KINGS COACH HOPES FOR RETURN
NBA practice facilities will reportedly reopen later this week in some cities, but the Kings have no immediate plans to unlock their doors.
The Kings issued a statement Monday reasserting their Golden 1 Center facilities will remain closed in accordance with public health orders because of the coronavirus. The team suspended all basketball activities March 17 under recommendations from Sacramento County health officials, two days before Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an ongoing statewide stay-at-home order.
“Health and safety is our top priority,” the team said. “In accordance with the Sacramento County and California Department of Public Health stay-at-home orders that are currently in place, the team’s practice facility remains closed until further notice. We will continue to follow governmental directives from local and state health officials, and guidelines set forth by the league, to maintain the health and wellbeing of our team and community.”
Some states are beginning to lift stay-at-home orders and ease restrictions on businesses, including Georgia, home of the Atlanta Hawks. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the NBA will reopen team facilities beginning Friday for players in states and municipalities that are loosening restrictions.
Players will be allowed to participate in voluntary individual workouts as soon as next week, according to ESPN. Group workouts and organized team activities will be prohibited.
ESPN reported alternative arrangements will be made for players in markets where more restrictive orders are still in place.
The NBA suspended its season March 11 after Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz became the first player to test positive for COVID-19. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said it’s still unclear when or if the season will be resumed.