More hoops to jump through
Lack of widespread COVID testing hampers NBA return process
While NBA sources insist there are still many logistical issues to be worked out before the league can resume its games, there are team executives frustrated that the process has been slowed by the lack of widespread COVID-19 testing.
As noted in a Herald story more than six and a half weeks ago, tests would have to be readily available to the general public before the NBA could play again, a fact that is based in large part on the issue of perception. Though it is still working on how it would control the site(s) for its games and how many people would be needed in zones of varying security, the league is presently capable of contracting privately to afford the tests it would need to conduct business.
But there is another hurdle for the league to clear, and it’s one that became quite clear when some players were tested in the immediate aftermath of the suspension of play on March 11. According to sources, just three teams were tested for the coronavirus by public entities — the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City
Thunder, because they were the teams on the floor as Rudy Gobert’s positive test was returned, and the Toronto Raptors, because … Canada and its universal health care system (Toronto had played at Utah on March 9).
Tests for other teams were conducted through arrangements made by those clubs in the several weeks leading up to the shutdown. Well before March 11, the NBA had received word of the potential danger from its operations in China and had advised teams to prepare with local lab facilities.
But the league still received backlash from the appearance it was getting preferential treatment — even though it wasn’t and had simply been better at heeding the warning.
“No one expected that we’d have a treatment (for COVID-19) or vaccine by now, but it’s frustrating that there still isn’t a comprehensive testing plan for the country,” said one Western exec. “Selfishly, we could know a lot more about where we stand by now, and it would have allowed Adam (Silver, the commissioner) and the players to work on more solid plans. We could even be back sooner than it’s looking right now.
“But this is for more than just us. If companies are going to be able to create safe environments for their people, they’re going to have to be able to know who’s negative. And the only way they can do that is through testing.”
Said another team source with regard to a plan for widespread testing of the public, “I think we’re all waiting on that. There’s a lot more that goes into it, but for right now, it has to start there.”
No doubt the NBA office understands that, but word is it is eager to take advantage of this extra time to consult virologists and other medical experts on the best procedures now and should issues arise after the games continue. To that end, the league is also participating in antibody tests.
“And as far as the tests for the virus go, it’s not only about perception,” said a source. “If there’s a shortage — and hopefully there isn’t with all the different (testing devices) available now — but if there is, we don’t want to be taking the tests away from people who need it more.”