OT Report: Decision On 2019-20 Season To Be Made In Two To Four Weeks

[Lanny]

"by Casey Holdahl
Posted: May 13, 2020
There hasn't been much detail coming out of the league office regarding if, when and how the 2019-20 NBA season, suspended on March 11 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, might resume. Other than stating any and all decisions would be made based off of the best available data, the league has been almost completely mum on what next steps might look like and when those steps might be taken.

But, according to reports, at least a decision on when a decision will be made might be coming sooner rather than later.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said on a call with the NBA's Board of Governors that a decision on potentially re-starting the 2019-20 season would be made within the next month, if not sooner...

The NBA shared with owners several factors that it plans to study over the next two to four weeks before deciding on restarting the league.

Among them, sources said: Understanding the trajectory of new cases in those states starting to reopen, understanding who is getting severely ill and why, and developments in testing types. The NBA also is studying how other leagues are handling positive tests among participants, sources said.

Wojnarowski also notes that Silver discussed what a resumption of play might look like -- re-starting the league in a quarantined "campus environment" in either Las Vegas or Orlando seem to be the odds-on favorites -- and how the league would deal with players or coaches testing positive for COVID-19 if/when play does resume.

Of course, the NBA making a decision about if/when/how the season might resume is completely dependent on how the pandemic continues to play out. Silver said on a conference call with reporters earlier in the shutdown that "it's about the data, not the date," so if the league still doesn't feel like they have enough information by the middle of June to make a decision, one would imagine they wouldn't hesitate to put off the decision.

But for the first time since a positive test send the NBA into hibernation, we've got a timeline. That alone seems like legitimate cause for optimism."

https://www.nba.com/blazers/forward...ZYStlb21VN3kreFk5RnplNVRFZEFHS1k3TlByaEpmNSJ9

 

[KSF-ERIC]

I think it’s very possible the rest of the full season and full playoffs is played because money.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

I think it’s very possible the rest of the full season and full playoffs is played because money.

The owners and players are united in their desire to get revenue.

Not that I fault them, me and my employer are doing the same.

If they play in a way that turns out to put anyone at significant risk or becomes as silly as HORSE shootouts the return will be a mistake.

Ultimately I think its still most likely they cancel the season and playoffs. I'm not sure they can even have a successful 2020-21 season at this point.

 

[BigGameDamian]

I think it’s very possible the rest of the full season and full playoffs is played because money.

The thing with finishing out the season is that you could very well have back to back seasons with asterisks by them. Top scientists have already been saying there's a good chance come fall/winter the virus will come back and be even stronger.

 

[e_blazer]

The thing with finishing out the season is that you could very well have back to back seasons with asterisks by them. Top scientists have already been saying there's a good chance come fall/winter the virus will come back and be even stronger.

If you’re a big fan of the asterisk thingy, then it’s already set that the 2020-21 will have one since the NBA isn’t planning on starting season until around Christmas anyway. Personally, asterisks don’t mean diddly to me. I just want to see games.

 

[e_blazer]

The owners and players are united in their desire to get revenue.

Not that I fault them, me and my employer are doing the same.

If they play in a way that turns out to put anyone at significant risk or becomes as silly as HORSE shootouts the return will be a mistake.

Ultimately I think its still most likely they cancel the season and playoffs. I'm not sure they can even have a successful 2020-21 season at this point.

I think it depends on if there’s a major uptick in cases as the country starts to open up. If there isn’t, then it makes sense to try to finish this season before the second wave hits next fall. Otherwise, the league could be faced with not playing ball again until there’s a vaccine.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I wonder what kind of waiver the league will make the players sign?

 

[handiman]

If you’re a big fan of the asterisk thingy, then it’s already set that the 2020-21 will have one since the NBA isn’t planning on starting season until around Christmas anyway. Personally, asterisks don’t mean diddly to me. I just want to see games.

* competitive games.

 

[KSF-ERIC]

If you get the virus, you will be “DNP-Covid19” and you’ll be quarantined. Just like any other kind of injury.

 

[e_blazer]

* competitive games.

Man, we are in home isolation without any sports. Blowouts are just fine by me.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

If you get the virus, you will be “DNP-Covid19” and you’ll be quarantined. Just like any other kind of injury.

Except it isn't like any other kind of injury. It's not only preventable, getting it could cause long term health problems and can lead to other members of your family also getting sick.

 

[BigGameDamian]

The NHL is in a similar position the NBA is in right now.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cb...n-for-24-team-playoff-format-report-says/amp/

NHL, NHLPA making progress on plan for 24-team playoff format, report says

I'm told the proposed 24-team format doesn't go straight to the playoffs but involves games in some form before-hand. That would be something the players would have pushed for. Again, let me stress that both sides on the committee as of Sunday morning still had work to do on the format so it may yet change again.

But there's a clear sense that both sides are closer on what a season resumption may look like.

Once the Return to Play committee finally agrees to a format (assuming it eventually does), the NHLPA's executive board (31 player reps) would need to vote on it for approval.

 

[tlongII]

Except it isn't like any other kind of injury. It's not only preventable, getting it cause long term health problems and can lead to other members of your family also getting sick.

There is no evidence that Covid-19 causes long term health problems as far as I know.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

There is no evidence that Covid-19 causes long term health problems as far as I know.

I can't think of anything more long term than death.

 

[e_blazer]

There is no evidence that Covid-19 causes long term health problems as far as I know.

Well, very few other than permanent damage to the heart, lungs, and kidneys, blood clotting, Kawasaki syndrome in kids, and, of course, death, which tends to be pretty permanent.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Well, very few other than permanent damage to the heart, lungs, and kidneys, blood clotting, Kawasaki syndrome in kids, and, of course, death, which tends to be pretty permanent.

Thank you.

 

[handiman]

Man, we are in home isolation without any sports. Blowouts are just fine by me.

I'll grant you that one in this case.

Er, I mean...

* I'll grant you that one in this case.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

If you get the virus, you will be “DNP-Covid19” and you’ll be quarantined. Just like any other kind of injury.

Yes, who can forget all the quarantines for pulled hamstrings. "Sorry honey, I can't be there with you at our child's birth, I pulled a hammy."

 

[Rastapopoulos]

There is no evidence that Covid-19 causes long term health problems as far as I know.

COVID-19: Abnormal Clotting Common in More Severe Disease
Fever, fatigue, fear: For some recovering COVID-19 patients, weeks of illness, uncertainty
Mystery Inflammatory Syndrome In Kids And Teens Likely Linked To COVID-19

(Googling time: under 10 minutes)

 

[twobullz]

I wonder what they will do for the players who have compromised immune systems. I saw Nance from Cleveland has already come out with his concerns, because of a preexisting health issue.

 

[tykendo]

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.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

There is no evidence that Covid-19 causes long term health problems as far as I know.

I can't think of anything more long term than death.

Don't think of death as a health PROBLEM, think of it as a health SOLUTION

 

[tlongII]

I can't think of anything more long term than death.

That is short term. Death and then it's over.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

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

 

[handiman]

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.

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.

 

[KSF-ERIC]

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

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.

 

[Stevenson]

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?

 

[KSF-ERIC]

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.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

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.

 

[Hoopguru]

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.