Doubts in NBA about season restart
Some question whether the risks of resuming the 2020 season amid the pandemic are worth it.
The thoughtful NBA head coach became troubled by the rising infections related to the coronavirus. So how can Clippers coach Doc Rivers justify the league resuming its season in a state, Florida, that is considered one of the COVID-19 hot spots?
“It’s just a hope,” Rivers said. “But when we get to the bubble, it becomes the safest place in America.”
The thoughtful NBA role player never flinched about whether he would play even amid concerns about the pandemic and the time away from his family.
Still, Pelicans guard J.J. Redick hardly seemed at ease just because the league will host the resumed season near Orlando in a quarantined site that calls for daily testing and strict social distancing rules.
“There is absolutely no comfort level. None,” Redick said. “I know the league and I know the union has tried to create this environment, and I get it. But there’s so much else going on right now.”
The accomplished NBA star plans to stay in his room playing video games any time he is not on the basketball court. Yet Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard predicted not everyone will follow his lead.
“My confidence ain’t great because you’re telling me you’re going to have 22 teams full of players following all the rules?” Lillard said. “When we have 100% freedom, everybody don’t follow all the rules. I don’t have much confidence.”
All of which raises a central question: Do the participants truly think it is worth it to resume the season so they crown an NBA champion, salvage their earnings and use their platform to address systemic racism?
“Do I think it’s worth it?” Nuggets coach Mike Malone repeated the ques
tion. “I’ll be honest. In the three months since the season was suspended, depending on the day, week or month, I probably would have a different answer.”
Those around the NBA have offered different answers. A handful of players have opted out of participating for reasons involving family (Lakers’ Avery Bradley, Portland’s Trevor Ariza, Houston’s Thabo Sefolosha, Dallas’ Willie Cauley-Stein), injury prevention (Indiana’s Victor Oladipo, Washington’s Davis Bertans) and the pandemic (Brooklyn’s DeAndre Jordan). Some coaches have too because of medical concerns (the Lakers’ Lionel Hollins, New Orleans’ Jeff Bzdelik).
The NBA has reported a handful of positive COVID-19 tests for players (25 out of 351) and staff members (10 out of 884) since testing began on July 23. Until teams depart for Orlando between Tuesday and Thursday, they might learn about more positive cases and opt-out plans.
“I’ve made it very clear – no judgment, no pressure and totally understandable if players or staff choose to opt out of going,” Kings coach Luke Walton said. “We’re totally in support with that decision.”
Yet during conference calls this past week with various teams, it became apparent that executives, coaches and players have become further convinced why they still plan on being part of the resumed season.
The reasons go beyond the financial ramifications or having an elevated platform to address racism.
Rivers spoke the thoughts of many in the NBA about how President Donald Trump has handled the pandemic, saying, “It would be great if we had national leadership, which we have zero on this, so unfortunately, everyone is left to do their own thing.”
Yet those in the NBA remain encouraged about the league’s leadership to ensure resuming the season in the midst of a pandemic.
“The NBA and Adam Silver talked about doing as much as they can to keep the bubble as safe as possible,” Lakers forward Anthony Davis said. “I trust in him.”
The reason for that trust?
In an extensive 113-page health and safety protocol, the NBA addresses the obvious questions and the unthinkable ones. It outlined how all teams will receive daily tests, while also sharing the social distancing rules needed for pingpong
games (no doubles) and card games (dispose after every use). It detailed strict parameters that call for one week of quarantine upon arrival and two weeks of quarantine following a positive test, while also offering luxurious amenities with movie theaters, golf courses and video game lounges. It explained how rooms and facilities will be cleaned frequently, while stressing that Disney employees will be trained to avoid any interaction whatsoever.
“The fundamental tenet that plans around the NBA restart on campus in Orlando is can we create an environment there that is safer than in an environment in the real world?” said Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager. “All of us see the reports, the numbers and the spikes in the various cities we live in and parts of Florida. Yes, of course, those numbers are daunting. But the whole purpose of creating this environment is not to have the virus be there and keep the virus on the outside. The protocols are extensive and are thoughtful.”
The NBA, the players union and teams stress they take any positive test seriously. But all parties seemed encouraged with the low infection rate. The NBA and NBPA also designed the testing protocol around teams’ itineraries. Testing began every other day after June 23 so that any infected people would have time to stay in quarantine
before teams leave for Florida. Testing will begin as soon as teams arrive in the Orlando area, and everyone will have to remain quarantined until receiving two consecutive negative tests. If not, they will become quarantined for two more weeks. Even if that happens, those infected people could still return in time for when the reason resumes on July 30.
“It’s crazy the world we’re living in right now. But life is all about adapting,” Kings guard De’Aaron Fox said. “That’s what we’re doing right now. I feel good about being able to get back on the court and work out and see some of the guys. I’m enjoying the process. I’m ready to play whenever we start.”
Even for those who feel leery of jumping right into the pool, they have become assuaged with how the NBA has addressed varying concerns.
Malone called it “disconcerting for a lot of the players and coaching staff” that Disney employees were not required to stay on the campus and would not be subject to daily testing.
As USA TODAY Sports reported last week, Disney employees aren’t staying on site because of the logistical challenges for thousands of minimum-wage employees to stay away from family members for up to three months. They will be paid for any sick days. They are subject to daily temperature and symptom checks. Disney has trained the employees to stagger their cleaning hours when teams are not there because of practice, games or other meetings.
After Disney initially balked at the expense for daily testing, Silver has said the NBA plans to negotiate more with Disney about changing its sentiments.
“I think the NBA heard the concerns and are looking to talk to the Disney officials about how we can in a safe and responsible manner test the Disney employees as well,” Malone said. “But overall, I feel pretty confident it will be a safe environment for us.”
Davis understood Lillard’s concerns about all players following all the league’s protocols. Since when do all players show uniform discipline with their training and dieting? The NBA has said it cannot legally prevent any player from leaving the campus site. It has implemented various safeguards, though. Security personnel will monitor anyone who leaves the campus. If that person did not receive prior approval for any health or family emergencies, they would have to stay in quarantine for another two weeks without pay after returning. Other than during individual or team workouts, everyone will be required to wear so-called Magic Bands, which serves as both a hotel key and a health monitoring device that will help both the league and individuals be aware of any symptoms. The NBA has also established an anonymous hotline that allows anyone to report others who break protocols.
“I think that everyone would be mindful of following the rules, just because of everything that’s going on,” Davis said. “I don’t think anyone wants to get COVID. So I don’t think guys would put themselves, or hopefully won’t put themselves, the other players and staff that’s going to be in the bubble in jeopardy. So I don’t think guys will do anything like that.”
So even if potential problems await, those in NBA circles believe they can withstand both the expected and the unpredictable.
“The amount of study and planning and decision making that has gone into this to give us a chance to play is incredible,” Magic coach Steve Clifford said. “I just can’t imagine that you can do more. That would give our league a chance to get through this without having major problems.”
First things first, though.
“We have to get there,” Rivers said. “You know, you’re almost nervous about that.”
Nonetheless, most in the NBA have still signed up for this plan. They remain hopeful the league’s best laid plans can minimize the internal stress that evolves daily.
They will soon find out if their optimism is warranted.