NBA optimistic about return, but questions linger
NBA power brokers, from star players to influential owners, are reportedly optimistic that the season will resume.
Here's a rundown of the latest information, and the questions that linger:
When will the season resume?
NBA commissioner Adam Silver told the league' s owners Tuesday that he's aiming to make a decision in the next two to four weeks about whether to resume or cancel t he season, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported.
That puts the decision anywhere between May 26 and June 9.
ESP N' s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that participants on the Tuesday call with the NBA's Board of Governors felt “increasingly positive about the league's momentum toward a resumption of play this season.”
Most timelines point to a potential restart in July or August, but it's still unclear what a restart looks like.
The Thunder still has 18 games remaining. There could be a condensed finish to the regular season, or a plan to skip ahead to the playoffs. Wojnarowski reported that the league hasn't worked through the details.
Where will the season return?
Las Vegas or Disney World in Orlando, Florida, are the most likely locations, according to multiple reports. Team travel parties would be reduced and no fans would be allowed.
Silver described a “campus environment” when asked about building an isolation bubble, Wojnarowski reported.
What stands in the way?
Some cities and states still face a COVID -19 testing shortage.
The NBA will create its own public relations nightmare if the league gobbles up tests before they're readily available for health care workers and the general public.
Wojnarowski reported that ago al of Silver' s call Tuesday was getting players and team officials comfortable with the fact that one positive test would not shut the league down should it resume.
Woj na row ski also reported that the league would plan to standardize coronavirus testing for all 30 teams.
What role has Chris Paul played during the pandemic?
The Thunder point guard has been one of the most prominent player voice sin the last two months.
Paul, on a conference call last week with Silver, expressed concern that some teams could be pressuring players to work out at team facilities, Yahoo's Chris Haynes reported.
Paul is an advocate for players as president of the National Basketball Players Association — a title he's held since 2013.
Haynes reported Tuesday that Paul organized a conference call with Le B ron James, Kevin Durant, Russell West brook, Gi ann is Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry, Dam ian Lilla rd and Anthony Davis.
They reportedly formed a “united front” to return to play once safety measures are in place.
What's the latest with the Thunder?
The team practice facility remained closed as of last Friday. There's been no further update. A handful of players have stayed in Oklahoma City, but some have yet to return.
The Thunder was 40-24, fifth place in the West, when the season was suspended. The Thunder and Jazz are currently positioned to play in a first-round playoff series.
It's been 64 days since their last meeting was postponed.