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On Tuesday evening, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the NBA Board of Governors held a call that evening. The attendees felt “positive” about a return to play at some point in the 2019-20 season.
ESPN Sources: Attendees left Board of Governors call w/ Adam Silver today feeling positive about momentum toward an NBA return to play this season. Discussion included how league/players will need to get comfortable w/ some positive tests for virus not shutting down a resumption
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 13, 2020
If the season resumes, then there it is likely that the league will operate in a “bubble city” format, such as operating only in the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas among other places. Furthermore, there has to be the realization that a “quarantined resort” won’t stop the spread of the virus if an asymptomatic supply truck delivery person spreads it to someone in the premises, who then spreads it to players.
From Wojnarowski’s tweet, it appears that the league and the players have to get comfortable, or “get over the fear” of the coronavirus. Most of the players are under 30 years of age and aren’t at high risk of dying from it. That said, some coaches and support staff members are over 60 years old, and are at much greater risk of dying if they get the coronavirus.
Before we jump to the gun about the NBA being overzealous about returning, the other sports leagues here in America and abroad are also hoping to do the same.
Sources: In discussion with BOG/owners, Silver used the term "campus environment" when referencing what's been called a bubble. Call included significant detail on how other pro sports/leagues -- here and abroad -- are working toward their returns. https://t.co/eVIiZlVxeN
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 13, 2020
Regardless, I’m admittedly not a fan of this at all. The players could “get over it” I guess. But what if an NBA player or coach dies? Okay, maybe I’ll walk this back a bit. What if a player or coach gets into the intensive care unit from the virus? Is that worth the risk of reopening the season? So in short, the NBA can risk players getting coronavirus. But if a superstar dies from it or has to get on a ventilator, I’m also sure that that will significantly hurt the league’s reputation. That could happen to anyone, to be quite honest.
I understand the NBA wants basketball to come back. But if these scenarios happen, the league can certainly brace itself for some nasty lawsuits, to say the least.