The NBA Season Is All Set To Make A Comeback

The National Basketball Association (NBA) which suspended the season on March 11 in the wake of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the Coronavirus is now looking forward to returning by 31st July 2020 and also there are plans in the pipeline to finish off the remaining of its season which was left mid-way. 

At the time of the shutdown, NBA teams had played approximately 65 games each with the remainder of its 82 regular-season games schedule.

Where would the NBA be played? 

As per reports, NBA League in conjunction with the National Basketball Players Association is in advanced talks with The Walt Disney Company about finishing the remainder of its 2091-20 season at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, on 31st July 2020. If things work out then this will be considered as a single facility/site for an NBA campus where players, coaches, trainers, staff, and everyone for housing/living, eating, practicing, and playing games in one location. 

The major reason for selecting the Disney Campus near Orlando was based on the fact that the facility is massive in size having multiple courts and also it tries to league broadcast partner ESPN. Also, as of now, 22 teams are expected to be invited to Orlando. The focus for the moment is to complete the 2019-20 season first in this facility and then the next season will be conducted here or somewhere else will be decided later on. 

What would be the safety modus operandi?

When it comes to restarting play, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has said that he will strictly follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and independent health advisers. Thus, keeping in mind the protections for teams/players/staff/other workforce and their families, everyone would have to undergo COVID testing when they come into the facility and regularly inside the facility. This is to be done in order to keep the virus out and supposedly if tested positive with anyone then to be quickly quarantined and controlled. To be noted that testing of the hotel and other facility people such as security, junior staff, and chefs would also be done. 

The players would be allowed to leave the site but would be tested again on re-entry. Rather, plans are in the pipeline for daily testing for players and team staff in the facility. An all-inclusive set of guidelines to make certain that proper medical protocols and safety measures are in place is being worked out. 

What are the Changes Stored?

Things definitely would not be the same as earlier with fans no longer being allowed at games coupled with the fact that the home-court advantage will no longer be possible as games will almost certainly be at neutral sites. However, the NBA has indicated that play would not stop even if someone is tested positive COVID-19. That player most certainly will be quarantined and have to sit out a minimum of two weeks. 

Also, if a playoff series is held on a regular basis, this would imply that the player who has tested positive would no longer be able to return to that particular series. There has been some positive progress recently with regards to testing with the testing of asymptomatic players and staff members getting clearance from local health officials of Orlando and the NBA league as well. 

It is expected that in this week itself, the NBA's Board of Governors will be voting on a format for resuming the season. A finalized plan is not expected to be announced. However, it has been reported that the NBA players are being told to start preparing themselves physically and mentally for the training camps. Recently, three teams have opened their facilities to players. As per reports, more than 80 percent of NBA players are excited and looking forward to this re-opening.

For now, though nothing is confirmed publically; everything is still on the table but July-end is now looking like the best possible case scenario for the NBA to resume. Also, one thing is for certain that the NBA league landscape will be totally transformed whenever the NBA and its players make a comeback. Also, undeniably before this, there are substantial logistical problems that need to be catered. 

However, sooner the decision is taken and implemented and the games begin; the sooner the progression in shaping out the next season can start as well for which the fans worldwide are waiting eagerly. However, it should be kept in mind seeing the Coronavirus pandemic that successful orientation after NBA is resumed would depend on rightful and regular testing which is the key to everything.