NEWSLETTER
As far as we know, the NBA wants to finish the rest of the 2019-20 regular season and playoffs. But that’s about all we know.
The league has been suspended since March 11th, and since then, there has been zero ground made-up on a possible return date. However, the league appears to be taking its first step back toward some kind of process, with plans to re-open team facilities in the coming weeks where it can be done safely.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, at the beginning of May, the NBA will allow teams located in a state with eased stay-at-home orders to open their practice facilities (which have been closed since March 19th). Facility usage is completely optional and players must practice on an individual basis with large group workouts still banned.
Sources: Teams will be allowed to make facilities open to players on a voluntary basis for individual work, but larger group workouts will still be prohibited. In NBA markets that aren't loosening restrictions, league plans to work w/ teams on other arrangements for players. https://t.co/yZSKsXedW1
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 25, 2020
It’s important to note that, for now, we have no clue what teams will actually be able to open their facilities. Considering Illinois just saw its stay-at-home order extended to May 30th, Bulls players will almost certainly not have the opportunity to swing by the Advocate Center any time soon. The only state right now where this could immediately come into effect is in Georgia, where some restrictions are being lifted. Meanwhile, all other states have yet to ease the rules or allow use of gymnasiums.
Georgia has apparently caught NBA player’s eyes though, and Wojnarowski says some have tried to ask whether they can travel to the state to work out. The answer they’re met with? “Heck no.”
As Georgia moves toward opening certain businesses — including gymasiums — some players were asking their teams if they should consider traveling there to find a way to play. Organizations wants players in safe/clean team environments, not a fitness center in suburban Atlanta.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 25, 2020
The decision itself definitely makes it feel as though the league plans to continue the upcoming season. Allowing facility access under any circumstance means they’re putting at least some emphasis on players staying ready, which is something Brett discussed earlier today in his COVID-19 update. *IF* the possibility arises for the league to set a resumption date, they want to make sure players have had plenty of time to ramp back up.
However, Wojnarowski is making it very clear that this move doesn’t mean the NBA believes a resumption of play is around the corner.
NBA's decision on opening practice facilities to players in markets where governments may be loosening stay-at-home orders doesn't mean a resumption of season is imminent. The NBA is still unsure on if/when it can play again. But getting players safely into gyms was a priority.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 25, 2020
So don’t take this news too far. It is, however, pretty notable that the NBA appears to be ready to treat its facilities as able to open to players as soon as the relevant states begin easing restrictions, presumably as part of Phase One of the federal guidelines.
