Saw that too. I understand solidarity, but will a player who isn't keen with the idea, be able to stay at home and that be cool with his teammates? I would hope most would respect their decisions. Use to live in Denver, and NFL players with the Sickle Cell Trait, sometimes would not make trip.
Nance is good example. How is it fair to a player with health issues who can't play when others can? It could hurt his future free agent contact because he won't have the chance to prove he is worth a raise. Yes owners and players both want to play. But there are dozens of issues si c h as this where a player or team or group will be hurt and it'll be tough to sell this new format to them. It's one thing to say we want to play, but as soon as you feel your getting the raw side of this deal those players may pull out and then it becomes difficult to push a controversial start in a pandemic
Playing devil's advocate... If this is the new normal, someone like Nance isn't worth as much on a future contract if he can't play whenever health concerns circulate.
Wait so if Nance can't play, no one else should be able to? Bosh's career got cut short for health reasons. It happens. At some point, we have to figure out how to move forward.
I bet they do the empty arena thing at Disneyworld for the playoffs. Salvage the post-season, and some revenue, and stay relevant. Next year is actually the tougher problem imo. No way to socially distance and have full arenas. Even half full. I'm a season ticket holder, and high risk, and I don't see how I go to a live game next year. You?
I think if they come back now, they'll do season and playoffs. They can either play or they can't. There is a lot of money lost if they skip to the playoffs. As for going to games, sounds like it will be another year before that happens. I guess if they say it's safe to go, then I'll go.
Finishing the regular season in empty arena won't generate a ton of revenue. What about the lottery teams. Containing the virus is much harder with 30 teams all playing one another. Teams only playing one opponent is much easier. I could see a few "regular" season games as a warm up or test but I see no chance of finishing the scheduled regular season. All the money is in the playoffs so skip to that in case they have to stop again.
Im thinking they will finish the season as there are to many race's for seeding. Plus, the TV revenue is huge for them but most importantly they can build hype and viewership for the playoffs. If they elect to start next season in Dec playing July through mid September still gives them a break between seasons. Remember, the NBA ids a marketing machine and they will pull it off with excitement.
If you can't play the regular season out, have a Round Robin for that 8th spot in the west. then the winner is the 8th seed.