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. According to an individual knowledgeable about the call, Silver informed players that the league still intends to conduct full best-of-seven playoff series if the season resumes, and acknowledged the clear possibility of games being played without spectators.
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 engage in voluntary workouts could do so in Cleveland and Portland, including Cavaliers forward Cedi Osman, who was among the first to return to an NBA practice court. This comes seven weeks after the league commanded these facilities to close.
Osman posted a selfie in what seemed to be an empty practice gym on Instagram, writing, “Great to be back.”
#FridayFeeling
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— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 8, 2020
In a positive development, the Orlando Magic have announced receiving authorization from health officials in Orange County, Florida to test their players and staff. An obtained letter by AP from Orange County confirmed that there are sufficient testing resources for health-care workers and individuals without symptoms. The Magic’s authorization is viewed as a good sign.
“The NBA has informed us that we can get our players tested, with the authorization of the Orange County Department of Health,” said Joel Glass, a spokesman for Magic.
It is anticipated that the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers will soon be able to test their players and staff, pending approval from local officials. A few weeks ago, Lakers players were tested, revealing two positive cases. According to Mayor Eric Garcetti, all Los Angeles County residents are now eligible for free testing.
A comprehensive testing program for all teams has not yet been put in place by the NBA, which is a necessary measure for the season to resume. However, the league has informed teams that they might be allowed to conduct tests, with the NBA’s approval, if local health authorities confirm the availability of “robust” testing for healthcare workers at risk in their community and if other conditions are satisfied.
The NBA, similar to other major U.S. leagues, is attempting to prevent any perception that it is unfairly accessing testing resources in cities where they are limited. In Orlando, Dr. Raul Pino, the health officer for Orange County, has assured the Magic that this won’t be an issue.
Toronto announced that players could return for workouts from next week. However, the Raptors will be implementing rules stricter than the current NBA mandates. Only one player will be permitted in the facility at any given time, with only the court accessible to players. All other areas, such as locker rooms and weight rooms, will continue to be off-limits.
When other NBA teams open, they may allow up to four players in the facility at a time.
“Considering it to be reasonable, we believed this provides our players some mobility and a chance to leave their apartments a bit,” said Raptors’ General Manager, Bobby Webster. “It may primarily serve their mental health, allowing them to start practicing and engaging in similar activities. I wouldn’t necessarily equate it to an NBA rule. It’s more of an internally developed protocol,” he added.
Denver and Sacramento are some of the teams planning to resume workouts on Monday. It is anticipated that many more will strive to reopen their facilities for voluntary training sessions in the next few days. Provided there are no significant setbacks or policy alterations, around half of the league may have players back in training by next week.
However, not all news on Friday was positive: The ownership group of the Utah Jazz declared that they were furloughing 40% of their staff. This is the second time Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment has made such a decision since the NBA season was suspended on March 11.
“Due to the uncertainty surrounding the full reopening of our businesses, we’ve taken the tough but needed step to furlough some of our employees,” said Jim Olsen, the president of the organization, in a statement. The furloughs have implications for Jazz employees, the team’s arena staff, a movie theatre chain, and the Salt Lake affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels’ minor league baseball.
Despite North Carolina starting to reopen, the Charlotte Hornets announced they will not immediately bring back their players. They stated that this decision will undergo weekly evaluations.
“The Hornets stated, “We believe this decision is in the best interest of our players, coaches, and staff.”
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