources, we examine the impact of schedule
features structurally imposed on teams. All three analyses indicate the impact
of cumulative player fatigue on game outcomes is minimal. As a result, we
assert in the context of the measures already taken by teams to maintain the
health of their players,$^6$ the impact of fatigue in the NBA is overstated.
