Plenty of space at Disney World
It may be a small world after all for the NBA if it is going to resume play this summer.
The league is finalizing plans to play out the 2019-20 season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., starting in late July.
While it hasn’t been decided if all 30 teams will be there, or if play will pick up with the playoffs and maybe 24 teams, it’s clear that the NBA is working to fit all of its teams into the Disney complex.
There will be no fans allowed, and teams will be quarantined and instructed to follow socialdistancing protocols because of the novel coronavirus. But the complex has plenty to offer to keep players from going stir crazy.
Those who have participated in events there, including coaches of men’s college basketball teams and AAU and youth programs, liked the NBA’s plan because of the complex’s vast facilities, nearby amenities and safety protocols.
“It’s a good idea,” said Fairfield coach Jay Young, whose team participated in last season’s Orlando Invitational. “There is plenty of space and courts. The hotel space down there is as good as you’re going to get in the country. I thought it made a lot of sense, especially if you want to try to keep the players and staff as safe as possible.”
WHERE GAMES ARE PLAYED
HP Field House is a 70,000square-foot facility with six basketball courts, including four on the main level and two upstairs on an auxiliary court. According to its website, The Arena has room for two auxiliary venue spaces, and the Visa Athletic Center has room for six to eight courts.
The NBA has not finalized logistics, but will likely try to have at least three courts for games.
“It’s not an elite NBA arena. It’s an arena/sports complex,” Southern Cal associate head coach Jason Hart said. “It’s a good feel for a college basketball game, but it’s not a big arena. It’s very intimate.”
HP Field House, which holds up to 5,000, could serve as the main venue since it also hosted the Orlando Invitational. The Visa Athletic Center is a possibility, too. Since the games will be held without fans, some coaches believe that might make it easier for players than if they played in an empty NBA arena that usually has around 18,000 seats.
HOW TEAMS PRACTISE
This setup depends on how many teams are competing, but the Visa Athletic Center could feature six to eight courts. The NBA could also create practice courts at team hotels.
Coaches liked that the venues are within walking distance. McKillop said one of the courts had a hard floor that would not be optimal for players’ knees. But the NBA plans to ensure all the courts meet its safety standards.
“They’re not going to be what the NBA players are accustomed to with the organization’s practice facilities, but they can get the job done,” Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski said. “But there is certainly plenty of space.”
WHERE TEAMS STAY
Players should not be concerned about the area hotels. The NBA does not plan to house any teams in low-budget accommodations. Though the NBA is still finalizing those logistics, it plans to use Disney properties only. According to its website, there are 25 luxury hotels in the complex.