Restart decision may be in June: NBA

NBA commissioner Adam Silver, in a conference call with players Friday night, said he is willing to wait until June before deciding on a firm plan to resume the season while raising the likelihood of two fan-less sites for the playoffs.

According to a source on the call, Silver was “forthcoming and genuine in expressing the difficulty to plan in light of the uncertainty.’’

However, the source added Silver “informed the league’s desire to resume the season, but only if absolutely safe for all.’’

According to ESPN, Silver said he’s still hopeful the playoffs can feature traditional best-of-seven series at two fan-less sites — possibly Las Vegas for the West and Orlando’s Disney World for the East.

The report said Silver also mentioned the possibility of next season starting without fans. Fan revenue accounts for 40 percent of the NBA pie. Silver’s indication was the league will suffer heavy losses even if the show goes on.

Silver has not ruled out having a short regular-season finish or having a play-in format for additional playoff teams. He also said if a player tests positive for COVID-19, it wouldn’t necessarily mean another shutdown.

Van Gundy linked to Rockets

Rather than the Knicks, Jeff Van Gundy could go back to Houston and coach the Rockets, according to The Athletic. With Mike D’Antoni’s contract up after the season and there being a “major divide” in contract negotiations, a change could be coming.

Though Tom Thibodeau may be a candidate for the Rockets and Knicks, so could Van Gundy — who coached Houston from 2003-07. GM Daryl Morey wanted to hire Van Gundy in 2016, but then-owner Leslie Alexander objected.