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 familiar with the call revealed that Silver informed the players that the league still plans to conduct full best-of-seven playoff series if the season continues. He also mentioned that games might be played without spectators as a likely scenario.
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 looking for voluntary workouts could head to Cleveland and Portland, with Cavaliers forward Cedi Osman being among the first to return to an NBA practice court since these facilities were mandated to close seven weeks ago.
“Great to be back,” Osman captioned a selfie on Instagram, seemingly standing alone in a practice gym.
#FridayFeeling
(via https://t.co/zfL5O86d8P) pic.twitter.com/BKMKxyMJFb
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 8, 2020
In a positive development, the Orlando Magic announced that they have received approval from health officials in Orange County, Florida to test their players and staff. According to a letter acquired by AP, Orange County informed 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, given the authorization from the Orange County Department of Health.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers are anticipated to soon secure local officials’ approval to test their players and staff, following in the footsteps of other teams. Several weeks ago, Lakers players were tested, with two returning positive results. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced last week that all Los Angeles County residents can now access free testing.
A comprehensive testing program for all teams has not yet been established by the NBA, a necessary measure for the resumption of the season. Nevertheless, the league has informed teams that they might be allowed to carry out tests, subject to NBA approval. This is if local health authorities affirm that “robust” testing is readily available for healthcare workers at risk in their community and if other stipulated conditions are fulfilled.
The NBA, along with other major U.S. leagues, is working to prevent any impression of prioritizing its players for testing in cities where testing resources are limited. Dr. Raul Pino, the health officer of Orange County, assured the Magic that this wouldn’t be an issue in Orlando.
Toronto has announced that it will permit players to return for workouts commencing next week. The Raptors plan to implement regulations stricter than the current NBA mandates; it will allow only one player in the facility at a time, and the only accessible area for players will be the court. All other areas, such as locker rooms and weight rooms, will continue to be closed.
When other NBA teams open, they may allow up to four players in the facility at once.
“Considering it to be reasonable, we believed this would enable our players to begin engaging in activities outside their apartments, possibly for the sake of mental health and for them to start training,” said Bobby Webster, Raptors’ General Manager. “The decision wasn’t necessarily in comparison to the NBA rule but rather something we decided on our own.”
Denver and Sacramento are planning to reopen for workouts on Monday, with numerous other teams expected to strive to reopen their facilities for voluntary workouts in the coming days. Provided there are no significant setbacks or policy changes, about half the league could have players training by next week.
However, not all the news on Friday was good: The ownership group of the Utah Jazz announced that it was laying off 40% of its staff. This marks 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, stated in an announcement that they have made the challenging but essential decision to furlough some of their employees due to the uncertainty of when their businesses can completely reopen. This decision impacts employees of Jazz, staff at the team’s arena, a chain of movie theatres, and the Salt Lake affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels’ minor league baseball.
The Charlotte Hornets announced that despite North Carolina starting to reopen, they do not intend to immediately bring players back. They stated that the decision will be reevaluated on a weekly basis.
“The Hornets stated, “We believe this decision is in the best interest of our players, coaches, and staff.”
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