The NBA Board of Governors along with the Players Union have come to an agreement and the 2019-20 season will resume in a “bubble site” over at Disney World in Orlando. However, there are still some details that need to be ironed out completely.
For example, the 2020-21 season will feature a lot of back-to-backs and more instances of four games in five nights which are two features that the league had been hoping to avoid more in terms of getting proper rest for players. Now comes the question of whether a player feels comfortable returning to play or not.
There is a risk factor that will play into this entire situation due to the pandemic that the country is still dealing with at the moment and some players may not feel comfortable in returning to Orlando and finishing the season. If that is the case, the league will not penalize that player, but that specific player will lose out on a portion of his salary for those games missed.
The NBA and NBPA are expected to agree on a provision that wouldn't require players to restart the season, nor subject them to discipline for staying home, sources tell ESPN. The players would lose a portion of salary for those games missed. https://t.co/WkV5qqEmE5
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 10, 2020
Of course, there are risks that come with this return to play plan. It is not like COVID-19 has gone away or anything and that needs to be in the thought process of a lot of the players.
It also is not just about the pandemic, the killing of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota will play a huge role as well. It’s tough to focus on basketball when there is a big movement going on at the moment.
The NBA and NBPA are nearing completion on items needed to reach a final agreement on parameters of a return-to-play, sources said. Some players with hesitation have been discussing a number of issues on return, including family concerns, COVID-19, social justice, and more.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 10, 2020
As of Wednesday, no member of the Philadelphia 76ers has expressed any major concern about the situation, but if it were to come up, it would have to be a decision that is respected. [lawrence-related id=32853,32840,32834]