For the past week, the timeline that has been tossed around in the media about the start of the 2020-21 NBA season mostly centered on a return to play before Christmas Day on December 22, with the league targeting a 70-72 season in hopes of getting back to something resembling a full schedule. But while getting back to it right away does not seem to be the prerogative of a “substantial” faction of players, including stars, according to Yahoo’s Chris Haynes, would prefer to begin the season on MLK Day, January 18, with a start of free agency on December 1. The NBA Draft is scheduled for Nov. 18.
Yahoo Sources: Substantial faction of players and star players pushing for NBA season to start Jan. 18 — MLK Day — with a free-agency commencement of Dec. 1.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 28, 2020
Players not wanting to get back to playing games that matter right away, especially if they were part of the Final 4 teams, which include the Lakers, Nuggets, Celtics, and Heat, is totally understandable. While they did get four months off, it was always with a vigilant eye towards what was going on and whether the season would start again. Ultimately, it was the longest season in recent memory and the players also definitely want to get back to normal.
The turnaround being asked of the best teams is pretty quick. But it will take a sacrifice from everyone. A season that ends in July with the next season that starts next November may be the best thing for everyone. That way the return to a normal schedule doesn’t necessitate such a sudden re-entry.
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