MIAMI (AP) — The NBA took tiny steps toward a return to normalcy Friday, as a small number of practice facilities reopened for workouts and at least one team received permission from the league to test players and staff for the coronavirus.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver participated in a teleconference with members of the National Basketball Players Association on Friday night. A source with knowledge of the call revealed that Silver communicated to the players that the league still plans to conduct full best-of-seven playoff series if the season resumes. He also mentioned that games might have to be played without fans, as a clear possibility.
Silver also spoke about the well-known notion of having the season resume in a centralized location, though cautioned that no decisions may be made for another several weeks, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because details of the call were not publicly released.
Players who wanted to participate in voluntary workouts could use the facilities in Cleveland and Portland. Cavaliers forward Cedi Osman was one of the first players to return to an NBA practice court since the league had ordered these facilities to be closed seven weeks prior.
“Great to be back,” Osman captioned his selfie on Instagram, standing alone in what seemed to be a deserted practice gym.
#FridayFeeling
(via https://t.co/zfL5O86d8P) pic.twitter.com/BKMKxyMJFb
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 8, 2020
In another positive development, the Orlando Magic has announced that it has been given permission by Orange County, Florida health officials to test its players and staff. According to a letter acquired by AP, Orange County assured the Magic that they have sufficient testing resources for health-care workers and individuals without symptoms.
Joel Glass, a spokesman for Magic, stated that the NBA has informed them that their players can be tested, following authorization from the Orange County Department of Health.
It is anticipated that both the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers will soon be able to test their players and staff for COVID-19, pending approval from local officials. Several weeks ago, two Lakers players tested positive after undergoing tests. Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that all residents of Los Angeles County are now eligible for free testing.
The NBA hasn’t yet set up a comprehensive testing program for all teams, a necessary measure for the season to resume. However, the league has indicated to teams that they might be allowed to conduct tests, pending NBA approval, if local health authorities confirm the presence of “robust” testing for healthcare workers at risk in their community and if other requirements are fulfilled.
The NBA, similar to other prominent U.S. leagues, is making an effort not to give the impression of prioritizing player testing in cities where testing resources are limited. Dr. Raul Pino, a health officer in Orange County, reassured the Magic team that this would not be an issue in Orlando.
Toronto announced plans to welcome players back for workouts from next week. The Raptors will be adhering to rules stricter than the current NBA guidelines; they will only permit one player in the facility at a time, with access restricted to the court only. All other areas, such as locker rooms and weight rooms, will stay closed.
When other NBA teams open, they may allow up to four players in the facility simultaneously.
“Raptors’ General Manager, Bobby Webster, expressed that they believed this to be a reasonable move. He said they thought it would enable their players to start moving and step out of their apartments, perhaps more for mental health reasons and to initiate shooting and other activities. He emphasized that it wasn’t necessarily in comparison with the NBA rule, but was more of an internal development,” he stated.
Denver and Sacramento are preparing to reopen for workouts on Monday, with several other teams anticipated to strive towards reopening their facilities for voluntary workouts in the near future. Provided there are no significant setbacks or policy alterations, approximately half of the league could have players working out by next week.
However, not all the news on Friday was good: The ownership group of Utah Jazz announced that they were furloughing 40% of their staff, marking the second time Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment has made such a move since the NBA season was suspended on March 11.
Jim Olsen, the president of the organization, announced in a statement, “Due to the uncertainty of when our businesses can resume normal operations, we’ve been forced to make the challenging but imperative decision to furlough some of our employees.” The furloughs will impact Jazz employees, arena staff, employees at a movie theatre chain, and staff of the Los Angeles Angels’ minor league baseball affiliate in Salt Lake.
The Charlotte Hornets have stated that despite North Carolina starting to reopen, they will not immediately bring their players back. They added that the decision will be reviewed on a weekly basis.
“The Hornets stated, “We are of the belief that this decision serves the best interests of our players, coaches, and staff.”
* * *
