NBA has to give this plan a shot

COVID-19 cases are having an upsurge in Florida. I am wondering if this may impact the start of the shortened NBA season. If I were an NBA player, I might be thinking twice about participating, even with the protocols for safety and testing in place. What do you think? Should the NBA cancel the season in light of the most recent developments regarding the virus? — Raven Even with the spike in numbers in Florida — and around the U.S. because of the shameful abrogation of responsibility of so-called leaders — I don’t think any season should be cancelled. To give up without trying makes no sense to me. You have to draw up as good a plan as possible, with as much consultation with all parties involved, and give it a shot. Should I be angry that the NBA: (1) chose one of the highest risk states in the U.S. to restart the NBA season; and (2) put the Raptors at the highest risk, given that they have to spend an additional two weeks in a state with increasing COVID numbers? — Rick The Raptors decided on their own to go Florida first and, first chance we get to talk to Masai Ujiri or Bobby Webster, we’ll ask why. I will bet it was because they are able to control their own environment and plans were so far along when Florida fell apart, it was hard to change. As for the league, when the campus idea was first settled on, as Adam Silver told us Friday, the numbers in Florida weren’t anywhere near where they are today. I must say I was impressed by Kevin Love’s acceptance speech when he received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award (for his efforts to promote mental health and wellness). He seems like a really good, down-toearth guy which brings me to my question. Who would be your all-star team of really impressive human beings who play in the NBA now? And who would be on the team of former players? — Bruce That’s a tough question because so many players do so many important things and are genuinely good people. I’m taking into consideration philanthropic works, advancing important societal causes and, you know, just being good, important figures in the game. If you want current, I’m going with Love, LeBron James at the very top, Kyle Korver, Chris Paul and Steve Kerr. From bygone eras, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Shane Battier, Bill Bradley and Wayne Embry. One more Vince Carter memory. If this was Masai Ujiri’s idea, add it to the list of his canny moves. The tribute video in (I believe) November 2014, followed by a cathartic ovation from the crowd at what will always be the Air Canada Centre and Vince’s emotional response was almost like lancing a boil on the body of the franchise. I don’t even know who Vince was playing for at the time (Dallas?) but it was another indication of better things to come. — James A. I think the game you refer to might have been against Memphis. And it was more an organizational decision than solely Masai’s but he would have had to sign off on it. It was the right thing to do at the right moment, a classy move by the team and, finally, the right reaction from the audience.

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