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.
On Friday night, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver participated in a teleconference with members of the National Basketball Players Association. A source familiar with the call’s details disclosed that Silver informed players of the league’s ongoing intention to hold full best-of-seven playoff series if the season resumes. He also mentioned that games might be played without fans, which is 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 wished to conduct voluntary workouts were permitted to do so in Cleveland and Portland, with Cedi Osman, a forward for the Cavaliers, being one of the first to return to an NBA practice court. This comes seven weeks after the league mandated the closure of these facilities.
“Great to be back,” Osman captioned a selfie on Instagram, seemingly standing in a deserted 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 have disclosed that they have received approval from Orange County, Florida health officials to test their players and staff. A letter acquired by AP from Orange County informed the Magic that there is ample testing capacity for health-care workers and people without symptoms.
Joel Glass, the spokesman for Magic, stated that the NBA has informed them they can have their players 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 conduct tests on players and staff, pending the approval of local officials. A few weeks ago, tests were carried out on Lakers players, with two testing positive. Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that all residents of Los Angeles County are now eligible for free testing.
The NBA has not yet established a comprehensive testing program for all teams, a necessary measure for resuming play this season. However, the league has informed teams that they might be allowed to conduct tests, provided they get NBA’s approval. This is possible if local health authorities confirm the availability of “robust” testing for healthcare workers at risk in their community and other requirements are fulfilled.
The NBA, similar to other significant U.S. leagues, is striving to circumvent any impression that it is bypassing the testing queue by having players tested in cities where crucial resources are limited. Orange County’s health officer, Dr. Raul Pino, reassured the Magic that they need not worry about this happening in Orlando.
Toronto has announced that players are welcome to return for workouts beginning next week. The Raptors will be implementing rules that are stricter than the current NBA mandates; only one player will be permitted in the facility at a time and the court will be the sole area open to players. 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 the same time.
“Considering it a fair approach, Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said, ‘We believed it would give our players a chance to start moving and getting out of their apartments a bit… possibly more for their mental well-being, to start shooting and engaging in activities like that. I don’t believe it was necessarily in line with the NBA rule, but rather something that we came up with internally.”
Denver and Sacramento are some of the teams expected to reopen for workouts on Monday. A significant number of additional teams are anticipated to make strides toward reopening their facilities for voluntary workouts in the upcoming days. Provided there are no major setbacks or policy alterations, around half the league could have players training next week.
However, not all news on Friday was positive: The ownership group of the Utah Jazz announced that it was putting 40% of its staff on furlough, 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 that due to the uncertain timeline for the full reopening of businesses, they have been forced to furlough some of their employees. This difficult decision will impact employees of Jazz, individuals working at the team’s arena, staff at a series of movie theatres, and those employed by the Los Angeles Angels’ minor league baseball affiliate in Salt Lake.
The Charlotte Hornets declared that despite North Carolina starting to reopen, they are not planning to immediately bring back players. They mentioned that the decision will be reassessed on a weekly basis.
“The Hornets stated, “We believe that this decision is in the best interest of our players, coaches, and staff.”
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