The NBA is making its triumphant return amid some murky waters as the world still learns how to best handle the global coronavirus pandemic. The Board of Governors and the NBA Players Association both voted on the return to play plan and it appears that the league will officially return on July 31.
There are some little details that have now emerged on the return. The biggest question is what happens if a player tests positive for the virus? Will the league shut down again?
According to The Athletic and The Stadium’s Shams Charania, the league will move forward and have that player put in quarantine. Charania says:
– Coronavirus testing every day; minimum seven days of quarantine for a player who tests positive
– Players and family must stay inside the bubble; families can enter after the first round
– If a player contracts the virus, the NBA says they plan to continue playing
– The NBPA told players 2020-21 season starting on Dec. 1 is “unlikely” and plans to negotiate the date
– NBPA will conduct coronavirus testing every night, likely mouth swabs/light nasal swabs and not the full invasive nasal swab
– Minimum seven days quarantine for a player if positive.
Now, what about the fact that there will be no fans at these games? How does the league plan on recreating that type of electric atmosphere for the players? Well, look no further than everybody’s favorite video game, NBA2K.
– There could be crowd noise via NBA 2K video game sounds, but the NBA and NBPA is still discussing creative opportunities
This is going to take a little bit of time to get used to, but these are the precaution measures taken forward to ensure everybody’s safety. For the Philadelphia 76ers, they want to return and have their shot at an NBA title. They now have their chance. [lawrence-related id=32631,32617,32607]